The card, in order
1. Stop all water
No flushing, showers, sinks, dishwasher or laundry. Tell everyone in the house.
2. Close the main if needed
Main water shutoff location: ____________________
3. Keep people out
Close the door to the affected room. Gloves and boots if anyone must enter.
4. Find the cleanout
Cleanout location: ____________________. Do not open it if the drains are backed up.
5. Take photos
Fixture, floor, any wet walls or yard, before cleanup.
6. Call
Licensed plumber: ____________ CSLB #: ____________. Insurance carrier and policy #: ____________
Fill-in box
- Water provider (from your bill)
- ____________________
- City permits and sewer questions
- City of Whittier
- Gas emergency
- Leave, then 911 or SoCalGas from outside
- License check
- cslb.ca.gov
Where to post it
Put one copy inside the cabinet under the bathroom sink closest to the lateral, since that is where a backup usually shows first. Put a second near the main water shutoff or in the garage by the water heater, where people instinctively go when something goes wrong with plumbing.
Write the plumber's name in only after you have checked their license at cslb.ca.gov. A card with an unchecked name on it saves a few minutes but can cost far more.
Before you post it, confirm
- The main water shutoff turns and you know which way closes it
- The cleanout cap is visible and not buried under mulch
- Every adult in the house knows where the card is
- Gloves and a flashlight are stored nearby
- Insurance policy number is written in
Questions to answer before an emergency
- Does our insurance policy cover sewer backup damage?
- Has our lateral ever been on camera?
- Which bathroom is lowest and nearest the street?
Common questions
Should I put a plumber's number on the card?
Only one whose CSLB license you have checked. The number shown on this preview site is a temporary placeholder, so do not write it on the card.
Why not just search online during a backup?
Under stress, people hire the first result. A card filled in calmly lets you call someone you have already vetted.
Do I need to close the main for every backup?
Only if water is still flowing somewhere. Stopping use of fixtures is the key step.
General information for Whittier, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.