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Safety & protection
Build a home water-leak plan before you need one
Map shutoffs, watch the highest-risk areas, and make the first minutes of a leak less chaotic.
6 min read
At a glance
A leak plan is part prevention and part response. Everyone who can safely do so should know where the main shutoff is, how it operates, and who to call next.
Why we're telling you this
What this advice is based on
We started with life safety, active damage, and official guidance, then added the records and household decisions that make a plan easier to use when something goes wrong.
What to check
- Locate and label the main water shutoff and common fixture shutoffs.
- Photograph the shutoff locations and store the images somewhere household members can access.
- Inspect supply lines, appliance connections, drain pans, and seldom-seen cabinets.
- Consider leak sensors where water could spread unnoticed.
- Keep the insurer, plumber, restoration contact, and utility information in the home file.
What to watch for
- A sudden meter change, unexplained water use, or the sound of running water.
- Swelling, soft flooring, staining, peeling finishes, or recurring musty odor.
- A shutoff that is buried, corroded, unlabeled, or has never been tested by a qualified person.
What to do next
- 01Start with life safety and electrical hazards before entering wet areas.
- 02Stop the source only if it can be done safely, then document the conditions.
- 03Drying and hidden-moisture decisions should be based on the materials and extent—not only what looks dry at the surface.
Sources
Where this advice comes from
These official resources support the advice above. Your local rules, the condition of the house, the contract, or the product instructions may still change the right answer.
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