Emergency
Water where it shouldn't be? Stop it first, then call.
Two minutes with the right valve saves more than any plumber can. Here is what to do, in order. Our emergency line is answered by a person, 24 hours a day.
Find your main shut-off
Do this today, before you need it. In most Hamilton houses the main water valve is in the basement, on the front wall facing the street, just above where the water pipe comes through the floor or wall next to the meter.
- A round wheel handle: turn it clockwise until it stops. Older ones are stiff; steady pressure, no hammer.
- A lever handle: turn it a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe.
- Can't find it? Look under the basement stairs, in a front cold room, or behind a removable panel in a finished wall.
- Valve won't move or is leaking? Call the City of Hamilton's water line to have the water turned off at the street.
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Burst or leaking pipe
- Close the main shut-off.
- If water is near outlets, a panel or appliances, switch off that circuit at the breaker panel if you can reach it from a dry spot. If not, stay out and call.
- Open the lowest tap in the house (a basement laundry tub) to drain the pipes.
- Move what you can off the floor, and take photos for your insurance.
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Overflowing toilet
- Close the small valve on the wall behind the toilet, clockwise.
- No valve, or it won't turn? Lift the tank lid and raise the float to stop the fill, then close the main.
- Don't flush again. Use a flange plunger with slow, firm strokes.
- Still blocked, or other drains gurgling? That points to the main drain: call us.
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Water heater leaking
- Close the cold water valve on the pipe above the tank.
- Gas tank: turn the gas control knob to "Pilot" or "Off". Electric: switch off its breaker.
- A small drip from the relief pipe can wait for daytime. Water pooling from the tank itself can't.
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No heat from the boiler
- Check the thermostat batteries and the boiler's power switch, often by the basement stairs.
- Look at the pressure gauge: below about 12 psi (1 bar) usually means the system needs water.
- Smell gas? Leave the house now and call Enbridge Gas from outside. Then call us.