A water leak needs emergency repair when you cannot shut it off, it is spreading quickly, it is near electricity, or it is reaching another home. A slow drip you can stop with a valve can usually wait for a scheduled visit.
Can You Stop It?
Try the nearest valve first. Sinks, toilets, and many appliances have their own shutoff. If closing it stops the leak, you have time to plan a repair. If water keeps coming, close the main or unit shutoff. A leak that keeps flowing with every valve closed is an emergency.
Is It Spreading?
Water moving across a floor, into another room, or through a ceiling can cause serious damage in a short time. In apartment and condo buildings, it may also reach the units below. Let your building staff know right away.
Is It Near Power?
Water near outlets, light fixtures, or the electrical panel is a safety risk. Stay out of that area. Turn off power at the breaker only if you can reach it without standing in water.
Leaks That Can Wait a Little
Some leaks are worth fixing soon but are not urgent:
- A faucet dripping into the sink
- A small drip under a sink that a bucket can catch
- A toilet that runs now and then
Close the valve if you can and schedule a repair before it gets worse.
Water soaks into wood, drywall, and flooring. The longer it sits, the bigger the repair. Damp spots can also grow mold within a day or two, and that adds a second problem to clean up.
When a leak is urgent, closing the valve and repairing the source is the first job, and the repair comes next. JPR Plumbing can help at (833) 603-1840. Slower leaks that are not spreading can usually wait for an appointment later in the week, as long as you keep an eye on them.