Find your main shutoff now
Most homes have a main valve where the water line enters — often in the basement, a crawl space, a utility closet or near the water heater. Knowing where it is before something breaks can save a lot of damage.
Get Plumbing Help Near You
A leak you can hear, a drain that won't clear or no hot water. Tell us what's going on and we'll help you reach independent plumbers who serve your area.
What's going on with the plumbing?
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Which plumbing problem is it?
A small leak can quietly damage cabinets, floors and ceilings. Getting it fixed early keeps a repair from turning into a restoration job.
Do this now
Close the shutoff under the fixture, or the main valve. Put down towels and a bucket.
What a plumber will do
Finds the source, repairs or replaces the failed pipe or fitting, and checks for hidden damage.
Before the plumber arrives
A few minutes of the right steps can keep a leak from becoming a water damage job.
If there's fire, a gas smell or any risk to someone's safety, leave and call 911.
- Close the shutoff valve under the sink or behind the toilet. If you can't find one, close the main valve.
- Stop using drains that are backing up. That includes nearby sinks and showers.
- For a water heater leak, turn off its cold-water supply and its power or gas setting.
- Put down towels and a bucket, and move anything that could get wet.
Before you hire.
Every provider is an independent business. A little context helps you compare estimates and choose with confidence.
Clogs that come back
A drain that clogs repeatedly, or several drains backing up at once, can point to a problem further down the line. A plumber may suggest a camera inspection to see what's happening inside the pipe.
Questions worth asking a pro
- Do you charge a trip or diagnostic fee, and is it applied to the repair?
- Is this a repair or a replacement, and why?
- What are the options at different price points?
- Will the work need a permit where I live?
- Is there a warranty on parts and labor?
Get plumbing help now.
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Get Plumbing HelpQuestions about plumbing.
What happens after you ask for help
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- Provider connections aren't active yet, so it isn't sent to a service professional for now.
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Should I use chemical drain cleaner first?
Many plumbers advise against it. Harsh chemicals can damage some pipes and make the job hazardous for whoever works on the drain next. If a plunger doesn't clear it, it's usually time to call.
How do I know if my water heater needs replacing?
Age, rust-colored water, leaking from the tank itself, and rumbling noises are common signs. A plumber can tell you whether a repair makes sense.
What affects the cost of a plumbing repair?
It depends on what's wrong, how big the job is, access, materials and local rates. Independent pros set their own prices, so ask for a written estimate — and what could change it — before work starts.
How quickly can someone come out?
It depends on your area, the time of day and how busy local pros are. Say that it's urgent when a pro contacts you, and follow the safety steps on this page in the meantime.
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