Responding to a Plumbing Emergency: Detect, Mitigate, Repair, Remedy, Part 1

Not everyone knows what to do in a plumbing emergency, and professionals are usually needed in a hurry. In today’s blog article, we want to talk about what the homeowner should do and then how the professionals will approach a plumbing emergency. 

Inside or Outside 

If you notice water running or flooding inside your house, the first thing to try to figure out is whether the water is originating from the inside or the outside. If it’s hot and sunny outside, then there’s a much higher probability that the water originates from interior plumbing. If it’s pouring rain outside, then this may not be obvious. 

Assuming the water is coming from somewhere in the house (the interior plumbing), then the first thing the homeowner should do before the professional gets there—even if you have already called for help—is to shut off the main water valve which supplies water to the whole house. 

This is something important for the homeowner to know: where is main water shut-off. There will be a water shut-off outside the house, but there is also one inside the house. At the point where water enters the house from the outside, there will be a valve that can be closed. This stops all water from flowing through the house. So, if you have no idea where your leak is, closing this valve is always the first step. 

If you know where the leak is coming from, then there might be another valve you can close, such stopping water in a bathroom or water to the kitchen sink. But the main shut-off stops all water for the whole house. This is always a safe solution while you wait for professionals to get to your house. 

Next month, we will talk about how the plumber will go about isolating and detecting the origin of the leak, trying to mitigate damage, and solving the problem long term.   

604FixLeak offers leak detection, plumbing repairs and restoration services in the Greater Vancouver area. 

If you have any questions about this article or need some help with a leak in your home or office, call us today at (604) 349-5325.