What to Do When You Find a Plumbing Leak?

You walk into the kitchen and notice water underneath the cabinet. Or maybe there's a new water stain on the ceiling. Or worse—you hear water running somewhere, but you have absolutely no idea where it's coming from.

First: don't panic.

Plumbing leaks happen, and knowing what to do next can help you limit additional water damage while you figure out where the water is coming from.

Here's what homeowners should do when they discover a plumbing leak.

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1. Figure Out How Serious the Leak Is

There's a big difference between an occasional drip and water actively pouring from a pipe.

Take a quick look at what's happening.

Ask yourself:

• Is water actively flowing?

• Is the water spreading?

• Is it coming through a ceiling or wall?

• Is it near anything electrical?

• Can I tell which fixture or pipe it's coming from?

• Is the leak getting worse?

If water is actively escaping from the plumbing, your first priority is stopping or reducing the flow when it is safe to do so.

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2. Shut Off the Water If Necessary

Knowing where your water shutoff valves are before you have a leak can save you a lot of stress.

If the leak is coming from a specific fixture, there may be a nearby shutoff valve that allows you to stop water to that fixture without shutting off water to the entire home.

If you have a significant water-line leak and can't isolate it, you may need to shut off the home's main water supply.

Homeowner Tip:

Take a few minutes this week to locate your home's main water shutoff.

Don't wait until water is pouring somewhere to start looking for it.

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3. Keep Water Away From Electricity

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.

If water is leaking near outlets, electrical panels, appliances, light fixtures, or other electrical components, don't enter standing water or touch electrical equipment.

When electrical hazards may be involved, safety comes first

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4. Catch or Contain the Water If You Can

Once the water supply has been controlled, you can work on limiting additional damage.

Depending on the situation, you may be able to use:

• Buckets

• Towels

• A wet/dry vacuum

• Containers

• Other absorbent materials

Move belongings away from the wet area when it's safe to do so.

The goal isn't to repair the plumbing yourself—it's simply to keep the water from spreading while you arrange for the problem to be addressed.

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5. Don't Assume the Wet Spot Is the Source

This one surprises a lot of homeowners.

Water travels.

If you see a wet spot on your ceiling, the leaking pipe may not be directly above that exact spot.

Water can travel along pipes, framing, drywall, and other materials before finally becoming visible.

The same applies to water inside cabinets or around flooring.

Where you see the water isn't necessarily where the leak started.

That's one reason finding the actual source of a plumbing leak is so important.

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6. Look for Other Warning Signs

Some leaks don't announce themselves with a giant puddle.

Your home may have been giving you clues before you noticed the water.

Watch for:

• Water stains on ceilings or walls

• Damp areas

• Bubbling or peeling paint

• Musty odors

• Moisture inside cabinets

• Sounds of dripping or running water

• Unexpected increases in water usage

• Recurring wet spots

• Visible corrosion around piping or connections

If you've noticed several of these signs together, make sure you mention them when scheduling your plumbing appointment.

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7. Take Photos of What You Find

Before everything gets moved or cleaned up, take a few photos or videos of what you're seeing.

Document:

• Where the water appeared

• Visible leaking

• Water stains

• Damaged areas

• Nearby plumbing

• Anything else that looks unusual

This can give you a record of what the area looked like when you first discovered the problem.

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8. Don't Ignore a Leak Just Because It Stopped

This is important.

If water suddenly appears and then stops, that doesn't necessarily mean the problem fixed itself.

Some leaks only occur when a particular fixture, appliance, or section of plumbing is being used.

If you don't know why water appeared, it's worth figuring out the source before assuming everything is okay.

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9. Know When It's Time to Call a Plumber

Some plumbing problems are obvious.

Others aren't.

If you can't determine where the water is coming from, the leak keeps returning, plumbing is concealed behind a wall, or you're uncomfortable dealing with the situation, it's time to have it professionally evaluated.

A plumber can determine what's actually leaking and what needs to be repaired.

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Can a Small Leak Really Cause a Big Problem?

It can.

A tiny drip may not look like much at first, but a leak that continues unnoticed can repeatedly expose drywall, cabinets, flooring, and other materials to moisture.

That's why the length of time a leak continues can matter just as much as how dramatic it looks.

Small doesn't always mean harmless.

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One Thing Every Homeowner Should Do Today

Go find your main water shutoff valve.

Seriously.

You don't need to wait until there's a plumbing emergency to learn where it is.

Make sure the adults in your household know where it is too.

Future-you may be very glad you did.

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Found a Leak? Justin the Plumber Can Help.

If you've found water where it shouldn't be—or you're seeing signs that something may be leaking—Justin the Plumber provides professional plumbing repairs throughout Jacksonville and surrounding Northeast Florida communities.

We'll help identify the plumbing problem, explain what we find, and determine the appropriate repair.

Call Justin the Plumber to schedule your plumbing service.

Call the best, flush the rest.