Common Plumbing Emergencies (and First Steps)
What to do in the first minutes of a leak or clog.
Burst pipe or major leak
Shut off the main water valve immediately, then the nearest fixture valve. Cut power if water is near outlets, and call an emergency plumber.
Overflowing toilet
Turn the shutoff valve behind the toilet clockwise to stop the flow before it spreads.
No hot water
Check the water heater's pilot/breaker; if it's leaking from the tank, it likely needs replacement.