A plumbing emergency can cause thousands of dollars in water damage in a matter of minutes. While our team is on the way, these steps can significantly reduce the damage to your Jefferson City or Columbia home.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water

This is the single most important thing you can do. For a localized problem (leaking toilet, broken faucet), turn off the shut-off valve directly behind or beneath that fixture. For a major leak or burst pipe, shut off the main water supply to your home. In most Mid-Missouri homes, the main shut-off is located near the water meter, in the basement, or in a utility room.

Know where your main shut-off is before an emergency happens. Take 5 minutes right now to locate it.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Heater

If you've shut off the main water supply, turn off your water heater as well. Running a water heater without water can damage the heating element or cause it to overheat. For gas heaters, set the thermostat to "pilot." For electric heaters, switch off the circuit breaker.

Step 3: Open Drains and Spigots

After shutting off the main supply, open outdoor spigots and the lowest faucets in your home to drain the remaining water from the pipes. This reduces pressure and minimizes leaking from the damaged area.

Step 4: Contain the Water

Use towels, buckets, and mops to contain standing water and prevent it from spreading to other areas. If water is near electrical outlets, panels, or appliances, do not enter the area — call us and wait for professional help.

Step 5: Document the Damage

Take photos and videos of the damage before cleaning up. This documentation is essential for insurance claims.

Step 6: Call Us Immediately

Our emergency line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We serve Jefferson City, Columbia, and all of Mid-Missouri with fast response times — typically 30–60 minutes for true emergencies.