What To Do In A Plumbing Emergency: Shut Off Water Fast

When a pipe bursts or a major leak starts, every second counts. Knowing where your main water shut-off is and how to use it can be the difference between a minor incident and a major flood.

Step 1: Find your main shut-off valve now — before an emergency happens. In Southern California homes, it is usually near the front of the property at the street meter box, or on the side of the house near the foundation. Most valves are a gate valve (wheel-shaped) or ball valve (lever handle).

Step 2: Turn it off. Gate valves turn clockwise to close ("righty-tighty"). Ball valves turn 90 degrees perpendicular to the pipe to close. Practice this once so you know what to expect.

Step 3: Turn off your water heater. Once the water supply is off, switch your water heater to the pilot setting (gas) or off (electric) to prevent damage to the tank.

Step 4: Open a faucet on the lowest level of the house to relieve any remaining pressure in the lines.

Step 5: Contain the damage — towels, buckets, and moving valuables are the priority while you wait for help.

For 24/7 emergency plumbing in North County San Diego, call 211 Plumbing & Drains at 760-557-9413. We answer every call and dispatch fast.