Services
Active Water Leak
1. Shut Off the Water at the Main Service Tee
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Locate the Main Shut-Off Valve: This is usually where the water line enters your home. Most common location is hose connection on the front of your home.
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Identify the Valve Type:
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Gate Valve: Turn the wheel clockwise until it stops.
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Ball Valve: Turn the lever handle 90 degrees (a quarter turn) so it’s perpendicular to the pipe.
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Test the Valve: Ensure it turns easily. If it’s stuck, don’t force it—call a plumber.
2. Locate and Access the Water Meter Box
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Where to Look: The meter box is typically located near the street or sidewalk, often in front of your home. It’s a rectangular or round metal or plastic lid flush with the ground.
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How to Open It: Use a screwdriver or a specialized meter key to lift the lid. Be cautious of insects or debris inside.
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Shut Off Water at the Meter: Call the local city services that handles your water services or use a wrench or meter key to turn the valve on the street side of the meter clockwise until it stops. This will cut off water to your entire property.
3. Identify Your Meter Box
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Look for Markings: Meter boxes are often labeled "Water" or have a utility company logo. They may also have a metal cover with a small hole for lifting.
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Check Property Records: If you’re unsure where your meter box is, review your property survey or contact your local water utility for assistance.
4. Turn Off the Water Heater
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Electric Water Heater: Switch off the breaker in your electrical panel to prevent damage.
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Gas Water Heater: Turn the gas control valve to the "pilot" setting to avoid overheating.
5. Drain the Pipes
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After shutting off the main water supply, open the lowest faucet in your home (e.g., a basement sink or outdoor spigot) to drain remaining water from the pipes. This reduces pressure and minimizes additional leaking.
6. Individual fixture Leaks
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Faucet or Fixture Leaks: Turn off the local shut-off valve under the sink or behind the toilet to stop water flow to the specific fixture to avoid shutting water off to entire home.
7. Call a Licensed Plumber
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Once the immediate crisis is under control, contact a professional plumber to assess and repair the issue. Avoid attempting major repairs yourself unless you’re experienced.
8. Prevent Future Emergencies
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Label Shut-Off Valves: Clearly mark all valves for easy identification.
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Inspect Regularly: Check your plumbing system for signs of wear, such as rust, corrosion, or slow leaks.
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Know Your System: Familiarize yourself with the location of your main shut-off valve and meter box before an emergency occurs.
Pro Tip: Keep Emergency Tools Handy
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Store a wrench, screwdriver, and meter key near your main shut-off valve or meter box for quick access during emergencies.
Drain Emergency
1. Stop Using Water Immediately
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Why? If you’re experiencing a backup (e.g., water rising in a sink, toilet, or floor drain), it could be a mainline blockage. Using water (e.g., flushing toilets, running sinks, or using appliances like dishwashers or washing machines) can worsen the problem by adding more water to the system, potentially causing sewage to back up into your home.
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Exception: If you’re 100% sure the issue is isolated to a single fixture (e.g., one clogged sink), you can continue using other fixtures. However, proceed with caution.
2. Identify the Scope of the Problem
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Single Fixture Backup: If only one drain is backing up (e.g., a sink or shower), the issue is likely localized to that fixture’s plumbing.
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Multiple Fixtures Affected: If multiple drains are backing up (e.g., toilets, sinks, or floor drains), this indicates a mainline blockage, and you should avoid using any water in the house.
3. Check for a Mainline Blockage
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Signs of a Mainline Blockage:
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Water backing up in multiple drains.
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Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains.
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Sewage odors coming from drains.
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Water pooling around floor drains or basement drains.
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What to Do: If you suspect a mainline blockage, stop using all water immediately and call a plumber.
4. Attempt to Clear a Localized Clog (If Safe)
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If the issue is isolated to one fixture, you can try to clear the clog:
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Plunger: Use a plunger to dislodge the blockage.
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Drain Snake: Carefully insert a drain snake to remove the clog.
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Eco-Friendly Drain Cleaner: Avoid chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage pipes. Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar instead.
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If the Clog Persists: Stop and call a plumber to avoid causing further damage.
5. Prevent Further Damage
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Turn Off Water to Appliances: If the backup is severe, shut off water supply valves to appliances like washing machines and dishwashers to prevent accidental use.
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Avoid Flushing Toilets: Do not flush toilets until the issue is resolved, as this can exacerbate the problem.
6. Call a Professional Plumber
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For mainline blockages or persistent clogs, contact a licensed plumber immediately. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and resolve the issue safely.
7. Prevent Future Drain Emergencies
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Regular Maintenance: Schedule annual drain inspections and cleaning to prevent blockages.
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Avoid Flushing Non-Flushable Items: Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Avoid flushing wipes, feminine hygiene products, or paper towels.
What to do if you smell gas in your home
What to Do If You Smell Gas in Your Home
1. Recognize the Signs of a Gas Leak
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Smell: Natural gas is odorless, but utility companies add a strong, rotten egg-like smell (mercaptan) to help detect leaks.
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Sound: Listen for hissing or whistling noises near gas lines or appliances.
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Sight: Look for blowing dirt, bubbling water, or dead vegetation near gas lines.
2. Evacuate Immediately
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Leave the Area: If you smell gas, evacuate everyone from the house immediately. Do not stop to open windows, grab belongings, or turn off appliances.
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Avoid Flames or Sparks: Do not use light switches, phones, candles, matches, or anything that could create a spark and ignite the gas.
3. Call for Help
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From a Safe Location: Once you’re outside and at a safe distance, call your gas company’s emergency line or 911 to report the leak. Do not use your phone inside the house or near the suspected leak.
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Provide Details: Tell them your address, the smell’s intensity, and any other signs of a leak.
4. Do Not Attempt to Fix the Leak Yourself
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Leave It to Professionals: Gas leaks are extremely dangerous and require specialized equipment and training to repair. Do not try to locate or fix the leak yourself.
5. Shut Off the Gas Supply (If Safe)
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Locate the Gas Meter: If you know where your gas meter is and it’s safe to access, you can shut off the gas supply.
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Turn Off the Valve: Use a wrench to turn the valve 90 degrees so it’s perpendicular to the pipe. This will stop the flow of gas to your home.
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Do Not Turn It Back On: Only a qualified professional should turn the gas back on after the leak is repaired.
6. Ventilate the Area (If Safe)
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After Evacuation: If you’re already outside and it’s safe to do so, open doors and windows to help disperse the gas. Do not re-enter the house to do this.
7. Wait for the All-Clear
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Stay Outside: Do not re-enter your home until emergency responders or your gas company confirm it’s safe.
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Follow Instructions: Listen to the professionals and follow their guidance for next steps.
8. Prevent Future Gas Leaks
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Schedule Regular Inspections: Have your gas lines and appliances inspected annually by a licensed professional.
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Install Gas Detectors: Consider installing natural gas detectors in your home for early warning of leaks.
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Know Your Gas Shut-Off Valve: Familiarize yourself with the location of your gas meter and shut-off valve before an emergency occurs.
Important Reminders:
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Gas leaks are life-threatening. Always prioritize safety over property.
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Do not ignore the smell of gas, even if it seems minor.
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Educate everyone in your household about what to do in case of a gas leak.
Contact
15033 Shasta Lane
95037 Morgan Hill
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm
Saturday: 10am - 3pm
Sunday: Closed
Emergency Services: 24/7
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