Emergency Plumber in Victoria, BC

Close the main valve

In most Greater Victoria houses the main shut-off is in the basement or crawl space, on the wall where the water line comes in from the street, often near the hot water tank. Turn a round handle clockwise until it stops, or turn a lever a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe. If it won't move, the municipal curb stop at the property line can be used by a plumber or the municipality.

Is it an emergency?

A burst or split pipe, water dripping from a light fixture, sewage coming up a basement drain, a hot water tank leaking from the bottom, a toilet that won't stop overflowing, no water at all, or a gas smell. A dripping tap or a slow drain can wait for a regular visit, but don't let it run for weeks.

Sewer backups

When sewage comes up through the lowest drain, stop using every fixture in the house, because whatever goes down upstairs comes up downstairs. Keep children and pets out of the area. A blocked sewer lateral is the usual cause in older neighbourhoods, often from roots.

Water near electrical

Basements often hold both the electrical panel and the hot water tank. If water is spreading toward the panel, outlets or extension cords, stay out of it and only switch off the main breaker if you can reach it while standing somewhere dry.

Gas smell

If you smell gas near a gas hot water tank, furnace or range, leave the house right away and phone FortisBC's emergency line or 911 from outside. Don't switch lights on or off or use anything that could spark on the way out.

Tell the plumber what you see

Where the water is coming from, whether the main is off, how long it has been running and whether anything electrical got wet. A photo taken from a safe spot helps the plumber bring the right parts. Send a request and a plumber will get in touch.