What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency Before the Plumber Arrives
A plumbing emergency can go from bad to catastrophic in minutes. Water damage spreads fast — through floors, walls, and ceilings — and the longer it runs, the more expensive the repair. Knowing exactly what to do before the plumber arrives can limit the damage significantly.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water
This is always your first move. Find your main water shutoff valve and turn it off immediately. In most Alberta homes, the main shutoff is located near the water meter — typically in the basement, utility room, or mechanical room. It is usually a gate valve (round handle) or a ball valve (lever handle). Turn it clockwise to close.
**Do this now, before you read the rest of this article:** go find your main shutoff valve and make sure every adult in your household knows where it is and how to use it. In an emergency, you will not have time to search.
For a leak isolated to one fixture — a toilet, sink, or washing machine — there may be a local shutoff valve at the fixture itself. Check behind the toilet or under the sink before shutting off the whole house.
Step 2: Turn Off Your Water Heater
Once the main water supply is off, turn off your water heater. If you have a gas water heater, turn the dial to the "pilot" setting. If you have an electric water heater, switch off the breaker. A water heater that continues to heat with no water supply can overheat and potentially fail. This step protects your equipment and prevents a secondary problem.
Step 3: Open Taps to Drain the System
Open several taps throughout your home — starting with the lowest floor — to drain the remaining water from your pipes. This reduces pressure in the system and limits how much water continues to flow from the break or leak.
Step 4: Address Electrical Hazards
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If water is near electrical outlets, panels, or appliances, do not enter that area. Shut off the power to the affected zone at your breaker panel. If you are unsure which breaker controls the area, shut off the main breaker. Your safety comes before any property concern.
Step 5: Contain the Water
While you wait for the plumber, do what you can to limit the spread of water. Use towels, buckets, or mops to contain standing water. If water is coming through the ceiling, place a bucket underneath and carefully puncture the lowest point of the bulge to direct the flow — this prevents a larger ceiling collapse.
Move valuables, electronics, and furniture out of the affected area if it is safe to do so.
Step 6: Document the Damage
Take photos and video of the damage before cleanup begins. This documentation is important for your home insurance claim. Note when the emergency started and what steps you took.
What Not to Do
- **Do not use chemical drain cleaners** on a backed-up drain during a flooding event — they can make things worse and create a chemical hazard. - **Do not attempt to repair a burst pipe yourself** with tape or clamps as a permanent fix. These are temporary measures at best and can fail suddenly. - **Do not re-enter a room with standing water near electrical sources** until the power is confirmed off.
Call Monty's 24/7 Emergency Line
Monty's Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 emergency plumbing and heating service across Airdrie, Calgary, Cochrane, Crossfield, Carstairs, Didsbury, Olds, Beiseker, Irricana, and Rocky View County. When you call, have your address ready and let us know whether the water is still running or has been shut off. We will get to you as fast as possible.
The faster you act, the less damage you face. Keep our number saved in your phone before you ever need it.