Plumbing Emergency? What to Do in the First 10 Minutes

When a pipe bursts or a toilet overflows, panic is natural. But the first ten minutes decide how much damage you will face. Follow these steps in order.

First, shut off the water. Find your main shutoff valve, usually near the street, at the side of the house, in the garage or by the water heater. Turn it clockwise until it stops. If only one fixture is leaking, use the small valve under the sink or behind the toilet instead. Knowing this location before a crisis is the single most valuable piece of plumbing knowledge you can have.

Second, turn off the electricity if water is near outlets, appliances or your electrical panel. Do not step into standing water if you suspect it has reached live wiring. Call an electrician if needed. Third, if the water heater is involved, turn off its power or gas supply to prevent damage from a dry-fire or overheating.

Fourth, open faucets on the lowest floor to drain remaining water from the lines, and flush toilets once to empty tanks. Then start containing the water: move furniture and valuables, lay towels, use a wet vacuum or mop, and open windows or run fans to speed drying. Take photos and video of everything before you clean up, since your insurer will want them.

For a sewage backup, stay out of the affected area, keep children and pets away, and do not run any water in the house, because it will only add to the overflow. Sewage contains bacteria and needs professional cleanup.

Finally, call a licensed emergency plumber. Give a clear description, such as where the water is coming from and whether the main is off, so the technician arrives with the right tools. ABC Plumbing answers calls around the clock across Laguna Beach, Newport Beach and Dana Point, and we give you a price before we start work. Keep our number on your fridge and in your phone.