First, stop the water
The single goal in the first minute is to stop more water from coming in. If you can see a fixture shutoff near the leak — under the sink, behind the toilet — close it. If you can't, or you're not sure where it's coming from, go straight to the main shutoff for the whole house.
Then relieve the pressure
With the water off, open a faucet on the lowest floor. That drains the pressure out of the lines so water stops pushing out of the leak. Move anything you can away from the water, and lay towels or a bucket under what's still dripping.
- •1. Close the nearest fixture shutoff — or the main.
- •2. Open a low faucet to relieve pressure.
- •3. Clear the area and catch what's dripping.
- •4. Note exactly where you first saw the water.
Then call
Describe what you found, where, and what you've already shut off. I can usually tell you over the phone whether it can wait or needs me now. The more you've stopped before I arrive, the less damage we're dealing with — and the faster the fix.
Have a plumbing issue right now?
Call and leave a voicemail — Bob calls back during business hours. For the fastest reply (usually within the hour), email him directly.