What to Do When You Find a Water Leak

Water leaks never seem to happen at convenient times, and can be stressful to deal with, especially if you don’t have any plumbing experience. Knowing what to do in the case of a water leak will help you identify the source of a problem on your own, understand the urgency, and know when to call in a plumbing professional for help.

Determine What Kind of Leak It Is

The first thing you want to do when you find a leak is to determine what category the leak falls into. This will help you know whether you’re dealing with an inconvenience or an emergency situation and inform your next steps. 

  • Non-Urgent. Non-urgent leaks pose a minimal risk of damage to your home and the items in it, but may still take time, money, and effort to resolve. These are minor issues but still should be addressed.
  • Urgent. These types of leaks are more serious than the previous category, but there will be no need to take immediate drastic action. These types of leaks often start small but will worsen over time and can cause significant damage if not addressed in a timely way.
  • Emergency. If you’re experiencing an emergency leak, you’ll know. This is when your home is being flooded with a significant amount of water, often from a major event such as a burst pipe. These leaks have a high risk of causing structural damage to your home and water damage to your belongings. They must be addressed immediately.

If It’s an Emergency

If you’re experiencing a major leak, turn off the main water supply to your house via your water main if possible. Release the water pressure in your plumbing system by running the sink in the kitchen or bathroom until no more water comes out or just a trickle remains. Don’t turn the water back on until a plumber gives you the okay to do so, as that can cause further damage.

You’ll also want to get started on clean-up as quickly as possible. If possible, snap some photos of the damage before taking any action for insurance purposes, then use towels or sponges to soak up as much water as you can. Open windows and run fans if you have them to aid in the drying process. Getting the room as dry as you can will minimize damage to your home, flooring, and furniture. It’s also important to contact your insurance company soon after the incident, as letting water stand for even one day can cause huge mold problems that are difficult to deal with later on.

Lastly, make sure you call a professional. Many plumbing companies offer emergency plumbing services meant just for these situations. They can come to your house quickly to get started on diagnosing and addressing the issue. It’s important to get help as soon as possible to avoid incurring additional damage and costs.

Professional Plumbing Services in St. George, UT, and Mesquite, NV

No matter the severity of your water leak, the professional plumbers at A-1 Services can help. In addition to routine services, we offer emergency plumbing services and are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A-1 Services has locations in St. George, Utah, and Mesquite, Nevada. We have been serving customers throughout Southern Utah and Nevada since 1976. Contact us today to learn more, request a quote, or schedule an appointment.