Shut off the water first — at the fixture valve if the problem is isolated, at the main shutoff if it isn't. For gas emergencies, leave the house immediately, call 911 and the utility from outside, then call a plumber. Knowing both shutoff locations before an emergency is the most valuable preparation you can do.
A plumbing emergency handled in the first five minutes costs a fraction of what it costs if you spend those five minutes searching for a shutoff valve. Here's the preparation that matters most.
nnKnow Your Shutoff Locations Now
nMain water shutoff: typically at the water meter (outside, near the curb) or where the main line enters the house (garage, utility room, or crawl space). If you don't know where yours is, find it today — before you need it. Individual fixture shutoffs: under every sink, behind every toilet, near the washing machine, and at the water heater. Turn each one periodically so they don't seize from disuse.
nnBurst or Major Leak
nShut off the water at the nearest valve first. If you can't isolate it to a fixture, go to the main shutoff. Open faucets downstream to drain pressure from the line. Document damage with photos for insurance. Then call a licensed plumber — 682-284-0966 for Staggs Plumbing, answered 24/7.
nnGas Leak — No Exceptions
nIf you smell gas: leave the house immediately. Do not flip light switches, use your phone inside the house, or try to find the leak. Call 911 and your gas utility from outside or from a neighbor's house. Then call us. Do not re-enter until the utility has cleared the building. Gas safety is not a situation to troubleshoot yourself.
nnSewer Backup
nIf sewage is backing up into floor drains, tubs, or toilets, stop using all water in the house immediately — every flush makes it worse. The main sewer line is blocked. Call a plumber with a camera and a sewer machine. Call Staggs Plumbing at 682-284-0966 for 24/7 emergency response.
