Plumbing Emergency Checklist

Plumbsie is an independent guide and does not dispatch plumbers. If water is actively leaking, do this now:

1. Shut off the main water valve. It's usually where the water line enters the house, or near the street meter.
2. Turn off the water heater (gas to "pilot" or the breaker for electric) if you've shut off the main.
3. Avoid electrical hazards. Stay out of standing water near outlets or appliances; turn off power to wet areas at the breaker if it's safe to reach.
4. Smell gas? Leave the building and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
5. Call a licensed local plumber directly. You can check their license at cslb.ca.gov.
6. Document the damage with photos for your insurer.

More detail: burst pipe guide and what emergency plumbers cost.