What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency Before the Plumber Arrives

For almost any leak or burst pipe, the most important step is stopping the flow.

1. Try the fixture's own shut-off first. Toilets, sinks and washing machines usually have a small valve on the supply line. Turn it clockwise to close.
2. If that doesn't stop it, or you can't find one, shut off the main water valve. In most Pickering homes it's in the basement, near the water meter where the main line comes through the foundation wall.
3. Turn the handle clockwise until it stops. Lever-style valves close when the handle is perpendicular to the pipe.
4. Open a tap on the lowest floor to drain remaining water out of the pipes and relieve pressure.

Don't force a valve that won't turn. Old valves can break, making things worse. Tell the plumber when you call.

Take a minute today, before there's an emergency, to find your main shut-off and make sure everyone in the house knows where it is.

Once the main water is off, turn off your water heater. A tank heater keeps heating even when no new water is coming in, which can damage it.

• Gas water heater: turn the gas control knob to "pilot" or "off".
• Electric water heater: switch off its breaker at the electrical panel.
• Tankless: follow the shut-off steps in the manufacturer's manual, or switch off its power.

If the water heater itself is leaking, close the cold-water valve at the top of the tank as well.

With the water stopped, work on limiting the damage:

• Move valuables, electronics, documents and furniture out of the wet area or up off the floor.
• Soak up standing water with towels, mops or a wet vacuum.
• Put buckets under drips. If water is pooling in a sagging ceiling, keep clear; a bulging ceiling can collapse.
• Open windows and run fans if it's safe, to start the drying process.
• Take photos and video of the damage and its source before you clean up too much. Your insurer will likely want them.

Different problems call for slightly different first steps.

• Burst pipe: shut off the main, turn off the water heater, open a low tap to drain the lines. If it froze, don't try to thaw it with an open flame. Our guide on preventing frozen pipes covers safe thawing.
• Overflowing toilet: lift the tank lid and push the flapper down to stop more water entering the bowl, then close the supply valve behind the toilet. Don't flush again.
• Sewer backup through a floor drain: stop using all water in the house. Every flush, shower and load of laundry adds to the backup. Keep children and pets away, and avoid touching the water without gloves and boots.
• Leaking water heater: shut off its water supply and power or gas. Keep clear of the tank, since the water can be very hot.
• Sump pump failure in a storm: check the plug and breaker first. If it still won't run, use a wet vac to keep up while you wait for help.

Having a few details ready helps a plumber understand the situation and arrive prepared:

• What's happening and where (for example, "water coming through the kitchen ceiling under the upstairs bathroom").
• Whether you've been able to shut off the water.
• Whether there's any electrical risk or sewage involved.
• Your address and the best way to reach you.

Our emergency plumbing line is answered 24/7, and our emergency plumber page has the number front and centre if you need it fast.

Once the immediate problem is fixed, take care of drying out. Wet drywall, insulation and flooring can develop mould within days. Run dehumidifiers and fans, and remove anything that stays soaked. For large areas or sewage, a restoration company is the safest option.

Then ask your plumber what caused the problem and how to prevent it. A burst pipe in an outside wall may need insulation or rerouting. A sewer backup might call for a backwater valve. A failed washing machine hose should be replaced with a better one. Fixing the cause is the best way to make sure it doesn't happen again. If your basement took the hit, our basement flooding guide walks through cleanup and prevention.

A few inexpensive items, kept in one easy-to-find spot, make a plumbing emergency much easier to handle. Consider keeping:

• A flashlight and spare batteries, since emergencies often happen at night or during power outages.
• Work gloves and rubber boots for dealing with dirty water.
• Old towels, a mop and a couple of buckets.
• A wet/dry vacuum if you have space for one.
• A plunger for toilets and one for sinks.
• Plumber's tape or a pipe repair clamp for a temporary fix on a small leak.
• A note with your plumber's phone number, your insurance company's claims line and the location of your main shut-off.

Make sure the main water shut-off is easy to reach. If boxes, shelves or a finished wall are in the way, clear a path or ask about an access panel. When seconds count, you don't want to be moving furniture to reach it.

Once a year, walk through the house with everyone who lives there and point out the main shut-off, the shut-offs under each sink and behind each toilet, and the water heater controls. Kids old enough to understand can learn it too. It takes ten minutes and can save thousands of dollars in damage on the night something goes wrong.