Frequently Asked Questions

Close the main shutoff valve where water enters your home. Then open a low faucet to relieve pressure, move belongings away from the water and keep clear of electrical outlets that are wet.

It is usually where the water line enters the home, often in a garage, utility room, crawl space or along an exterior wall near the front hose connection. Find it before an emergency and check that it turns.

Water flowing where it should not, sewage backing up, a complete loss of water, a leaking water heater or an overflowing fixture that will not stop. A slow drip can usually be scheduled.

It is best to stop using fixtures connected to the damaged line. If you do not know which line it is, use the main shutoff valve and avoid running water until the source is understood.

Tree roots, grease and wipes, shifted or collapsed pipe and aging materials are common causes. Several slow fixtures at once usually point to the main line.

Turn off the power or gas control, close the cold water supply to the heater and keep the area clear. If you smell gas, leave the home and contact your gas utility or local emergency services.

A water meter that moves when every fixture is off, damp or musty smells, stained ceilings, bubbling paint and unexplained water use are the common signs.

Yes. The Apartment Plumbing Emergencies page covers leaks that reach other units, shared drain backups and who to notify in a shared building.

The website focuses on homeowners in Contra Costa County, California. The Service Areas page shows a county map for orientation.

No. This is an independent website about emergency plumbing needs. Any repair work and service agreement are the responsibility of the contractor you choose.

Use any Contact button on this website. The Contact page also lists what to prepare so that you can describe the problem clearly.