Emergency Plumbing: What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives

Emergency Plumbing: What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives

A burst pipe, major leak, or sewage backup can cause thousands of dollars in damage in minutes. What you do in the first 5–10 minutes makes a massive difference. Here's your action plan.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water

This is the single most important thing you can do. Every member of your household should know where the main shutoff valve is.

Common locations in GTA homes:

• Basement — near the front wall where the water line enters from the street
• Utility room — near the water heater or furnace
• Crawl space — in homes without basements

The main shutoff is usually a gate valve (round handle, turn clockwise) or a ball valve (lever handle, turn 90 degrees). Ball valves are more reliable.

For localized leaks, you may only need to shut off the specific fixture:

• Toilets — oval handle behind/below the toilet
• Sinks — valves under the sink inside the cabinet
• Washing machine — valves behind the machine

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Heater

If you've shut off the main water supply, turn off your water heater to prevent overheating and potential damage. For gas water heaters, set to "pilot." For electric, switch off the breaker.

Step 3: Electricity Safety

If water is near electrical outlets, appliances, or your electrical panel:

• Do not step in standing water near electrical sources
• Turn off power at the breaker panel if you can reach it safely
• If you can't safely reach the panel, call your utility provider or 911

Step 4: Open Drains and Spigots

After shutting off the main valve, open outdoor spigots and the lowest faucets in the house. This drains remaining water from the pipes and reduces pressure, minimizing further leaking.

Step 5: Contain the Water

While waiting for the plumber:

• Use towels, mops, and buckets to contain standing water
• Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the water
• If water is flowing from a ceiling, poke a small hole in the center of the bulge to drain it into a bucket (this prevents the ceiling from collapsing)

Step 6: Document Everything

If the damage is significant, you'll likely file an insurance claim:

• Take photos and video of the damage before cleanup
• Note the time the emergency started and when you shut off water
• Save damaged items until your insurance adjuster has seen them

Common Plumbing Emergencies in the GTA

Burst Pipes (Winter)

Toronto's winters mean frozen pipes are a real risk, especially in:

• Unheated garages with water lines
• Exterior walls with inadequate insulation
• Older homes with pipes near exterior walls

Prevention: Keep heat at minimum 15°C even when away. Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during extreme cold. Insulate exposed pipes.

Sewer Backup

If drains are backing up or you smell sewage:

• Don't use any water in the house
• Don't try to clear a main sewer line yourself
• The problem may be between your house and the city sewer — check if neighbours have the same issue

City of Toronto is responsible for the main sewer line to the property line. From the property line to your house is your responsibility.

Sump Pump Failure

GTA homes with basements often depend on sump pumps. Failures during spring thaw or heavy rain cause rapid basement flooding.

• Consider a battery backup sump pump — power outages often coincide with storms
• Test your sump pump quarterly by pouring water into the pit

Be Prepared

Don't wait for an emergency to learn this. Right now:

• 1. Locate your main water shutoff — test it (turn it off and on)
• 2. Label shutoff valves throughout your home
• 3. Keep a plumber's number in your phone
• 4. Have basic supplies ready — bucket, towels, flashlight

RenoHouse Plumbing Services

Plumbing emergencies don't follow a schedule. RenoHouse provides plumbing services across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Oakville, and the entire GTA.

Save our number: 289-212-2345. When a pipe bursts at midnight, you'll want a reliable plumber ready to help.

Ontario Building Code Requirements

Any renovation project in the GTA must comply with the Ontario Building Code (OBC). This applies whether you're in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, or any other municipality. Key requirements include:

• Building permits are required for structural changes, plumbing modifications, electrical work, and HVAC alterations
• ESA permits are mandatory for any electrical work — your contractor must be a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) in Ontario
• Plumbing permits through your local municipality for any new plumbing rough-ins or relocations
• Inspections at various stages — rough-in, insulation, and final inspection before closing walls
• Fire safety — smoke detectors on every level, carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas (Ontario law since 2015)

Failing to pull permits can result in fines, insurance issues, and problems when selling your home. Always verify your contractor handles permits as part of the project scope.

GTA Regional Considerations

The Greater Toronto Area spans dozens of municipalities, each with unique housing stock and renovation considerations:

• Toronto (Old Toronto, Midtown) — Many homes built pre-1950 with knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized plumbing, and plaster walls. Renovations often uncover issues requiring additional remediation
• Scarborough & Etobicoke — Primarily 1950s–1970s bungalows and split-levels. Common issues include outdated electrical panels (60-amp service), original windows, and aging drainage systems
• North York — Mix of post-war homes and newer builds. Many homeowners are upgrading original finishes from the 1980s–1990s
• Mississauga & Brampton — Rapid growth areas with homes from the 1980s–2000s. Common projects include basement finishing, kitchen updates, and exterior refreshes
• Vaughan & Richmond Hill — Newer subdivisions often need cosmetic updates rather than structural work. Builder-grade finishes are frequently upgraded within 5–10 years
• Markham — Similar to Vaughan with many newer communities. Heritage areas in old Markham Village may have specific design requirements
• Oakville — Higher-end homes with premium finish expectations. Many lakefront properties have specific moisture and drainage considerations

Understanding your neighbourhood's typical home age and construction type helps set realistic expectations for scope and budget.