What to do when you find a plumbing leak

By North County Plumbing · Updated November 9, 2026

Start with safety

Avoid standing water around electrical equipment and keep people away from unsafe areas. If you know the correct fixture or main water shutoff and can reach it safely, closing it can limit a supply leak. Do not enter a hazardous space to reach a valve.

Record what you can see

Note where water appears, whether it is continuous and whether a fixture was being used when it started. A damp area alone does not establish the exact source. Take photos only when it is safe, and keep any earlier plumbing records available.

Give the office the useful details

When calling North County Plumbing, share the address, callback number, whether water is still flowing and any shutoff you have used. Explain if the leak is near a water heater, inside a cabinet or concealed behind a finish. Ask about current availability.

Small leaks still deserve attention

A running toilet or dripping faucet may seem minor, but it can waste water over time. EPA WaterSense suggests looking at exposed fittings and comparing meter readings during a period with no water use as ways to investigate possible leaks. A changing meter is a clue that needs context and follow-up.

Separate repair from restoration

Once the plumbing source has been assessed, ask which work is included. Opening access, repairing the pipe and restoring drywall or other finishes can be separate tasks. Keep the agreed scope clear before work begins.