• Active water leak (from a pipe, water heater, valve, or ceiling)
• No water or only a trickle from multiple fixtures
• Sewer or main line backup (toilets, tubs, floor drains)
• Water heater failure (leaking tank, no hot water, gas smell concerns)
• Frozen pipe (no flow + visible frost/condensation or very cold pipe section)

1) Stop the water

If it’s a single fixture (toilet, sink, dishwasher line), shut off the local stop valve first. If water is coming from a wall, ceiling, or you can’t identify the source, turn off your home’s main water shutoff. In many homes, it’s where the water line enters the house (basement, crawl space, garage, or utility room). Local governments and utilities commonly note these locations as the most typical shutoff spots.

2) Shut off electricity only if needed (and only if safe)

If water is dripping near outlets, a panel, appliances, or lighting, treat it as an electrical hazard. If you can do so safely, shut off power to the affected area at the breaker. If anything feels unsafe, keep distance and wait for a professional.

3) Relieve pressure and minimize spread

After shutting off the main, open a few faucets (hot and cold) to relieve pressure and drain remaining water. Use towels, a wet/dry vac, and buckets to keep water from soaking into baseboards, cabinets, and flooring.

4) Document the problem (quick photos help)

Take a few clear photos of the leak source and affected areas for your records. This can also help your plumber understand what happened before water was turned off.

5) Call a local emergency plumber (and be ready with specifics)

When you call, be ready to share: where the leak is, whether water is off, whether sewage is involved, and whether anyone is at risk (elderly, kids, a business that must reopen quickly). For 24/7 response in the Treasure Valley, visit the Cloverdale Plumbing Emergency Services page.

• Freezing risk: Pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, attics, and garages are most vulnerable during prolonged cold snaps. Guidance from regional sources emphasizes safe thawing methods (hair dryer/heating pad) and avoiding open flames.
• Hard water scale: Mineral-rich water can contribute to scale buildup inside pipes and water heaters, which can reduce efficiency and accelerate wear over time. Many Treasure Valley homeowners install water treatment to protect fixtures and appliances.

If hard water is a concern in your home (spots on fixtures, dry skin, scale on showerheads, reduced water heater performance), learn about options on Cloverdale’s Water Softening Systems page.

• Small cracks can cause big damage: A pipe crack as small as 1/8-inch can release large amounts of water over a day, leading to major structural damage.
• Toilets can leak silently: The U.S. EPA notes that a simple food-coloring test can reveal a leaking flapper in about 10 minutes, and household leaks can waste significant water annually.
• Cabinet doors can help in freezes: Opening sink cabinets on exterior walls can help warm air reach pipes during a cold snap.

• Don’t use a torch to thaw pipes. Regional guidance strongly recommends safer heat sources like a hair dryer or heating pad.
• Don’t keep running water “until morning” if you can’t identify the cause. Shut it off and get it assessed.
• Don’t pour chemicals down a backed-up drain (especially if there’s standing water). It can worsen damage and create safety risks.
• Don’t ignore sewer odors or gurgling—these often signal a developing main line problem that can escalate quickly.

If you’re dealing with recurring clogs or a suspected main line issue, see Cloverdale’s Drain Cleaning Boise service details.

Step 1: Find and label your shutoffs (before you need them)

If you haven’t already, locate the main water shutoff and the individual stop valves under sinks and behind toilets. Consider labeling them with a small tag. In an emergency, clarity beats speed.

Step 2: For a suspected toilet leak, do the 10-minute test

Add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank and wait 10 minutes. If color appears in the bowl, the flapper is likely leaking. The U.S. EPA recommends this quick check as a simple way to detect common toilet leaks. (epa.gov)

Step 3: For a frozen pipe, warm it safely

Keep a faucet slightly open, then warm the pipe using a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels—never a torch. Multiple regional sources emphasize safe thawing methods and avoiding open flames. (info.oregon.aaa.com)

Step 4: For drain/sewer backups, stop all water use immediately

Don’t run the dishwasher “just once” and don’t take a quick shower—extra water can raise the backup level and spread contamination. If you suspect a main line issue, professional drain cleaning (and, when appropriate, hot water jetting) is usually the safest next step. Explore options on Cloverdale’s Hot Water Jetting & Drain Cleaning page.

• Winterize outdoor faucets: Disconnect hoses, shut off the interior valve (if you have one), drain the line, and cover the faucet before freezes.
• Insulate vulnerable lines: Pipes in crawl spaces, garages, exterior walls, and attics benefit most.
• Know when dripping faucets makes sense: Some guidance suggests dripping only the faucets served by exposed plumbing during sustained cold (often cited around 20°F or lower), balancing protection with water waste considerations. (wycokck.org)
• Schedule maintenance before remodeling: If you’re planning a bathroom or kitchen update, it’s a good time to assess shutoffs, supply lines, and drain routing. Cloverdale offers plumbing remodel services that can prevent “surprise” issues after walls are closed.

Is a dripping faucet an emergency?

What should I do if my ceiling is leaking water?

How can I tell if I have a frozen pipe or just low water pressure?

Is hot water jetting safe for my pipes?

Should I replace a pipe or repair it?