Step one: shut the main
- Go to the water meter, which in most Vaughan houses sits near the floor on the street-side foundation wall.
- Turn the valve just downstream of the meter (the house side) clockwise until it stops. A lever valve turns a quarter turn across the pipe.
- If the handle will not move, do not force it with a wrench until it snaps. Call and tell us it is seized.
Step two: drain the lines
Crack open whichever cold tap sits lowest, typically the laundry tub or an outside hose bib, and the highest tap upstairs. That empties the pipes so the split stops dripping. Flush each toilet once.
Standing over the problem right now?Ring (365) 364-0926 and describe what you see.
Step three: protect what you can
- Pail under the drip; towels on the floor.
- If a ceiling is bulging, poke a small hole at the lowest point with a screwdriver over a pail to let the water out in one place.
- Move boxes, rugs and electronics off the basement floor.
- Take photos and video before cleanup for your insurer.
Step four: look and report
| What you see | What it often is |
|---|---|
| Copper with a long split | Usually freeze damage |
| A fitting blown off | Often an old push-fit or a loose compression nut |
| Pinhole spray | Thinning copper |
| Hose or supply line burst | Washer, toilet or sink supply |
When you call, tell us the pipe material (copper, PEX, galvanized), where it is and whether the main is now off. That tells us what fittings to bring. Our burst pipe repair page covers the repair itself.
Questions from callers
Should I turn off the power?
Only when you can get to the panel on dry concrete and water is threatening outlets.
Can I use the toilets with the water off?
Each toilet gives one flush from its tank. After that, wait.
Can I patch it myself?
A clamp can slow a drip, but cut-out and new fittings are the real repair.
Ready when you are.Call Vaughan Plumbers at (365) 364-0926. A person answers.