A plumbing emergency can cause thousands of dollars in water damage within minutes. The most important first step is to shut off the water supply immediately, then call a licensed plumber. Here is exactly what to do in the minutes between discovering the problem and when help arrives.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water Immediately

Localized Problem (leaking faucet, toilet overflow, burst supply line under a sink)

Look for the shutoff valve directly behind or under the fixture. Toilet supply lines have a small oval valve at the wall behind the toilet. Under-sink supply lines have shutoff valves on the hot and cold lines. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. This isolates just that fixture without cutting water to the whole house.

Major Leak, Burst Pipe, or Unknown Source

Go directly to your main water shutoff valve. In most Niagara Falls homes, this is located in the basement near the front wall of the house, close to where the water supply enters from the street. It is typically a round gate valve wheel or a lever ball valve. Turn clockwise (or quarter-turn to perpendicular) to close it.

If you cannot locate it, call your plumber immediately. A licensed plumber can walk you through finding it over the phone.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Heater

After shutting off the main water supply, turn off your water heater to prevent damage from running without water. On a gas unit, turn the dial to "Pilot." On an electric unit, switch off the breaker at your electrical panel. Running a water heater dry can permanently damage the heating element or tank.

Step 3: Drain Remaining Pressure

Open the lowest faucet in your home to drain remaining water from the pipes and relieve pressure. A basement laundry tub tap or outdoor hose bib works well. This reduces the volume of water that continues leaking from any damaged section.

Step 4: Contain and Protect

  • Place buckets, towels, or plastic sheeting under active leaks to limit floor damage.
  • Move valuables, electronics, and furniture away from the water source.
  • If water is near your electrical panel or visible wiring, do not enter the area. Call a plumber and an electrician before re-entering.

Step 5: Document Everything Before Cleanup

Take photos and video of all visible water damage before touching anything. This is critical for an insurance claim. Document the source of the leak, all affected walls, floors and ceilings, any damaged belongings, and the date and time. Do not discard damaged items until your insurer has assessed the situation.

Step 6: Call Your Plumber and Your Insurer

Call a licensed plumber as soon as the water is off. Then call your home insurance provider to report the incident. Most Ontario home insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage including burst pipes. Your insurer will send an adjuster and advise on remediation contractors.

What NOT to Do in a Plumbing Emergency

  • Do not use electrical switches or appliances near standing water. Water and electricity are a lethal combination. If water has reached your electrical panel or outlets, stay out and call an electrician.
  • Do not use chemical drain cleaners for a backed-up drain. During a backup, chemicals cannot reach the blockage and will splash back, causing serious chemical burns.
  • Do not attempt to solder or repair copper pipes yourself without professional training. Improper repairs can fail immediately or within days, causing further damage.
  • Do not ignore a small, slow leak. A slow drip from a pipe inside a wall can indicate much greater pressure or corrosion behind it. Get it inspected.

Common Plumbing Emergencies We Handle

  • Burst or frozen pipes
  • Sewage backup into basement or floor drain
  • No hot water (failed water heater)
  • Flooding from a failed sump pump
  • Overflowing toilet that will not stop
  • Leaking or rupturing water heater tank
  • Gas line concerns (call Enbridge Gas first at 1-866-763-5427, then a plumber)

Why Response Time Matters

Water damage escalates quickly. Within 24 to 48 hours, standing water enables mould growth inside walls and under flooring. A single burst pipe can discharge hundreds of litres of water in an hour, saturating insulation, drywall, and structural wood. The faster the water is off and a plumber is on-site, the lower your total damage cost.

Call or text PipeWorks Niagara Plumbing at (289) 257-1300 and Nick will respond promptly. We serve Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Welland, Fort Erie, and all surrounding Niagara communities.