Know where your main shutoff is
Every house has a valve that stops all the water. In most Norwalk homes it is on the front of the house where the water line comes out of the ground, often next to a hose bib. There is a second shutoff in the meter box at the curb.
Find yours today, before you need it. Turn it a little to make sure it moves. A valve that has not been touched in twenty years can be stuck when it counts.
Burst pipe or a leak you cannot stop
- Shut off the main valve.
- Open a faucet at the lowest point of the house to drain the lines.
- If water is near outlets or the electrical panel, turn off power to that area at the breaker. Do not stand in water to do it.
- Move what you can out of the way and get towels or a bucket down.
Overflowing toilet
Turn the small valve on the wall behind the toilet clockwise until it stops. If it will not turn, lift the tank lid and push the flapper down over the hole at the bottom. Do not flush again.
Sewage coming up in the tub or shower
That means the main drain is blocked. Every gallon you send down any drain in the house comes back up at the lowest fixture. Stop running water everywhere: no flushing, no laundry, no dishwasher. Then call.
Leaking water heater
Close the cold water valve on the pipe above the heater. On a gas heater, turn the gas control knob to off. On an electric heater, switch off its breaker. A tank that is leaking from the bottom will not seal itself, but shutting it down stops the flood.
If you smell gas
Leave the house first. Do not flip light switches, light anything, or start a car in the garage. Call the gas company or 911 from outside. Once the gas company has made it safe, a licensed plumber repairs the line and gets it tested so service can be restored.
Then call
One Hour Plumbing Service is based in Norwalk and answers 24 hours a day. There is no emergency premium for nights, weekends, or holidays. Tell Mickey what is happening and he will give you a real arrival time.
Related service: Emergency Plumbing
Service area: Plumber in Norwalk