Step 1: Turn Off Your Main Water Supply
Where to Find Your Water Shutoff Valve:
- Street Side: Usually between your home and the street, near the water meter
- Basement: Where the main water line enters your home
- Crawl Space: Check along foundation walls
- Garage: Sometimes located on an interior wall
How to Turn Off Water:
- Turn valve clockwise (righty-tighty) to close
- May require a water meter key for street-side shutoffs
- Test by turning on a faucet - water should stop flowing
Common Plumbing Emergencies
Burst or Frozen Pipes
Immediate Actions:
- Turn off main water supply immediately
- Turn off electricity to affected areas if water near outlets
- Open faucets to drain remaining water
- Move furniture and valuables away from water
- Take photos for insurance documentation
- Call emergency plumber
Colorado Winter Tip: Frozen pipes are common when temperatures drop below 20°F. Keep cabinets open under sinks and let faucets drip during extreme cold.
Gas Leak (Water Heater/Appliances)
IMMEDIATE DANGER - Act Fast
- Leave the area immediately
- Do not turn on/off lights or use phones inside
- Call 911 from outside
- Call Xcel Energy Gas Emergency: (800) 895-2999
- Do not return until cleared by professionals
Signs of Gas Leak: Rotten egg smell, hissing sound, dead vegetation near gas lines, physical symptoms (headache, dizziness, nausea).
Sewer Backup
Immediate Actions:
- Stop using all water fixtures immediately
- Turn off electricity to affected areas
- Evacuate the area - health hazard
- Call emergency plumber
- Contact insurance company
- Document with photos from safe distance
Health Warning: Raw sewage contains harmful bacteria. Avoid contact and ensure proper cleanup by professionals.
Signs of Sewer Problems:
- • Multiple drains backing up
- • Gurgling sounds from drains
- • Sewage odors
- • Water backing up in basement floor drains
- • Soggy areas in yard near sewer line
Water Heater Leak
Immediate Actions:
- Turn off power (electric) or gas supply
- Turn off cold water supply to water heater
- Turn off main water if leak is severe
- Move items away from water heater area
- Call plumber for repair/replacement
Safety Note: Water heaters can be dangerous. If unsure about shutoffs, call a professional immediately.
Emergency Plumbing Kit
Keep these items accessible for plumbing emergencies:
Essential Tools:
- • Pipe wrench
- • Channel lock pliers
- • Flashlight with extra batteries
- • Water meter key
- • Duct tape
- • Plumber's putty
Emergency Supplies:
- • Buckets and tarps
- • Towels and rags
- • Rubber gloves
- • Pipe repair clamp
- • Emergency contact numbers
- • Camera (for insurance photos)
When to Call 911 vs Emergency Plumber
Call 911 Immediately
- • Gas smell or suspected gas leak
- • Electrical hazards with water
- • Structural damage from flooding
- • Anyone injured or in danger
- • Sewage backup creating health hazard
Call Emergency Plumber
- • Burst pipes (after shutting off water)
- • Major leaks causing property damage
- • Complete loss of water or heat
- • Sewer line blockages
- • Water heater failures
- • Frozen pipes
Colorado Winter Preparation
Before Extreme Cold (Below 20°F):
- • Let faucets drip slightly
- • Open cabinet doors under sinks
- • Disconnect and drain garden hoses
- • Insulate exposed pipes
- • Keep garage doors closed
Lakewood Utilities Contacts:
- • Emergency: 911
- • Xcel Energy Gas: (800) 895-2999
- • Lakewood Water: (303) 987-7800
- • Non-Emergency Police: (303) 987-7111
After the Emergency
Documentation:
- • Take photos of all damage
- • Keep receipts for emergency repairs
- • Contact insurance company promptly
- • Document all conversations and claims
Next Steps:
- • Choose a qualified plumber for permanent repairs
- • Verify contractor licenses before major work
- • Understand fair pricing for repairs
- • Consider preventive maintenance