Water where it shouldn’t be? Start here.
Choose what’s happening to see exactly what to do in the next few minutes — then request a plumber. Burst and frozen pipes, flooded basements, sewer backups and failed water heaters.
- Make safe firstStop the damage, then a permanent repair.
- Price before workThe problem and price explained before repairs start.
- Equipped for emergenciesCamera, jetter and pipe-freeze kit on the truck.
- Written reportPhotos and findings ready for your insurer.
The first five minutes decide the damage
Most water damage happens while people are searching for a phone number. This is the order that limits it.
- 00:00
Stop the water
Close the main shut-off, or the fixture valve if the leak is at one fixture.
- 00:30
Make it safe
Stay out of water near outlets, cords or the electrical panel.
- 01:30
Relieve pressure
Open a low tap to drain the lines; turn off the water heater if it’s leaking.
- 03:00
Record it
Take photos and video before moving anything — it helps any insurance claim.
- 05:00
Request help
Describe the incident, whether the water is off, and access details.
Call now, same day, or can it wait?
A quick way to decide how urgent your problem really is.
- Water you can’t stop, even with the main valve off
- Sewage coming up from floor drains or toilets
- No water at all during a cold snap
- Leak near electrical wiring or the panel
- A leak that stops when a fixture valve is closed
- Water heater leaking slowly or not heating
- One drain or toilet blocked, others working
- Sump pump running constantly
- Dripping tap or running toilet
- Slow-draining sink
- Low pressure at one fixture
- Planning a backwater valve or sump upgrade
Plumbing emergencies follow the seasons
Canadian homes face different risks through the year — and the busiest emergency days are predictable.
WinterFrozen & burst pipesLines in exterior walls, garages and crawl spaces freeze during cold snaps — and often burst as they thaw.
SpringSnowmelt & sump pumpsGroundwater rises and sump pumps work hardest. A failed pump floods a basement fast.
SummerStorm sewer backupsIntense storms overload city sewers and push water back through basement drains.
FallWinterize before it freezesShut off and drain outdoor taps, insulate exposed lines and test the sump.
Can you find your main shut-off in the dark?
It’s usually where the water line enters the home, near the meter — often in the basement. Our interactive finder shows the valves in a typical Canadian house.
What happens when you request help
Triage call
We confirm the incident, whether the water is off, and any safety risks.
Dispatch
A plumber is assigned with the right equipment for that type of emergency.
Price before work
The problem is assessed and the price explained before repairs start.
Make safe, then fix
Stop the damage first, then a permanent repair and a written report.
Need a plumber right now?
Request emergency service, or use the triage guide while you wait.