Dealing With a Major Leak? Emergency Plumbing Tips to Prevent Water Damage

Shut Off the Water

Every homeowner should know the location of their main water shut-off valve before an emergency happens. In most houses, it is either in the basement, near the water heater, or outside by the meter. If you live in an apartment or condo, find out where your building’s shut-off is and how to access it. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. This halts the water supply and buys you time to focus on the situation. If you’ve got a smaller leak from a faucet, you can sometimes shut off the local valve near the fixture to avoid cutting water to the entire home. Once the water is off, open faucets in the lowest point of your home to drain the remaining water from the pipes. This reduces pressure and limits additional leakage. It’s also a good idea to keep a wrench or shut-off tool stored in an accessible spot. In a real emergency, fumbling to find tools can waste valuable minutes.

Think About Electrical and Safety Concerns

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If water has pooled near outlets, appliances, or your breaker panel, turn off the power in that area as quickly as you can. This may require switching off the main breaker until you can confirm it is safe. Do not step into standing water if there is a chance it is in contact with live electricity. In this case, your first step should be to cut power from a dry location or leave the property and call for professional help. Safety comes before stopping damage. If gas appliances are in the affected area, be aware that leaks can also impact ventilation and pilot lights. If you smell gas or suspect an issue, leave the building and contact your utility company. These steps may feel extreme, but acting quickly reduces the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury.

Control and Contain the Leak

Once you've shut off the water and secured the area, your goal is to keep water from spreading. Use some buckets or large bowls to collect dripping water. Lay down towels or waterproof sheeting to protect floors and furniture. If the leak is coming from a ceiling, create a small hole in the sagging area to allow water to drain into a container. This could help prevent a bigger collapse. If you can see the source, you can try to wrap it with plumber’s tape or a piece of rubber secured with a clamp as a temporary fix. It won’t hold permanently, but it can slow the water long enough for a professional to arrive. In multi-level homes, check each floor for signs of water travel. Gravity pulls water down quickly, so a second-floor leak can affect ceilings, walls, and floors below. Move valuables, electronics, and important documents to a dry location right away.