Shut off your home’s main water valve immediately. The sooner you cut the flow, the less damage spreads behind walls, under floors, and into your foundation. If you have a meter key, open the meter lid, turn the keyway on the street side of the meter to the right until it stops. If you do not have a meter key, locate a valve to shut off your entire system, house, or building. You may find a valve next to the meter in a box, near the house or building in a box, or inside the mechanical closet where the hot water tank is located. Once the water is off at the meter or at the valve, go to the closest fixture to bleed off the remaining pressure & confirm the meter is completely off.

If water is near outlets, appliances, or your breaker panel, turn off electricity to that area. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination—don’t take chances.

Use towels, buckets, or anything on hand to control pooling water. Even small efforts here can prevent damage to flooring, drywall, and nearby belongings.

Water damage escalates quickly, especially with wood, fabric, and electronics. Take photos or videos of the leak and impacted areas. This can be critical for insurance claims and helps professionals understand what’s happening before they arrive.

It’s time to get on the phone. Call your insurance company. It is free to file a claim & get an adjuster out. It is also free to get advice from TLD. We are in the business of providing the facts to insurance adjusters. In most cases, the insurance company pays for our services. We will prove your claim so you can get paid!