Plumbing Emergency Checklist
Emergencies go better when the plan was written down on a calm day. Print this, fill in the blanks, and keep it near the basement stairs.
- Plain steps you can follow before calling
- What to check, what to leave alone
- When the job needs a plumber
- Milton water, weather and housing in mind
- Licensed plumbing trade
- Booked around your day
- Price agreed before work
- Phone only, no forms
2 minute read
Written for Milton homeowners doing the first look themselves.
Have handy
- Flashlight and a bucket
- Rags or old towels
- Your main shut-off located
Stop and call when
A ceiling is dripping, a drain is pushing sewage back up, or you smell gas.
Fill this in now
- Main water valve location: ____________
- Water heater cold valve location: ____________
- Gas meter and shut-off location: ____________
- Electrical panel location: ____________
- Sump pump and backup location: ____________
- Cleanout location: ____________
- Plumber: Milton Plumbing Company, (365) 990-9915
- Insurance policy number and claims line: ____________
If a pipe bursts
- Close the main valve.
- Turn off power to affected areas if the panel is dry and safe.
- Run a basement tap to bleed the lines.
- Move valuables and electronics off the floor.
- Take photos, then call.
If sewage backs up
- Stop using every fixture and appliance that drains.
- Keep children and pets away from the water.
- Do not wade in if it reaches outlets or appliances.
- Ring a plumber, then your insurer.
If you smell gas
- Leave the house immediately.
- Do not use switches, phones or anything that sparks inside.
- Call Enbridge Gas or 911 from outside.
- Call us only after the gas company says it is safe.
Kit list: flashlight, towels, a bucket, a wet vac if you have one, and a printed copy of this page.
If the water heater leaks
- Close the cold valve above the tank.
- Turn the gas control off, or switch off the breaker for an electric heater.
- Clip a hose onto the drain valve and lead it to the floor drain if the leak is heavy.
Afterwards
Dry things quickly: fans, dehumidifiers and open windows when the weather allows. Wet drywall and carpet underlay may need removal to prevent mould. Keep receipts for clean-up. For a damaged sewer line, see trenchless sewer replacement. Owners in Willmott and elsewhere find the checklist most useful taped right beside the main valve.
Questions we get asked
Insurer or plumber, who gets the first call?
Shut off the water, then ring a plumber to make it safe. Call your insurer as soon as practical.
What if I cannot close the main valve?
Call us right away. In some cases the municipal valve at the curb is needed.
How risky is sewage water?
Very. Do not touch it bare-handed, keep kids and pets out, and glove up for the clean-up.