Emergency Plumber in Portland, Maine

Find the nearest shutoff valve — under the fixture if it's a localized leak, or the main shutoff (usually near the water meter or where the supply line enters the house) if the source isn't obvious or if it's spraying rather than dripping. Shutting off water is worth doing even before calling, since every minute of active flow adds to the damage.

If you don't already know where your main shutoff is, finding it today — before an emergency — is one of the most useful five minutes you can spend in your own house.

• Shut off power to any outlets or fixtures in the affected area if water has reached them — water and electricity together is its own hazard.
• Move furniture, rugs, and belongings out of standing water if it's safe to do so.
• Take photos of the damage before cleanup starts, for insurance purposes.
• Don't run a wet/dry vac or any electrical equipment while standing in water.

A backup coming up through a floor drain or the lowest fixture in the house is a contamination hazard, not just a water problem — keep people and pets away from the affected area and avoid running any water in the house until the blockage is cleared, since more water in has nowhere to go but back up.