What should I do if a pipe bursts?

First, shut off your main water supply to stop the flooding. Then turn off electricity to any affected area if water is near outlets or fixtures, open a faucet to relieve pressure in the lines, move belongings away from the water, and call a licensed plumber. Wiz Plumbing answers emergency calls 24/7 at (630) 448-8940.

Shutting the main is the single most important step, because it stops new water from feeding the leak — everything else is damage control after that.

If you can, put down towels or a bucket and take a few photos for your insurance before cleanup. Then let the plumber handle the actual repair so it's fixed properly rather than patched.