Emergency plumbing: what to do when you have a leak

A plumbing leak can quickly escalate from a minor inconvenience to a major disaster, causing significant damage to your home and possessions. Knowing how to handle an emergency leak can save you hundreds of dollars in repair costs and prevent extensive water damage.

Here are some crucial steps to take if you encounter a plumbing leak, brought to you by John The Plumber.

1. Know your main water shut-off valve

The first and most important step in any plumbing emergency is to stop the flow of water. Every homeowner should know the location of their main water shut-off valve. Typically, this valve is located where the water line enters your home, often in a basement, crawl space or utility area. Familiarize yourself with its location and how to turn it off-usually, it's as simple as turning the valve clockwise. If you do not have a main water shut off, have your friendly plumber install one for you. Do not turn the valve on the main water meter. That should only be handled by the proper water authority (see #3).

2. Shut off water at fixtures

In addition to the main shut-off valve, it's important to know how to shut off water at individual fixtures. Sinks and toilets have dedicated shut-off valves, usually located underneath or behind them. For sinks, look for a small valve on the pipes leading to the faucet. For toilets, the valve is typically found where the water line connects to the toilet tank. Turning these valves clockwise will stop the flow of water to the specific fixture, potentially preventing a small leak from becoming a major problem.

3. Emergency contacts

In an emergency, knowing the right contacts can make all the difference. Ensure you have the emergency number for your water district on hand. In Tehachapi, there are several water districts, so be sure you have the correct number for your area. Having this information readily available can expedite the response from utility services, further minimizing damage. Do not attempt to shut off water at the meter itself.

Save this info for future use:

City of Tehachapi (661) 822-2200 (option 2)

Golden Hills CSD (661) 822-3064 (option 2)

Bear Valley CSD (661) 821-4428 (option 3)

Stallion Springs CSD (661) 753-6207 (there is an $80 after hour emergency service fee)

4. Call a professional plumber

Once you've stopped the water flow, contact a professional plumber immediately. John The Plumber is here to help with any plumbing emergency. Call us at (661) 823-8031, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Our experienced team is ready to provide quick and efficient service to get your plumbing back in working order.

By taking these proactive steps and knowing how to respond in an emergency, you can protect your home from severe water damage. At John The Plumber, we are committed to providing top-notch plumbing services to our Tehachapi community. Remember, a little knowledge can go a long way in safeguarding your home.