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What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives

Oct 7, 2026·4 min read·By Clovis Rooters
Hand closing the shut-off valve under a bathroom sink, with a towel and a bucket catching drips

When water is spreading across the floor, every minute counts. What you do before the plumber gets there decides how much gets wet, how much gets ruined and how big the cleanup is.

This checklist covers four common plumbing emergencies: burst pipes, leaking water heaters, sewer backups and gas smells. Save it now, so you aren't searching for it later.

Step One: Know Your Shutoffs Before You Need Them

The most useful thing you can do takes five minutes, and you do it on a calm day.

ShutoffWhere to look in most Clovis homesWhat it stops
Main water shutoffNear the front hose bib, or where the water line enters the houseAll water to the house
Water heater cold valveOn the cold water pipe at the top of the tankWater into the heater
Fixture valvesUnder sinks and behind toiletsWater to one fixture
Electrical panelGarage or side of the housePower to wet areas and electric water heaters

Test the main valve once a year. Old valves can stick. If yours won't turn, don't force it. A plumber can replace it before you need it.

Burst Pipe or Major Leak

1Shut off the main water valve. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
2Stay clear of standing water near outlets. If water is near electrical outlets or cords, switch off that area at the panel only if you can reach it safely from a dry spot.
3Open a faucet on the lowest floor. This drains water left in the pipes and takes pressure off the leak.
4Move what you can. Lift rugs, electronics and boxes off the floor.
5Take photos. Capture the leak, the water and anything damaged before you clean up.

Water still spreading? Call Clovis Rooters at (559) 418-4780, 24/7. Arrival time depends on where you are in Clovis, traffic and the jobs already underway. You'll get a realistic time when you call. For hidden or slow leaks, see our leak detection service.

Leaking Water Heater

1Close the cold water valve on the pipe at the top of the tank. This stops new water from entering.
2Turn off the heat source. On a gas heater, turn the control knob to OFF. On an electric heater, switch off its breaker.
3Don't drain it yourself. The water inside can be hot enough to scald.
4Clear the area and put towels down to keep water away from walls and stored items.

If water is dripping from a fitting or the relief valve pipe, it may be a repair. If it's coming from the tank itself, it usually means replacement. Learn more on our water heater repair and replacement page.

Sewer Backup

1Stop using all water. No flushing, showers, dishwasher or laundry. Every drop goes to the same blocked line.
2Keep people and pets away. Sewage carries bacteria. Don't walk through it barefoot.
3Open windows to air out the room.
4Leave the cleanout cap on. Sewage can spill out under pressure if you open it during a backup.

If several drains are backing up, the blockage is likely in your main sewer line. In Clovis, homeowners are responsible for that line all the way to the city main. Read Who Owns the Sewer Line? or see our sewer line repair service.

Gas Smell

PG&E's guidance is to "leave the area now and call 9-1-1." Then:

Don't switch lights, appliances or the garage door on or off
Don't use a lighter, match or anything that could spark
Call from outside, a safe distance from the house
Don't turn the gas back on yourself

Once the area is safe and the leak is found, a plumber can repair or replace the line. See our gas line installation and repair service.

Keep a Record for Insurance

Photos and notes help if you file a claim later. Take pictures before cleanup, and keep any failed parts the plumber removes. If we do the repair, we can note what we find and how the plumbing failed.

You can submit these documents to your insurance company to request compensation. Whether a loss is covered is between you and your insurer. We don't make coverage decisions or promise any outcome.

Call a Clovis Plumber Now

Call Clovis Rooters at (559) 418-4780, 24/7. There is no fixed price. Cost is set after the job is assessed.

Call (559) 418-4780

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