What counts as an emergency
- A pipe that has split or a fitting that has blown off.
- Sewage rising through a floor drain, tub or toilet.
- A water heater leaking from the tank itself.
- A sump pump that has stopped while the pit is filling.
- Every tap in the house is dry.
- A toilet overflowing that will not stop at the supply stop.
A dripping tap, a slow basin or a running toilet is worth fixing soon, but can usually wait for a planned visit.
What to do before we arrive
| Problem | Your first move |
|---|---|
| Burst or leaking pipe | Shut the main, then crack a basement faucet |
| Leaking water heater | Close the cold supply on top; turn gas to pilot or switch off power |
| Sewer backup | Stop using all water; keep people and pets away |
| Sump pump failure | Check the plug and breaker; bail if you can do so safely |
| Overflowing toilet | Lift the tank lid and push the flapper down; close the stop |
Knowing where the main valve is turns a burst into a mop-up instead of a renovation.
How we handle the call
When you phone, we want to know three things: the source of the water, whether a valve has stopped it, and whether wiring or appliances are wet. That tells us whether to come with drain machines, pipe repair materials, a water heater part or a pump. Once on site we stop the source, make a safe temporary or permanent repair, and explain what needs doing later, if anything.
Making the next one less likely
Most emergencies give small warnings first: a pump that cycles oddly, a rusty drip under the water heater, a floor drain that gurgles. Our chronicle has plain checklists, including a burst pipe walk-through and what to expect on the visit. For specific repairs see burst pipe repair and sump pump repair.
Keep an eye out
- Water where it has no business being.
- Drains slowing across the house.
- Hot water changes you cannot explain.
- Rising water bill with no new use.
Markham note: village-core houses tend to hide cast iron and galvanized behind plaster, while Cornell and Box Grove builds run PEX to a manifold. We ask the year your house was built so the right fittings ride along on the truck.
Straight from the phone log
Does the water heater need attention once the main is closed?
For a long shutdown, yes: put a gas unit on pilot or cut power to an electric one, since a draining cylinder should not keep firing.
What if I cannot find my main shut-off?
Call us. We can usually guide you to it by phone in a minute or two.
Ready to get it fixed?
One call, a clear explanation, and work finished tidily before we leave.