Plumbing emergency? Do this first, then call.
These steps take a minute or two and can limit the damage while we’re on the way.
Answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Turn off your main water shutoff
Find it
In many Valley homes it’s on an outside wall at the front of the house, where the water pipe comes up out of the ground — often near a hose faucet. It can also be in the garage.
Close it
Round handle: turn it clockwise until it stops. Lever handle: turn it a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe.
Can’t find it or can’t turn it?
There’s also a valve at the water meter, usually in a concrete box near the curb. It often needs a meter key. Don’t force a stuck valve — call us instead.
Open a faucet at the lowest point
A tub or outdoor faucet drains the pressure from the pipes and slows the leak further.
What to do right now
You smell gas
- Leave the house now, and take everyone with you.
- Don’t flip switches, use appliances or light anything.
- Call 911 or your gas company once you’re outside.
Water near electrical
- Stay out of standing water near outlets, cords or appliances.
- Only switch off the breaker if you can reach the panel while dry.
- If in doubt, stay out and call.
Leaking water heater
- Close the cold-water valve on the pipe at the top of the heater.
- Gas: turn the control knob to “Off.” Electric: switch off its breaker.
- Don’t drain a hot tank yourself — it can scald.
Toilet overflowing
- Turn the valve behind the toilet clockwise to stop the water.
- Or lift the tank lid and raise the float to stop the fill.
- Don’t flush again until it’s cleared.
Sewage backing up
- Stop using water everywhere — no flushing, laundry or dishwasher.
- Keep children and pets away from it.
- Don’t use chemical drain cleaners.
No water at all
- Check whether neighbors have water — it may be a city issue.
- Make sure your main shutoff is fully open.
- If it’s just your house, call us.
Four things that help us help you faster
- Your address and nearest cross streetPlus anything about parking or access.
- What’s happeningWhere the water is, and how fast it’s coming.
- Whether the water is offAnd if you had trouble with the valve.
- A good callback numberSo we can reach you on the way.
Call now
(818) 555-0142- Answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Burbank, Glendale, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, North Hollywood, Encino and nearby
Not an emergency?
Book a visit at a time that suits you and we’ll confirm a time window.