When a slab leak is an emergency
Not every slab leak is an emergency, but some are. Treat it as urgent if water is coming up through the floor, the floor is hot to the touch, the meter is spinning fast, water pressure has dropped sharply or a room is getting wet.
Fast action helps because a running leak keeps adding to the bill, soaks the soil under the home and can damage flooring and walls.
The first ten minutes
Do these steps in order. They limit damage while you wait for help.
- Find the main water shut-off valve and close it. It is often near the water meter, at the front of the house or in a utility area.
- Turn off the water heater. For an electric heater, switch off the breaker. For gas, set the control to pilot or off.
- If water is near outlets, appliances or the electrical panel, stay clear and call a licensed electrician too.
- Move rugs, furniture and belongings away from wet areas.
- Take photos and video of the damage.
- Note the time and what you found.
- Call and describe what you see.
Finding the main valve
The main shut-off valve is where the water line enters the home or the property. In a slab home it is often at the front of the house, in a utility closet, near the water heater or at the meter. It may be a round wheel handle or a lever. A lever is closed when it is turned crosswise to the pipe.
Find it before you need it. Test that it turns, because valves can stick. If it will not turn, tell the provider. The meter box often has a second valve that belongs to the utility, and you should not operate it unless the utility says so.
What to tell the provider
A short, clear description helps the provider send the right help.
- Where you are and how to reach the home.
- What you heard, saw or felt, and when it started.
- Whether the main valve is off and whether it helped.
- Whether any hot spots or wet floors are present.
- The floor type and whether any rooms are wet.
- The age of the house and the pipe material if you know it.
- Whether there are electrical issues near the water.
Protecting the home while you wait
Roll up area rugs and lift furniture legs onto blocks if the floor is wet. Open windows if it is humid. Use towels and a mop to remove standing water. A wet vacuum made for water can help if it is safe to use away from the wet area.
Do not use electrical items on a wet floor. Do not use a hair dryer or space heater near water. Keep children and pets out of the wet room.
After the water is off
Once the main valve is closed, the emergency is smaller, but the problem is not fixed. The leak is still there. Ask the provider about the next step, which usually is detection. See the page on slab leak detection for how that works.
Water that is shut off for a long time affects the household. Ask whether a temporary arrangement is possible while the repair is planned.
Insurance and records
If the leak has damaged floors or walls, take photos before cleanup, keep receipts for emergency steps and keep any written findings from the provider. Call your insurer early and ask what they cover and what they need. Policies differ on the cost of finding a leak, the pipe itself and the damage it caused.
Do not throw away damaged materials until the insurer has said it is fine.
Emergency steps in Newnan
Close the main valve, switch off the water heater and call. If the ground outside is wet, tell the provider where.
Protecting the home while you wait
While you wait for help, move belongings away from wet areas, lift rugs and furniture legs off a wet floor, and use towels to stop water from spreading. Keep electrical items away from the water. Take photos before you clean up, because they help with an insurance claim.
If the floor is wet, open windows and use fans to move air, as long as the fans are plugged in away from the water. Wipe up standing water first. Wet flooring such as carpet and pad may need to be lifted and dried. Cardboard boxes on the floor soak up water fast, so move them first.
Tell the people who live with you what has happened and where the main valve is. If you rent, tell the owner or the property manager right away and put it in writing.
Keep a list of what was damaged, with rough dates and prices. If you file a claim, the list will save time. Do not throw away damaged items until the insurer says you can.
After the emergency, ask the provider about the next step. In most cases it is detection, then a choice of repair. Take your time with that choice, if the water is off and the floor is dry. If you have to leave the home for a night, take medicines, documents and chargers, and let the provider know how to reach you. Close the main valve and take photos before you go.
What to do after the emergency
Once the water is off and the damage is limited, take a breath and plan the next steps. Ask the provider what testing is needed to find the leak, how soon it can be done and what water you will have in the meantime. If the main valve has to stay off, ask about temporary options, such as a bypass or a short repair that restores water to part of the house.
Contact your insurer if there is damage. Describe what happened, what you did and what you plan to do. Ask what they need from you and whether they have a preferred process for leak claims. Keep a log of each call, with the date, the name of the person and what was said.
Finally, think about how to stop it happening again. The same signs that point to a slab leak, such as a rising bill and a moving meter, can warn you early next time. A few minutes with the meter every month is a cheap habit.
If this was your first slab leak, ask the provider how likely others are. A home with old pipe or high pressure can leak again in another spot. Knowing that early lets you plan a larger repair on your terms, not in the middle of an emergency.
Keep in mind that a leak can look worse than it is. A wet patch may come from a small pinhole that has been running for some time. Even so, close the main valve if you cannot tell, and let the provider decide how urgent it is. Closing a valve costs nothing, and it gives you time to think and compare options without water running under the floor
Call from Newnan
If water is running in Newnan or in a nearby town such as Sharpsburg or Senoia, close the main valve and call the number on this page. You will be connected with an independent provider who can say what they can do and how soon. They set the price and do the work.
Frequently asked questions
Should I shut off the water if I suspect a slab leak?
If water is clearly running and you cannot find the source, closing the main valve is a sensible first step.
What if I cannot find or turn the main valve?
Tell the provider when you call. Do not force a valve that will not turn.
Is a slab leak dangerous?
The water itself is not usually dangerous, but it can create slippery floors, mold and damage. Keep water away from electrical items.
Can I wait until morning?
If the main valve is off and nothing is wet, a short wait may be reasonable. If water is still running, call now.
What should I photograph?
Wet floors, damaged walls, the meter and any visible signs. Photos help with insurance.
Will the provider come at night?
It depends on the provider. Ask on the call when they can reach you.