What to Do During a Plumbing Emergency
Plumbing emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time. Whether it’s a burst pipe, backed-up drain, or overflowing toilet, knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make all the difference in protecting your property and minimizing damage.
Here’s a step-by-step guide from the VanMech team to help you act quickly
and safely:
1. Shut Off the Water
Find your main water shut-off valve and turn it off immediately. This stops the flow of water and prevents further flooding.
For sinks and toilets: use the localized shut-off valves below or behind the fixture.
For major leaks or unknown sources: shut off the main valve for the entire building.
2. Turn Off the Water Heater
If the emergency involves hot water, turn off your water heater to avoid pressure buildup or damage.
For electric heaters: turn off the breaker.
For gas units: switch the gas valve to “pilot” mode.
3. Drain Excess Water
Turn on all cold water taps to help empty the pipes and reduce pressure. If safe to do so, mop or soak up standing water to prevent damage to floors and walls.
4. Avoid Using Fixtures
Until the issue is resolved, avoid flushing toilets, running water, or using appliances like dishwashers or washing machines.
5. Call a Licensed Plumber
This is where VanMech comes in. We provide emergency plumbing services across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, responding quickly to help minimize disruption and damage. Our team handles everything from burst pipes and sewage backups to broken water heaters and fixture failures.
6. Document the Damage (If needed)
If you're in a commercial or strata-managed building or may need to file an insurance claim, take photos of the affected area and any visible damage before cleanup begins.
VanMech Is Just a Call Away
Plumbing emergencies are stressful, but you’re not alone. VanMech Mechanical is equipped to respond fast with safe, professional repairs for residential and commercial properties alike.
Need Emergency Plumbing Help? Contact Us Now