When water is going where it shouldn't, the first few minutes matter more than anything else. Knowing where to turn and what to shut off can be the difference between a quick cleanup and a major repair.
Shut off the water
For most emergencies, the fastest fix is to stop the water. If it is one fixture, close the shutoff valve under or behind it (the toilet, sink, or washer). If water is spreading or you cannot find a local valve, go to your main shutoff and turn it off. The main is usually where the water line enters the house: near the front hose bib, in the garage, or in a crawlspace. It is worth finding yours now, before you ever need it.
For a leaking water heater, cut the power too
If the problem is a leaking water heater and there is no gas odor, hissing, fire, or electrical hazard, follow the unit's instructions for shutting off its water and energy source. For an electric unit, use the labeled breaker only if the panel and surrounding area are dry. If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave immediately, do not operate switches or create a flame, and call the gas utility or emergency services from a safe location.
Contain the water and protect what you can
Once the water is off, mop up what is standing, move rugs and anything that can be damaged, and open a window if it is warm out. Standing water is what leads to warped floors and mold, so getting it up quickly pays off.
A few things not to do
- Do not use electrical outlets or switches near standing water.
- Do not pour chemical drain cleaner into a backed-up drain and walk away.
- Do not keep flushing a toilet that is overflowing. Close its shutoff valve instead.
Then call
After the immediate hazard is controlled, use the hidden-leak checks for unexplained water and the water-heater leak-prevention guide for future planning.
For an urgent plumbing problem, contact True Plumbing through its emergency plumbing page or call (360) 207-6064 to confirm current response availability.
