The first half hour
- First minute
- Close the main water shutoff where the line enters the house. If it will not turn, use the meter valve at the street if you can safely reach it.
- Next few minutes
- If water is near outlets, light fixtures or appliances, turn off power to that area at the breaker panel, but only if you can reach the panel without standing in water.
- If the heater is involved
- Turn a gas water heater to pilot or off, or switch off the breaker for an electric one. If you smell gas, leave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside.
- Within 15 minutes
- Open a faucet at the lowest point of the house to drain remaining pressure from the lines.
- Within 30 minutes
- Move valuables, start removing standing water and take photos and video of the source and the damage.
- Then
- Call a CSLB-licensed plumber for the pipe, and your insurer about the damage.
Where emergencies usually start
| Source | Why it fails | Clue |
|---|---|---|
| Washing machine hose | Old rubber hoses split under pressure | Sudden flood in the laundry area |
| Supply line to a sink or toilet | Aged braided or plastic lines rupture | Water pouring from a cabinet or behind a toilet |
| Water heater | Tank rusts through or a fitting fails | Water spreading from the garage or closet |
| Pipe in the attic or wall | Corroded copper or galvanized pipe, or a failed fitting | Ceiling stain, bulge or drip |
| Slab line | Corrosion or abrasion under the concrete | Water surfacing through flooring |
Prepare now, before anything happens
- Find your main shutoff and make sure everyone in the house knows where it is.
- Check that it turns, and keep any tool needed to turn it nearby.
- Know where the meter is and whether you need a meter key for it.
- Label your breaker panel so you can find the circuits for the laundry, kitchen and water heater.
- Replace rubber washing machine hoses and old sink and toilet supply lines.
- Keep a flashlight, towels and a bucket where you can grab them.
After the water is off
Once the water is stopped, the situation changes from emergency to repair. A plumber's job is to find and fix the failed pipe or fitting and check that the rest of the system is sound. Drying out walls, cabinets and flooring is a separate job, often handled by a water damage restoration contractor.
Wet drywall and insulation can grow mold if not dried properly, so do not close up or repaint anything until it has been checked. Keep receipts and photos for your insurance claim.
Questions to ask the plumber
- What failed, and is the rest of this pipe or fitting likely to fail too?
- Is this a temporary repair or a permanent one?
- Will you write up the cause for my insurance claim?
- Do you see other parts of the system I should address soon?
Common questions
Should I turn off the water heater when the main is off?
It is a good precaution, especially if hot water lines are leaking or the tank may drain. Set gas heaters to pilot or off, and switch electric heaters off at the breaker.
Can I use the toilets with the main shut off?
Each toilet will flush once with the water in its tank. After that it will not refill until the water is back on.
What if the leak is from the street side of the meter?
Contact the water provider listed on your bill. Leaks before the meter are generally the utility's responsibility.
General information for La Palma, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.