How to stop a leak before the plumber arrives
By Marcus Vela
When a pipe lets go, every minute counts. Before you call us, these five steps can save your floors, your drywall, and a lot of money.
1. Shut off the water
Find your main shut-off valve — usually where the water line enters the house, near the street, or by the water heater. Turn it clockwise until it stops. If the leak is at a single fixture, the local valve under the sink or behind the toilet may be enough.
2. Kill the power if water is near outlets
If water is spreading toward electrical outlets or your panel, switch off power to that area at the breaker. Never stand in water to reach a panel — if you can’t get to it safely, leave it and call us.
3. Open the lowest faucet
Once the main is off, open a faucet on the lowest floor to drain the remaining water in the pipes. This relieves pressure and reduces what’s left to leak out.
4. Contain and document
Towels, buckets, and a mop now; photos for your insurance after. A quick video of the source and the damage will make any claim far smoother.
5. Call us
Tell us it’s an active leak when you call — we prioritize emergencies and will give you a real arrival time.
Most burst pipes are repairable the same visit. The faster the water’s off, the smaller the job.