Burst or leaking pipe
- Close the main valve.
- Switch off breakers for wet areas.
- Open a faucet at the lowest point to drain the lines.
- Move valuables and take photos for insurance.
Home / Emergency help
Plumbing emergency? Do these three things.
Then call. A dispatcher answers in about 9 seconds, day or night, and stays on the line until the water stops.
1
Stop the water
Close the valve nearest the leak. If you cannot find one, close the main. The guide below shows where to look.
2
Cut the power
Switch off the breaker for any outlet, light or appliance that is wet. Stay out of standing water near cords.
3
Call Torrent
Tell the dispatcher your ZIP code and what you see. You get an arrival window before you hang up.
Call (916) 555-0137Shutoff valve guide
Where the water stops.
Pick what is leaking. Every valve in a house turns clockwise to close. Lever handles close when they sit across the pipe.
Whole-house main valve
- Find it. Most Sacramento homes have the main where the water line enters the house, near the front hose faucet or inside the garage wall.
- Turn it clockwise until it stops. A lever handle turns a quarter turn until it sits across the pipe.
- Still running? The meter box at the curb has a city-side valve that needs a meter key. Call us and we will talk you through it.
Find your main valve today and tie a tag on it. In an emergency you will not want to search.
Toilet supply valve
- Find the oval handle on the wall behind the toilet, usually low and on the left.
- Turn it clockwise until it stops. The tank stops refilling.
- Lift the tank lid and press the rubber flapper down to stop water running into the bowl.
If the valve will not turn, do not force it. Old valves snap. Close the main instead.
Sink valves
- Open the cabinet under the sink. Look for two small valves, one for hot and one for cold.
- Turn each one clockwise until it stops.
- Open the faucet to confirm the water stops, and set a bucket under any drip.
No valves under the sink? Some older homes never got them. Close the main and ask us to add valves on the next visit.
Water heater
- Gas heater: turn the control knob on the front to OFF. Electric heater: switch off its breaker.
- Close the cold water valve on the pipe at the top of the tank. Lever handles turn a quarter turn.
- Keep clear of the drain valve and the relief pipe. The water inside can scald.
A tank leaking from the bottom will not seal itself. Ask for a replacement quote today.
Washing machine
- Find the two valves in the box on the wall behind the washer.
- Turn both clockwise, or flip both levers so they sit across the pipe.
- Unplug the washer before you pull it out to look at a burst hose.
Rubber washer hoses fail after 5 to 7 years. Braided steel hoses cost about $35 and last longer.
Checklists
What to do, problem by problem.
Sewer or drain backup
- Stop all water use. No flushing, laundry or dishes.
- Keep kids and pets away from the water.
- Skip chemical drain cleaners. They burn skin and pipe.
- Open windows and run fans.
Water heater leaking
- Turn the gas knob to OFF or switch off the breaker.
- Close the cold valve at the top of the tank.
- Do not touch the relief valve or drain. Hot water scalds.
- Set towels around the base and call.
Toilet overflowing
- Close the valve behind the toilet.
- Lift the tank lid and press the flapper down.
- Do not flush again.
- Other drains slow too? That points to the sewer line.
No hot water
- Gas: look through the window for the pilot flame.
- Electric: check for a tripped breaker.
- After relighting, wait 30 minutes for hot water.
- Pilot will not stay lit? Call us.
You smell gas
- Leave the house now. Take people and pets.
- Do not flip switches or use a phone inside.
- From outside, call 911 and your gas utility.
- Call us after the utility clears the home.
When you call
What happens next.
- 0:00
A person answers
Average pickup is 9 seconds. No phone menu.
- 0:02
You get a text
Your plumber's name, photo and arrival window.
- 0:45
Plumber arrives
Shoe covers on. Finds the cause first.
- 0:55
Price in writing
You approve it before any work starts.
- Done
Fixed and cleaned
1-year labor warranty and photos for your insurer.
Times are typical for Zone 1 neighborhoods. Check your zone.