The right response depends on how much water is escaping, where it is going and whether anyone is at risk. Use this guide to sort what you are seeing into three levels. When in doubt, choose the more cautious level and close the main shutoff; you can always open it again.
Act now: stop the water and get help
- IfWater is coming up through the floor or seams in tileThenClose the main house shutoff immediately and arrange a licensed plumber promptly.
- IfWater is near outlets, power strips or appliancesThenClose the main, keep people and pets away and switch off that circuit from a dry location.
- IfThe meter indicator is spinning quickly with everything offThenClose the main and arrange leak location as soon as possible.
- IfYou smell gas near the water heaterThenLeave the house and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside. Do not operate switches.
Act soon: limit the leak and book location
- IfA warm floor plus a moving meter, nothing surfacingThenClose the water heater cold inlet when you do not need hot water and book leak location.
- IfA moving meter that stops with the house shutoff closedThenRule out toilets, then book leak location; consider closing the main overnight.
- IfDamp carpet or swelling baseboards that are spreadingThenMove belongings off the area, photograph it and book location.
- IfThe meter moves with the house shutoff closedThenThe leak may be in the service line outside; arrange a plumber to look at the line.
Monitor and retest
- IfA higher bill but the meter is still with everything offThenRecheck on another day and review irrigation schedules and toilets.
- IfA warm spot but no meter movementThenLook for other heat sources; keep a symptom log for a few days.
- IfA single musty smell with no damp, no warmth and a still meterThenCheck sinks, drains and condensation; retest the meter later.
Quick reference
| Level | Main signs | First action |
|---|---|---|
| Now | Surfacing water, water near electricity, fast meter, gas smell | Close the main or evacuate for gas |
| Soon | Warm floor, slow steady meter, spreading damp | Isolate the hot side or close the main overnight, book location |
| Monitor | Bill change or one sign alone with a still meter | Log symptoms and retest |
Whatever your level
- Photograph the meter, the floor and any damage with the time.
- Know where your main shutoff and heater inlet are.
- Check any contractor's license at cslb.ca.gov before work starts.
Common questions
Is closing the main overnight safe?
For most homes, yes. Avoid using hot water while it is off and leave the water heater's gas or power controls alone.
What if I cannot close the main?
Contact the City of Fullerton's water utility about shutting water at the meter, and get a plumber to repair the valve.
Can I send my situation through this site?
This is a preview site for Fullerton Slab Leak Repair. The phone number shown is a temporary placeholder and the request form is not connected to a destination yet, so a submission is not sent anywhere for now. In an emergency, close the main and contact a licensed plumber directly.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.