1. Stop or control the water source
If water is actively leaking, start with the safest shutoff you can reach. A fixture shutoff may control a sink, toilet, or appliance. A bigger leak may need the main shutoff for the whole property.
Don't waste time hunting for a hidden shutoff if water is spreading fast or the area feels unsafe. Move people away from the area and call for professional help.
- Use the nearest accessible shutoff only if you can reach it safely.
- Don't touch electrical equipment or outlets that may have gotten wet.
- If you cannot stop the flow, call for emergency plumbing service.
2. Protect the property while help is being arranged
When you can, move valuables and anything water could damage away from the area. Use towels or containers only if doing so is safe.
- Keep children and pets away from standing water.
- Stay out of any area where you suspect an electrical hazard.
- Take photos of the damage for your records, if it's safe to do so.
3. Know when the problem is urgent
A small drip and a burst pipe aren't the same risk. Treat fast water loss, water in the ceiling or walls, sewage, or a leak you can't shut off as urgent.
Sewer backups need extra caution, because wastewater is a health hazard. Avoid contact with it and call for professional plumbing service.
4. What information to give the plumber
A clear description helps the plumber prepare before arriving. Note where the water is coming from, when it started, whether you used a shutoff, and which fixtures are affected.
- The affected room or fixture.
- Whether water is still flowing.
- Whether other fixtures or drains are also affected.
- Any recent plumbing work or unusual sounds, odors, or pressure changes.
After the immediate emergency
Once the water is under control, the next step is finding the cause and repairing the system. ASC Plumbing offers plumbing repair, emergency plumbing, pipe repair, and other related services in Pahrump.