The Plumbing Emergency Action Plan

Panic is expensive. When a pipe bursts or a toilet overflows, the first 5 minutes determine whether you have a wet floor or a $10,000 restoration bill. Every homeowner must know these steps before disaster strikes.

Step 1: The Main Shut-Off Valve

Stop reading and go find your main water shut-off valve right now.
It is usually located in the basement, crawl space, or near the street curb. It typically has a wheel or a lever.
Test it: Turn it clockwise (righty-tighty) to ensure it isn't seized. In an emergency, turning this off stops all water to the house immediately.

Step 2: Isolate the Fixture

If the leak is just under a sink or behind a toilet, you don't need to shut off the whole house. Look for the small silver "angle stop" valves on the wall behind the fixture. Turn them to the right to cut water to just that unit.

Step 3: Open Faucets

After shutting off the main water, open the lowest faucet in your home (like a basement sink) and the highest (upstairs shower). This drains the remaining water out of the pipes so it doesn't leak out of the burst section.

Step 4: Calling the Pro

When you call a 24/7 plumber, be clear: "I have an active leak, but the water is shut off." This might save you an "Emergency Dispatch Fee" if they know the immediate damage is contained and they can come in a few hours rather than right this second.