What to Do First During a Burst Pipe or Major Leak in Poplar Bluff, MO

If a pipe bursts or you discover a major leak, shut off your home’s main water supply immediately. Turn off power to any affected areas if water is near electrical outlets or appliances. Try to contain the leak with towels, buckets, or a shop vac, and document the damage with photos for insurance. Then call a licensed emergency plumber right away.

A burst pipe can go from a small headache to a major disaster in minutes. At Advanced Plumbing in Poplar Bluff, MO, we’ve helped homeowners and businesses across Southeast Missouri keep emergencies under control—whether you're in Poplar Bluff, Dexter, Doniphan, Puxico, or around Lake Wappapello. Here’s exactly what to do, what to expect, and how to avoid common mistakes that make water damage worse.

1. Shut Off Your Main Water Supply Immediately

Your first priority is stopping the flow of water. Locate your main shutoff valve—usually near the meter, in a utility room, basement, or where the water line enters your home. Turn it clockwise until it stops. If you can’t find the valve, most homes in Southeast Missouri also have a shutoff by the street or meter box.

If you rent or manage a property, make sure you know where the shutoff is before an emergency happens.

2. Protect Electrical Safety

If water is near outlets, appliances, or your breaker panel, turn off power to that area. Do NOT walk through standing water if electrical hazards are possible. When in doubt, stay safe and wait for a professional.

3. Contain the Damage

While waiting for help from Advanced Plumbing’s Emergency Plumbing team , do what you can to limit the spread of water:

• Place buckets, towels, or a shop vac under active leaks
• Move furniture, rugs, and valuables out of the affected area
• Open cabinets to help pipes warm up if freezing is involved
• Turn on fans to start the drying process

4. Document Everything for Insurance

Take photos and short videos of the leak, the affected rooms, and any visible damage. This makes the restoration and insurance process smoother.

What to Have Ready When Calling a Plumber

When you call Advanced Plumbing for emergency service, having a few details ready helps us respond faster:

• Your address and best callback number
• Where the leak is located (kitchen, crawlspace, basement, yard, etc.)
• Whether the water is still flowing or fully shut off
• Any unusual noises, odors, or signs of electrical issues
• Whether the pipe is accessible or behind a wall/ceiling

Don’t worry if you can’t answer everything—we’ll guide you through it.

What to Expect When Advanced Plumbing Arrives

Our team shows up ready to get the situation under control quickly. Here’s what typically happens:

• Assessment: We locate the failed pipe and check for additional hidden leaks.
• Repair Plan: We explain your options clearly—no gimmicks, no surprise upsells.
• Immediate Cleanup: We work clean and minimize disruption to your home or business.
• Permanent Fix: Depending on the damage, this may include pipe repairs, replacements, thawing, or pressure testing.

Common Mistakes That Make Damage Worse

• Delaying the shutoff valve: Every minute counts during a burst pipe.
• Using heaters or open flames to thaw pipes: Extremely dangerous and a fire hazard.
• Poking holes without knowing what’s behind walls: You could hit electrical wires or cause additional flooding.
• Not calling a licensed plumber: Quick fixes often fail and cause bigger issues later.

Serving Poplar Bluff and Surrounding Southeast Missouri Communities

Advanced Plumbing proudly responds to burst pipes and major leaks across Poplar Bluff, Dexter, Doniphan, Puxico, Wappapello, and the surrounding Southeast Missouri region. With 30+ years of experience, we handle emergencies fast and fix problems the right way the first time.

Need Emergency Help Now?

If you’re dealing with a burst pipe or major water leak, call Advanced Plumbing immediately. We’re ready to help you protect your home, limit damage, and get everything back under control.

Call now or request emergency service:
https://www.advancedplumbingsemo.com/contact