How to Stop a Water Leak

If you're experiencing an active leak from your water heater or plumbing system, follow these steps to safely shut off the water and minimize damage.

• Locate the water heater’s cold water shutoff valve. This is typically a lever or knob found on the cold pipe entering the top of the tank (or bottom if it is a tankless wall-mounted unit).
• Turn the shutoff valve clockwise (right) to close it. This stops new water from entering the water heater.
• If your water heater doesn’t have a shutoff valve or it’s not working, locate the main water shutoff valve for your home. This is usually found near the water meter, in a basement, utility room, crawl space, or near the foundation where the water line enters.
• Turn the main shutoff valve clockwise to close it (may require multiple turns). This will stop water to your entire house until the leak is addressed.
• Open the hot water valve on any faucet at the lowest level of your home (e.g., basement sink or tub). This helps drain excess water and relieves pressure in the pipes.
• Go to the highest level of your home and open the hot water valve on any faucet (e.g., upstairs bathroom, kitchen, etc). This lets air into the system so the water can drain through the lowest faucet.
• Contain the leak while you wait. Use towels, sheets, buckets, mops, a shop-vac, or other methods to prevent further water damage in the area of the leak.
• Call a licensed plumber for inspection and repair. Leaks often indicate failed tanks, hoses, valves, joints, pipes, or other pressure issues — have a professional inspect the system before turning water back on.