Most households discover where their shutoffs are in the middle of a problem. This card collects the locations and numbers you would need in the first few minutes of a sewage backup or a burst pipe, so whoever is home can act without guessing.
Walk the house and yard once with the card in hand. Fill in each line, take photos of each location, and tape the finished card inside a kitchen cabinet or near the water heater. Update it when anything changes.
Fill in these locations
| Item | Where it is (write it in) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main water shutoff valve | Test that it turns; note if it needs a tool | |
| Water meter box | Usually near the street | |
| Sewer cleanout | Note cap size and whether it is buried | |
| Second cleanout, if any | ||
| Lowest drain in the house | Where a backup will show first | |
| Gas meter and shutoff | Only shut off gas if you can do so safely | |
| Electrical panel | For flooded rooms with outlets near the floor |
Printed on the back: if sewage comes up
Stop the water
Tell everyone to stop flushing, showering, washing and running appliances.
Keep people away
Children, pets and anyone vulnerable stay out of affected rooms.
Close the main if needed
If a supply pipe is also leaking, close the main water shutoff.
Leave the cleanout cap on
Do not open it while the line is full.
Photograph and write down
Record rooms, fixtures and the time it started.
Call a licensed plumber
Have the card ready to describe access points.
Numbers and details to write on the card
- City of La Habra public works or sewer contact, for problems in the street
- City of La Habra water utility contact, for meter or service questions
- SoCalGas emergency line
- Your homeowners insurance claim number
- A licensed plumber you have checked at cslb.ca.gov
- A neighbor who can check the house if you are away
Check these on your walk-through
- Does the main water valve turn by hand, or is it stuck?
- Is the cleanout cap visible and intact?
- Do all adults in the house know where the card is?
Common questions
What if I cannot find the cleanout?
Write that down. It is useful for a plumber to know, and it may be worth adding a cleanout during future work.
Should I turn off the gas during a sewer backup?
Not usually. Only shut off gas if there is a gas smell or another clear need, and only if you can do it safely. Otherwise leave and call from outside.
Where should the card live?
Somewhere everyone can reach quickly, with a photo copy on each adult's phone.
General information for La Habra, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.