Pipe burst or major water leak inside the home
Do This Now
- Locate your main water shut-off valve and turn it off immediately (usually near the water meter in the utility room or basement)
- Turn off the water heater (gas: set to "pilot"; electric: switch off the breaker) to prevent dry-firing
- Open the lowest faucet in the house to drain remaining pressure
- If water is near electrical outlets or the panel, turn off power at the breaker and call an electrician
- Document all damage with photos/video for your insurance claim
- Call a licensed plumber — do not attempt to re-pressurize the system until the break is repaired
Common Causes
- Frozen pipes during extreme cold snaps (common in Central AB below -25°C)
- Failed polybutylene (poly-B) pipe — very common in 1981-1990 Innisfail homes
- Corroded galvanized steel pipe — prevalent in pre-1981 homes
- Water hammer fatigue at elbows and tees
- Physical damage during renovation
When to Call a Pro
- As soon as you shut off the water — do not attempt to repair a burst pipe yourself
- Water is pooling quickly, entering electrical panels, or affecting structural materials
Alberta Context
Innisfail experiences average January lows of -14°C and periodically sees -30°C to -35°C extremes. Pipes in exterior walls, crawlspaces, or unheated garages are at highest risk. Approximately 40% of Innisfail homes were built 1961-1980 (galvanized risk) and 17% in 1981-1990 (poly-B risk). If you have poly-B pipe, a burst is a strong signal to budget for whole-home repipe before the next winter.