How to Handle a Plumbing Emergency

Member

By Dorothy Sander
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (12 Ratings)

What to do in a Plumbing Emergency

Plumbing problems are often a home owner's worst nightmare. How the water goes in and out of our house is a mystery to most of us and for the most part we only care when it's not happening or happening too much! But there are a few things every homeowner should know so that should a plumbing disaster occur, it won't seem so overwhelming.

Here's what you can do to handle a plumbing emergency.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

a flashlight
a notebook
a plumber

Step 1

In a Plumbing Emergency Turn off Shut Off Valve

FIND THE MAIN CUT OFF VALVE

Every home has a valve that shuts off the water where it enters the house. When you turn this valve off, no water will enter your house at all. If you are having a major water issue somewhere in the house that you cannot control in any other way, this is where you will want to turn the water off - at the source. The main cut off valve, or shut off valve as some call it, is used by plumbers when they need to work on main pipes within the house.

The main cut off valve is often located near the water meter. If you have well water, it will be located near the pressure tank. It's not always easy to find the main cut off valve in the middle of a plumbing emergency, so make sure you locate yours in advance.

In cold climates, the cut off valve will be located inside the house where it will not be in an area that receives below freezing temperatures. This is most often in the basement. In warmer climates and in homes without basements you may find your cut off valve attached to an exterior wall or in an underground box.

If you cannot locate your cut off valve, contact your local plumber to find it for you. Or you can also ask a neighbor who has a similar home where theirs is located in their home. Yours will probably be in the same spot.

To turn off the water to the house, turn the valve clockwise. It often looks like the valve on your outdoor water spigot.

Turning off the main cut off valve is one way to handle a plumbing emergency.
Step 2

In a Plumbing Emergency Turn of Valve at Sink

LOCATE THE SHUT OFF VALVE TO EACH SINK

In addition to the main shut off valve in your house, each sink has a shutoff valve as well. The water to a sink can be turned off by turning this valve. In the kitchen look under the sink inside the cabinet for the cut off valve. The cut off valve for bathroom sinks will also be under the sink inside the cabinet. If you have a pedestal sink it will be clearly visible.

To handle a plumbing emergency when a sink is involved, shut off the water going into the sink by turning the shut off valve.
Step 3

In a Plumbing Emergency Turn off Water Valve to Toilet

Toilets also have a shut off valve. They are located on the pipe at the back of the toilet are usually visible. Look for a silver knob and turn it to shut off the water.

To handle a plumbing emergency that involves the toilet, shut the water off that is going into the toilet by turning the cut off valve at the back of the toilet.
Step 4

In a Plumbing Emergency Turn off the Water Valve to the Washing Machine

Every washing machine also has a cut off valve. This can come in handy should your washing machine drain get plugged and the water begins to overflow.

This shut off valve is located behind the washing machine. It is a major water line and the valve will look more like faucet handle than the ones you found in the kitchen and bathroom.

To handle a plumbing emergency that involves the washing machine, turn off the water at the cut off valve behind the washing machine.
Step 5

After the Water is Off - Call the Plumber!

After you have turned off the water involved in the plumbing emergency, you can take a deep breath and call your local plumber.

Comments

crosswised said

Flag This Comment

on 11/29/2009 Perfect advice! I recently had to help my son with this at his apartment and realized he didn't know where his cutoff valve was. He knows now! Rated 5*

kandipassion said

on 11/29/2009 Thanks for the article I always need plumbing help 5*.

reynoldsrap said

on 11/25/2009 Well this is a wonderfully presented article for someone like me who, when threatened with a plumbing crisis, usually just moves, ha. Well done, once again.....5*!!