Reviewed by AJ Robles Owner & Licensed Master Plumber · LIC# RMP 46529 Updated June 25, 2026 A burst pipe, an overflowing toilet, or a leaking water heater can dump gallons of water into your home fast. The minutes before a plumber arrives are the ones that limit the damage — so here's exactly what to do, in order. Save this page now; you'll be glad you know where things are before it happens.
Step 1: Shut off the water
For a single fixture — a toilet, sink, or water heater — close its angle stop (the small valve right at the fixture). For a burst pipe or any leak you can't isolate, go straight to your home's main shutoff valve and turn it clockwise to cut water to the whole house. This single step stops most active leaks.
Step 2: For a water-heater leak, close the tank valve too
If the water heater is the source, close the cold-water shutoff on top of the tank to stop the supply. For a gas unit, turn the control knob to "off." A leak from the tank body (not a fitting) means the unit needs replacement before it fails completely.
Step 3: Kill the power if water is near electricity
Standing water and electricity don't mix. Switch off the breaker to a leaking electric water heater, or to any outlet or appliance sitting in water. If water is anywhere near your electrical panel and you have any doubt, stay clear and call an electrician — your safety comes first.
Step 4: Contain the water and document the damage
Move furniture and valuables out of the way, lay down towels, and use a wet/dry vac or a mop to pull up standing water so it doesn't soak into floors and walls. Take photos and a quick video before you clean up — your insurance will want them.
Step 5: Call a licensed plumber
With the water off and the area safe, call us. We answer 7 AM – 7 PM, 7 days/week across Greater Houston, and we'll give you an honest arrival window — not a vague "sometime today." If it's a true emergency like a burst line or sewage backup, say so and we'll prioritize it.
Know your main shutoff before you need it
The best emergency prep is a two-minute walk this weekend: find your main shutoff (usually near the street meter or where the line enters the house), make sure it turns, and show everyone in the home where it is. When water is spreading across the floor, you'll want that knowledge already in muscle memory. For more, see signs of a slab leak and our repair services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is my home's main water shutoff valve? +
In most Greater Houston homes it's near the street where the water line enters the property (often by the meter box), or where the main line enters the house. Find it before you ever need it. Turning it clockwise (right) shuts off water to the whole house and stops most active leaks fast.
What should I do first in a plumbing emergency? +
Stop the water. For a single fixture, close its supply valve; for a major leak or burst pipe, shut off the home's main valve. Then cut power to any electric appliance in standing water at the breaker, move valuables, and call a licensed plumber. We answer 7 AM – 7 PM, 7 days/week across Greater Houston.
My water heater is leaking — what do I turn off? +
Close the cold-water shutoff valve on top of the tank to stop the supply. For an electric unit, switch off its breaker; for gas, set the control to 'off.' Then call us. A leak from the tank body (not a fitting) means the unit needs replacement before it fails completely.