Updated on: December 11, 2025
A sudden water leak is every homeowner’s nightmare. Whether it’s a burst pipe behind a wall or a failed water heater, how quickly you take action can mean the difference between a quick repair and thousands of dollars in restoration costs.
Emergency plumbing leaks are one of the most important jobs we handle, because we know how fast a simple plumbing problem can turn into major water damage or a completely unlivable situation.
For immediate assistance from an emergency plumber in Orlando, FL, or the surrounding areas, simply give us a call.
Before we arrive, it’s important for you to stabilize the situation. If a leak is discovered, you should take immediate action to protect your property. Here is your step-by-step guide on what to do for a major water leak in your home.
1. Shut Off The Water to The House
Your goal is to stop water damage as soon as possible (as well as water waste), so the first step to take when you discover a large water leak in your house is to shut off the main water supply.
It is usually located on the exterior of the house near the hose bib or near the water meter at the street. Turn it clockwise (“righty-tighty”) until the water flow stops—and don’t turn it back on until the plumbers have given the OK.
Pro Tip: We recommend installing an automatic shut-off valve if your house doesn’t already have one. This detects water leaks automatically and shuts off the main, which is incredibly useful during periods when nobody is home.
2. Unplug Electrical Appliances
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. In the case of a major plumbing leak, we recommend shutting off power to the entire house at the electrical panel.
In most cases, however, you should only need to unplug the appliances in the immediate area, such as lamps or toaster ovens. This helps to avoid potential high-voltage shocks while you assess the plumbing leaking into the room.
3. Remove All Valuables From The Area
Water leaks in your home can ruin furniture and valuable irreplaceable items in minutes. Clear out anything in the area of the leak that could be affected by water damage. If possible, clear out everything, since this will make it easier for us to access the leaking plumbing to perform repair work.
4. Call a Licensed Plumber Contractor
Now that you’ve stopped more water from escaping, it is time to bring in the professionals. Call up an emergency plumber immediately.
Make sure it’s a licensed and insured plumber. This not only ensures the best-quality repair work but also protects you in the event of damage to the house. When you are dealing with a severe plumbing leak, you need a contractor who understands local building codes and piping materials.
5. Remove as Much Water as Possible
While you wait for the emergency team to reach you, try to mitigate the damage. Soak up and remove the water that’s already escaped from the water leak.
Put down heavy towels to absorb the water or use a mop. You don’t want to give the water a chance to seep down into building materials and create rot or mold. Mold is hard to remediate in Florida’s humidity, so you want to ensure it doesn’t have a chance to start.
Fix Your Water Leaks The Modern Way!
Don’t let a pipe leak ruin your week. Modern Plumbing Industries has proudly served Central Florida since 1975. We combine old-school customer service with modern leak-detection technology to find and fix the problem quickly.
Click here to schedule service or call us now to stop the leak for good!