What to do in the first 10 minutes
Follow these steps in order while you wait for help. Every minute you stop water flowing saves on damage.
Shut off the water
Find your main shut-off valve. It's usually where the water line enters the house: in the basement, crawl space, garage, utility closet or near the water heater. Turn the handle clockwise (or the lever a quarter turn) until it stops. For a single fixture, use the small valve under the sink or behind the toilet.
Cut power near water
If water is near outlets, appliances or your electrical panel, switch off power to that area at the breaker, but only if you can reach the panel without standing in water.
Drain the lines
Open the lowest cold-water faucet in the house and flush toilets to let remaining water drain out of the pipes. This takes pressure off a burst or leaking pipe.
Turn off the water heater
For a leaking water heater, switch off the gas (turn the dial to Off or Pilot) or the electric breaker, and close the cold-water valve on top of the tank.
Contain the water
Move valuables, lay down towels, put buckets under drips and use a wet vacuum if you have one. Poke a small hole in a bulging, water-filled ceiling spot with a bucket underneath to stop it collapsing.
Document the damage
Take photos and video before cleanup. Your homeowner's insurance company will likely ask for them.
Call a plumber
Call +1 (855) 797-4028. Tell us what happened, what you've already shut off and your ZIP code.
Quick fixes for common emergencies
Burst or frozen pipe
Shut off the main valve right away. Don't use an open flame to thaw a frozen pipe.
Sewage backing up
Stop using all water, sinks and toilets. Keep children and pets away and don't touch sewage without gloves.
Overflowing toilet
Lift the tank lid and push the flapper down, then close the valve behind the toilet.
No hot water with a gas smell
Leave the house now. Don't flip switches. Call 911 and your gas utility from outside.
Water heater leaking
Turn off the gas or power, close the cold-water inlet valve and keep clear of the hot tank.
Water stain spreading on a ceiling
Shut off the water and place a bucket below. Spreading stains mean an active leak above.
How to prevent the next one
- Learn where your main shut-off valve is now, before you need it, and make sure it turns.
- Keep pipes in unheated spaces insulated, and let faucets drip on nights below freezing.
- Disconnect garden hoses before winter.
- Don't pour grease, coffee grounds or wipes down drains, even "flushable" wipes.
- Flush your water heater once a year to clear sediment.
- Replace rubber washing machine hoses with braided steel every 5 years.
- Watch your water bill. A sudden jump can point to a hidden leak.
Water still coming in?
Call now. We'll connect you with a plumber who serves your ZIP code.