Emergency Action Plan

When it comes to water damage, your energy is best spent on prevention.    But it's also good to know how to handle an emergency.

1. Stop the Water
   Leaking Plumbing Fixture
   Turn the Water Supply Off -Twist the handle on the water supply shut off valve clockwise until it stops.  This valve is typically located on the pipe feeding water to the plumbing fixture - just behind or just below the fixture (i.e. toilets, sinks, washing machine).   In some cases where the supply valve is not readily accessible, you will need to turn off the main water supply.
   Main Water Supply Shut-Off
   Choose the option that best suits your circumstance.
   A.    Turn off the main water valve in a clockwise direction until the water shuts off. This valve is typically located in front of the house just below the garden hose faucet. After shutting the main water supply off, open up an outside faucet to allow the pressure to be relieved and excess water in the system to drain outside.
   B.    Shut off the main water supply from the city, located in the water meter box, usually underground near the street.  A street key is required for access.
   C.    You can also call your local water department or our friendly staff for assistance.
   

2. Move furniture. Remove everything you can from a wet carpet (dyes and stains on wood furniture may bleed onto the carpet); if you can't move a piece of furniture, put aluminum foil or a plastic bag under the legs.  Lift draperies up off the floor. You can leave draperies in place but get them up off the floor by putting them on clothes hangers and hooking the hanger onto the drapery rod.

3.  Pay Attention! If you can spot water in the carpet or it reaches a wall juncture, treat the problem seriously. It may travel unseen four or five feet along the floor, through the carpet pad, possibly reaching cabinets, walls, insulation, other rooms and the subfloor, elevating the risk of mold

4. Get help fast!  Call All About Plumbing to get quick affordable plumbing service.
   
   

 Although knowing how to handle an emergency is essential to limiting the damage of unwanted water in your home, when it comes to water damage, your energy is best spent on prevention.  Please see our Plumbing Maintenance Page for information about our professional Maintenance Plans.