Discovering water puddling in your home or noticing an uncontrollable leak from a plumbing fixture can be alarming.
Water stains spreading across your ceiling or walls are clear signs of a plumbing issue that demands immediate attention. Plumbing leaks can cause significant water damage and require professional repairs.
Fortunately, swift action can minimize the damage. At Valentine Plumbing, we understand the importance of being prepared. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do when you encounter a plumbing leak.
Step 1: Ensure Your Safety
Most plumbing leaks are minor and don’t require drastic measures. For small leaks, ensure that no electrical items, children, or pets are near the water to avoid accidents.
However, if you’re dealing with a severe leak, you might face the risk of an electrical hazard. Water leaking behind walls can reach light fixtures and wiring, potentially causing sparks or fires.
In such cases, the safety of you and your household is paramount. Although turning off the water supply (covered in step 3) is crucial, safety must come first.
If there is an imminent threat, like an electrical fire, evacuate your home and seek emergency assistance immediately.
Step 2: Detect the Source of the Leak
Finding the source of the leak can be challenging but is beneficial. Potential sources include:
- Plumbing fixture leak: such as a toilet or sink
- Appliance leak: such as a burst water heater
- Pipe leak: such as a broken connector or burst pipe
The leak’s source will determine how you can stop the water flow. If you can’t identify the leak’s origin, proceed to step 4 and call a plumber.
Related: 7 Signs You Should Call a Plumber
Step 3: Turn Off the Water Supply
Once you’ve detected the leak, the next step is to shut off the water supply. For leaks from a specific fixture, locate the shut-off valve on the pipes leading to it and turn it clockwise until the water stops.
For toilets, the valve is usually behind the fixture; for bathroom or kitchen sinks, it’s typically under or behind the sink.
For major leaks or if you can’t locate the leak’s source, shut off your home’s main water supply. The main shut-off valve is often in the basement or outdoors.
Familiarize yourself with its location and ensure everyone in your household knows where it is before an emergency occurs.
Step 4: Call an Emergency Plumber
Contacting a expert plumber at Valentine Plumbing is essential for professional plumbing repair services.
A plumbing expert can diagnose the problem, assess the damage, create a repair plan, and work towards restoring your home.
If the leak is severe or happens outside of regular work hours, contact an emergency plumber immediately. Professionals can also help detect the leak and turn off the water supply if you’re having trouble.
Take a look at our plumbing leak fixing services here.
Step 5: Manage the Water
While waiting for the plumber, start clearing any standing water. Small amounts around a plumbing fixture can be wiped up to reduce water damage.
For severe leaks, you’ll need professional help to remove the water. Water in walls and ceilings requires a dehumidifier, which your plumbing company will provide. Avoid wiping wet walls and ceilings, as it might cause further damage.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Fixing Plumbing Leaks
Our Service Area
Founded in 1973, Valentine Plumbing is dedicated to providing expert plumbing leak services throughout the Fox Cities, including Appleton, Menasha, Neenah, Oshkosh, and Green Bay.
Our location is based in Freedom, WI but we proudly serve the entire Fox Valley area and beyond!
Contact Valentine for Leaking Plumbing Services!
Our highly trained and experienced staff ensures that your project is completed promptly and professionally. We handle toilet repairs and installations, sink repairs and installations, shower installations and repairs, drain installations, drain cleaning, water softener services, pipe repairs, garbage disposal services, sump pump repairs and installations, water heater services, and septic services.
Our name is trusted by thousands of homes and businesses in the area. For reliable plumbing services, contact Valentine Plumbing today.