Why put a kit together
Plumbing problems rarely wait for business hours. When a supply hose bursts behind the washer or a toilet starts overflowing at night, you need a few things within reach: something to close the valve, something to catch or move water, and protection if sewage is involved.
None of this replaces a licensed plumber. The goal is to stop the damage and keep everyone safe until the repair can be made.
The kit
- Your filled-in shutoff map worksheet, in a plastic sleeve.
- An adjustable wrench and, if your main valve or meter needs one, a valve or meter key.
- A flange plunger for toilets and a cup plunger for sinks.
- A bucket and several old towels.
- Disposable nitrile gloves and eye protection.
- A flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries.
- Plumber's tape and a few rubber pipe repair clamps for a temporary hold on a small leak.
- Large trash bags for wet or contaminated items.
- A printed card with your insurer's claim line and the details of any plumber you have already vetted.
What each item is for
| Item | Use it when | Do not use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Wrench or valve key | Closing a stiff fixture or main valve | Forcing a valve that will not move |
| Plunger | A single clogged toilet or sink | A main line backup with sewage in the shower |
| Pipe repair clamp | A small leak on an exposed pipe, after the water is off | A permanent fix or a gas line |
| Gloves and eye protection | Any contact with dirty water | Cleaning up a large sewage spill without ventilation |
| Towels and bucket | Catching drips and moving water off floors | Soaking up standing sewage |
Grab the kit, or leave?
- IfYou smell gasLeave the kit. Get out and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside.
- IfWater is spraying from a pipeClose the main first, then use the kit to clean up.
- IfSewage is coming up a drainStop water use and keep people away. Use gloves only for small, careful tasks.
- IfWater is near the electrical panel or outletsStay out of the wet area until power is safely off.
Common questions
- Should the kit include a chemical drain opener?
- No. Chemicals are risky in an emergency and make the water dangerous for whoever has to clear the line.
- Is a pipe repair clamp a real repair?
- No. It can slow a small leak on an exposed pipe until a plumber arrives. Keep the water off as much as possible and get a proper repair.
- What about a wet/dry vacuum?
- It is useful for clean water. Do not use it on sewage unless it is cleaned and disinfected properly afterward.
General information for Buena Park, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.