Water leak shutoff triage decision tree

First decision: is the area safe?

If any item below is true, do not keep troubleshooting in that area.

• Water is near outlets, cords, a breaker panel, or an appliance that may be energized.
• A ceiling is sagging, bulging, actively dripping through a light fixture, or cracking.
• Sewage is backing up from drains, tubs, toilets, or floor drains.
• Water is near a gas appliance, combustion vent, or fuel line.
• The floor is unstable, slippery, or hidden by standing water.
• You cannot reach a shutoff without stepping into the leak area.

Immediate action: move people and pets away, avoid electrical contact, and call for emergency help or a licensed professional. If the main water shutoff is outside the unsafe area, use it only if you can reach it safely.

Leak source selector

Where water appears	First shutoff to look for	If that does not stop it	Notes to record
Toilet tank, toilet supply tube, or toilet base	Toilet stop valve behind or below the toilet	Main house shutoff	Does it leak only while refilling, only when flushed, or all the time?
Sink faucet, supply tube, or cabinet	Hot/cold fixture stop valves under the sink	Main house shutoff	Which side is wet, and does the leak change when the faucet runs?
Washing machine	Hot/cold laundry valves	Main house shutoff	Note hose age, recent movement, and whether the drain standpipe overflowed.
Dishwasher	Sink-cabinet dishwasher supply valve if present	Main house shutoff	Note whether the leak happens while filling, draining, or sitting idle.
Refrigerator or ice maker	Small ice-maker saddle/angle valve if safely accessible	Main house shutoff	Pulling the fridge can damage lines; move it only if safe and easy.
Water heater tank or piping	Cold-water supply valve above the heater	Main house shutoff	Gas, electrical, venting, relief-valve, or active tank leaks need professional help.
Ceiling, wall, or slab/floor	Main house shutoff	Utility/meter shutoff only if allowed and safe	Do not open walls or ceilings during active electrical or structural risk.
Drain line leak	Stop using the fixture	Main house shutoff may not help drain leaks	Note which fixtures were used before the leak appeared.
Hose bibb or exterior pipe	Local hose bibb/branch shutoff if present	Main house shutoff	Winter damage and service-line leaks can require excavation or utility coordination.

Shutoff decision tree

1. Can you identify a single leaking fixture or appliance?

   • Yes: use the nearby fixture or appliance valve if it is reachable and turns without force.
   • No: move to the main house shutoff.

2. Did the local valve stop the active water flow?

   • Yes: leave it closed, dry what is safe to dry, and document the leak.
   • No: close the main house shutoff if safe.

3. Does water continue after the main shutoff is closed?

   • It may be water draining from pipes, a water heater, a roof/exterior leak, a sewer backup, or a utility-side/service-line issue.
   • Do not operate a curb stop or meter valve unless your local utility allows it and you can do it safely.

4. Is there sewage, active flooding, structural damage, or wet electrical equipment?

   • Treat it as urgent. Call a plumber, mitigation company, utility, or emergency service based on the hazard.

Flow severity log

Time	Location	Flow level	Shutoff tried	Result	Photos taken
	Drip / steady / spray / flood
	Drip / steady / spray / flood
	Drip / steady / spray / flood

Damage control checklist

• Keep people and pets away from wet electrical equipment and contaminated water.
• Shut off the closest safe valve or the main water shutoff.
• Place a bucket or towels only where the area is safe.
• Photograph the source, shutoff valve position, damaged materials, and water path.
• Move dry belongings away from the leak path if it is safe.
• Ventilate only after the active water source is controlled and electrical risk is addressed.
• Save damaged parts, receipts, plumber notes, utility notes, and insurance claim numbers.

Plumber handoff notes

Question	Answer
When was the leak first noticed?
What was running before the leak started?	Toilet / sink / shower / dishwasher / washer / water heater / rain / unknown
Which valve was closed?	Fixture / appliance / water heater cold supply / main shutoff / utility-side / none
Did the water stop?	Immediately / slowed / continued / unknown
Pipe material if visible	Copper / PEX / CPVC / galvanized / PVC / ABS / unknown
Recent work or changes
Insurance or mitigation contact

Follow-up check

Recheck the area after the leak stops. Look for recurring moisture, odor, soft drywall, staining, swollen flooring, mold concerns, or a water meter that still moves when fixtures are off. These signs can point to hidden damage or an unresolved leak that needs qualified inspection.