Water Leak Emergency Guide
What To Do for Emergency Water Leak Repair in Arizona
Plumbing problems are no joke, and water flowing uncontrollably from appliances or pipes can cause severe damage in your home. Aqua Science offers some tips here for homeowners in Arizona on how to perform emergency water leak repairs while waiting for a plumber to arrive with a permanent solution. Knowing how to manage the situation while you wait is crucial for minimizing stress and harm to your property. Here are essential steps to take when you discover a leak.
First Steps: Find and Stop the Leak
Your priority is to identify the source of the leak and stop the water flow. Sometimes, the easiest way to do this is by shutting off the main water supply to your entire home. This is a short-term solution and shouldn’t be too disruptive, as we’re always available for any 24/7 plumbing emergency. However, shutting off the main supply isn’t always the perfect solution. If the leak is coming from a water heater, for instance, turning off the main supply won’t stop the 40 or 50 gallons already in the tank from leaking out. Below are the steps for handling common leak scenarios.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) System Leaks
RO systems have three potential water sources. To stop a leak, you’ll need to shut off all of them:
- Start by closing the 1/4-turn ball valve that brings water into the RO system.
- Next, shut off the 1/4-turn ball valve located on top of the storage tank.
- If you have a line connected to your refrigerator’s ice maker or water dispenser, turn off that 1/4-turn ball valve as well.
If the leak persists, locate the emergency shutoff valve under your sink, typically located near the back of the cabinet. Be careful, as Arizona’s hard water can cause valves to calcify and corrode. If the valve is stiff, you can try gently turning it with pliers. If it’s very old, it might even break. If that happens, shut off your home’s main water supply immediately and call a plumber.
Water Softener Leaks
There are three common types of water softeners, each with a different bypass method.
- Clack Valves – These softeners have two red bypass valves on top. In normal operation, the arrows on the valves point in opposite directions. To bypass the system, turn the valves so the arrows face each other. Follow the directional arrows on the valves and use pliers gently if they’re stuck.
- Autotrol Valves – These also have two valves, which run parallel when the system is on. Follow the directions printed on the valves to turn them and bypass the softener. You might notice some residual leaking for 5-10 minutes as pressure is released, but no new water will enter the system.
- Pentair Valves – The bypass valves on these units are on the side of the head unit. The directions should be printed on the softener, but you’ll typically need to turn them counter-clockwise from each other to stop the water flow. If they’re tough to turn, you can insert a screwdriver through one of the holes on the knob for extra leverage.
Water Heater Leaks
Leaks from a water heater usually come from the top or bottom of the tank. First, locate the ball valve on the line that supplies water to the tank and turn it perpendicular to the pipe to shut off the water supply. Because the tank still holds 40-50 gallons of water, you’ll need to drain it. Attach a hose to the drain spigot near the base of the tank, open the valve, and let the water drain outside into your yard or the street.
Leaking Plumbing Pipes
If you spot a leak from a visible pipe, look for the nearest ball valve and turn it off to stop water flow to that section. If you can’t find a local shutoff or if it doesn’t stop the leak, your best bet is to turn off the main water supply to your house until one of our plumbers can arrive. Don’t be alarmed if you can’t determine the source of the leak. Our leak detection services in Arizona use advanced technology to find leaks behind walls and in other concealed areas.
Your Go-To for Emergency Repairs
Navigating residential plumbing emergencies in Arizona can be less stressful when you follow these tips from Aqua Science. Remember, once you’ve shut off the water at the leak source or the main line, contact us 24/7 for professional repairs and plumbing emergencies. We’re here to help you get your home back in order.