What to Do During a Suspected Water Leak Emergency

Step 1: Stop the water

Try the fixture's own valve first (under the sink, behind the toilet, at the water heater). If that fails or the source is a pipe, use the house main shut-off — commonly where the line enters the home, in the garage, or on the street-facing wall. If neither works, the meter valve is the last resort. Turn, then confirm the flow has stopped at a tap.

Step 2: Protect against electrical risk

Keep out of standing water that may contact outlets, appliances or the electrical panel. Only if you can reach the breaker panel without stepping in water, and with dry hands, switch off circuits for affected areas. If there is any doubt, stay clear of the water and wait for help.

• Never step into water near live electrics
• Do not use electrical appliances in wet areas
• If you smell gas: leave, and call 911 or the gas utility from outside — that is a separate, more serious emergency

Step 3: Limit the damage

Move valuables, furniture and electronics if it is safe. Contain spreading water with towels or buckets, and drain a damaged hot-water line via the water heater drain only if you know how and it is safe. Switch off the water heater if its supply or tank is involved.

Step 4: Document, then call

Photograph the damage and the source area before cleanup — insurers will ask. Then call a leak detection service and describe what happened, what you shut off, and where the water appeared. Once the system is made safe, the failure can be located and the repair options explained calmly, instead of guessed at mid-flood.

Frequently asked questions

Need help with this at your property? See Emergency Water Shut-Off & Isolation or request leak detection service.