Stay Calm — Then Act Fast

Water damage compounds quickly. A burst pipe or major leak can cause thousands of dollars in damage within hours. The first 10 minutes are critical. Here's exactly what to do.

Step 1 — Shut Off the Water

Find and close the nearest shut-off valve immediately:

  • Under sinks and toilets: Each fixture usually has its own isolation valve (clockwise = off)
  • Water heater: Has its own cold-water inlet valve
  • Main shut-off: Usually in the basement near the front wall of the house — turns off all water to the home

Know where your main shut-off is before an emergency happens. Many Toronto homes have the main valve near the water meter, typically in the utility room.

Step 2 — Turn Off the Water Heater

If you've shut off the main water supply, turn off your water heater too. Running a water heater without incoming water can damage the heating element.

Step 3 — Drain the Lines

Open cold water taps at the lowest point in your home (usually a basement sink or outdoor hose bib) to drain remaining water from the pipes. This relieves pressure and reduces the risk of further damage.

Step 4 — Address the Immediate Leak

  • Place buckets or towels to catch dripping water
  • Protect floors — water under hardwood causes warping within hours
  • Remove standing water with a wet-dry vacuum if you have one
  • Open windows to begin drying out the space

Step 5 — Document the Damage

Before cleaning up, take photos and video of everything — the source of the leak, water damage to walls, floors, and possessions. You'll need this for your home insurance claim.

Common Plumbing Emergencies

Burst pipe
Usually caused by freezing. Shut off main immediately. Do not attempt to thaw with open flame.
Overflowing toilet
Shut off the toilet's isolation valve (behind and below the tank). If it won't close, shut the main.
Sewage backup
Stop using all drains and toilets. Call a plumber — do not try to clear yourself if sewage is backing up through floor drains.
Gas leak (distinct from water)
Evacuate immediately, do not operate any switches, call 911 and your gas company from outside.

When to Call a Professional

Always call a licensed plumber for: burst pipes, sewage backups, water heater failures, gas line issues, or any leak you can't isolate with a local shut-off valve. Temporary fixes like plumber's tape only delay the problem.

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