Plumbing Emergency in Sacramento? Do This First.
Water pouring from a burst pipe, a toilet overflowing onto the floor, a water heater leaking in the garage. In a plumbing emergency, the first five minutes decide how much damage you're left with. Here's exactly what to do, in order, before a plumber gets there.
Smell gas? Stop reading. Leave the house now, then call 911 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 from outside. Jump to gas leaks.
Step 1: Stop the Water
If you can see where the water is coming from, shut it off at that fixture. If you can't, or if a pipe has burst, shut off the main.
Shut off the fixture valve
Most fixtures have their own shutoff valve:
- Toilet: behind the toilet, near the floor. Turn clockwise.
- Sink: two valves under the sink, one hot and one cold.
- Washing machine: behind the machine, on the hot and cold hoses.
- Dishwasher: usually under the kitchen sink.
- Refrigerator ice maker: behind the fridge or under the sink.
- Water heater: on the cold-water pipe at the top of the tank.
For an overflowing toilet, also lift the tank lid and push the flapper down to stop the water. See toilet repair.
Shut off the main water valve
In most Sacramento homes, the main shutoff is on the front of the house where the water line comes in, often near a hose bib. Some are in the garage. You'll find one of two types:
- Ball valve (lever handle): turn it 90 degrees so the handle sits across the pipe.
- Gate valve (round wheel): turn it clockwise until it stops, which can take several turns.
If the valve is stuck, don't force it. Old gate valves can snap and make things worse. Get it as closed as you can. If it won't close at all, the city or water district can shut the water off at the meter box near the street. City of Sacramento customers call 311. Full steps with photos: how to turn off the water to your house.
Step 2: Make It Safe
Cut the power near the water
Water and electricity are a deadly mix. If water is near outlets, appliances or a cord, switch off that circuit at the breaker panel, but only if you can reach the panel while standing on a dry floor. If there's standing water near the panel, don't touch it. Call SMUD's 24-hour line at 1-888-456-SMUD (7683) so they can cut power at the meter.
Unplug any appliance that's leaking, but only if the plug and the floor around it are dry.
Turn off the water heater if you shut off the main
A water heater with no water coming in can overheat. If you closed the main:
- Gas water heater: turn the control knob to "Pilot" or "Vacation".
- Electric water heater: switch off its breaker.
If the water heater itself is leaking, close the cold-water valve on top of the tank, then turn it off the same way. See water heater repair.
Step 3: Limit the Damage
- Open faucets on the lowest level to drain water left in the pipes.
- Move furniture, rugs and electronics out of the wet area.
- Mop and towel up standing water, and run fans to start drying.
- Take photos and video for your insurance before you clean up too much.
- Don't use drains if the sewer is backing up. Every flush adds to the overflow.
Step 4: Call a Plumber
Once the water is off and the area is safe, call Ace Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning at (916) 455-4548. Tell us what happened, where the water came from, and what you've shut off. We'll tell you what to expect and get a licensed plumber to you as quickly as we can.
What to Do in Specific Emergencies
Burst pipe
Shut off the main right away, then open the lowest faucet to drain the line. Cut power if water is near electrics. In winter, Sacramento's occasional freezing nights can split exposed pipes in attics, garages and on outside walls. Read how to unfreeze frozen pipes safely and how to prevent burst pipes.
Overflowing toilet
Close the shutoff behind the toilet and push the flapper down. Don't flush again. If more than one drain is backing up at once, the problem is likely in the main sewer line, not the toilet.
Sewer backup
If sewage comes up through a floor drain, tub or toilet, stop using all water in the house. Keep people and pets away; sewage carries bacteria. Older Sacramento neighborhoods often have clay sewer lines that roots break into. You'll need professional sewer and drain clearing.
Water heater leak
Close the cold-water valve on top, then turn off the gas or the breaker. A small drip from the relief valve can wait for a service call. Water pooling under the tank usually means the tank is failing.
Slab leak
Signs of a slab leak include a warm spot on the floor, the sound of running water when nothing's on, a water bill that jumps for no reason, or damp flooring. Shut off the main if you see water, and call for slab leak detection and repair.
Gas leak
If you smell rotten eggs or hear hissing near a gas line or appliance:
- Get everyone, pets included, out of the house now.
- Don't flip switches, use your phone, light anything, or start a car in the garage while you're inside. A spark can ignite gas.
- From a safe distance, call 911, then PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
- Don't go back in until PG&E or the fire department says it's safe.
Once the area is cleared, Ace can repair the line. See gas line repair.
Carbon monoxide alarm
Carbon monoxide has no smell. If the CO alarm goes off, or anyone has a headache, dizziness, nausea or confusion, get everyone outside to fresh air and call 911. Have your furnace and gas water heater checked before you use them again.
Is It an Emergency, or Can It Wait?
| Call now | Can usually wait for a scheduled visit |
|---|---|
| Burst or spraying pipe | A dripping faucet |
| Water you can't shut off | One slow drain |
| Sewage backing up | A running toilet (shut off its valve) |
| Gas smell or hissing | A small relief-valve drip on the water heater |
| No water to the whole house | Low pressure at one fixture |
| Water near electrical panels or outlets | A noisy pipe |
Get Ready Before an Emergency Happens
- Find your main shutoff now and show everyone in the house where it is. Put a tag on it.
- Test your fixture valves once or twice a year. Turn each one off and back on so it doesn't seize.
- Keep a few tools near the main: a water-meter key, an adjustable wrench and a flashlight.
- Turn off the main before a trip of more than a few days. When you get back, open it slowly and run the taps for a minute.
- Get ahead of winter. Insulate pipes in the attic, garage and crawl space, and cover outdoor spigots. See our winter plumbing checklist.
- Know the warning signs. Many emergencies start as small problems. Read about common plumbing problems in Sacramento homes.
FAQs
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
Anything that's causing water damage right now, a sewage backup, a gas smell, or a loss of water to the whole house. A drip or one slow drain can usually wait.
Where is the main water shutoff in a Sacramento house?
Usually on the front exterior wall where the water line enters, often next to a hose bib, or in the garage. There's also a shutoff in the meter box near the street, which normally needs a meter key.
Should I turn off the water heater if I shut off the main?
Yes. Set a gas heater to "Pilot" or "Vacation", or switch off the breaker for an electric one, so it doesn't heat with no water coming in.
What should I do while waiting for the plumber?
Keep the water off, keep people away from wet electrics, move valuables out of the way, start drying the area, and take photos for insurance.
Does homeowners insurance cover a burst pipe?
Many policies cover sudden water damage from a burst pipe, but not damage from a slow leak or poor maintenance. Check your policy and call your insurer early.
Ace Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning has helped Sacramento homeowners through plumbing emergencies since 1972. Once the water is off, call (916) 455-4548 or request service online. See all our plumbing services in Sacramento.