The first 5 minutes of a plumbing emergency determine whether you're dealing with a minor repair or major water damage. Here's exactly what to do.
The First 5 Minutes Matter Most
I'm Jack Perry, and I've responded to hundreds of plumbing emergencies across Oahu. The difference between a $500 repair and a $15,000 water damage restoration often comes down to what you do in the first 5 minutes. Don't panic — follow this guide and you'll minimize the damage while we're on our way.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water (Right Now)
This is the single most important thing you can do. Every second water is flowing, it's causing more damage.
- For a toilet overflow: Turn the shutoff valve behind the toilet clockwise (righty-tighty).
- For a sink or faucet leak: Turn the shutoff valves under the sink clockwise.
- For a burst pipe or you can't find the local shutoff: Go to your main water shutoff valve. In most Oahu homes, it's at the water meter near the street.
Pro tip: Go find your main shutoff valve RIGHT NOW, while you're reading this. Don't wait until water is spraying everywhere. It's usually in a covered box near the sidewalk.
Step 2: Turn Off the Water Heater
If you've shut off the main water supply, turn off your water heater too. Running a water heater without water flow can damage the unit or create a dangerous pressure situation.
- Gas water heater: Turn the dial to "pilot" or "off"
- Electric water heater: Flip the breaker at your electrical panel
Step 3: Open Drains and Spigots
After shutting off the main water, open an outdoor spigot or the lowest faucet in your home. This relieves remaining pressure in the pipes and directs any residual water away from the problem area.
Step 4: Contain the Water
While you're waiting for us to arrive:
- Place buckets under active leaks
- Use towels to create barriers and direct water toward drains
- Move electronics, documents, and valuables away from water
- If water is near electrical outlets, turn off power to that area at the breaker
Step 5: Call Hawai'i Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Squad
Call us at (808) 353-8445 — we answer 24/7 for emergencies. When you call, tell us:
- What's happening (burst pipe, overflow, etc.)
- Where the water is coming from
- Whether you've been able to shut off the water
- Your address and the best way to reach you
We typically arrive within 60-90 minutes for emergencies anywhere on Oahu — from Hawaii Kai to Waianae, Haleiwa to Waikiki.
What NOT to Do
- Don't use electrical appliances near standing water
- Don't try to fix a burst pipe yourself with tape or glue — it won't hold
- Don't pour chemical drain cleaner into a backed-up sewer line — it can make things worse and is dangerous
- Don't ignore a "small" leak — small leaks become big leaks, always
After the Emergency
Once we've fixed the immediate problem, document everything for your insurance. Take photos of the damage, keep receipts, and contact your homeowner's insurance if the damage is significant. Most policies cover sudden water damage (like a burst pipe) but not gradual damage (like a slow leak you ignored).
Save our number — (808) 353-8445. Emergencies don't wait for business hours, and neither do we.
?Frequently Asked Questions
In most Oahu homes, it's near the street at the water meter box (look for a round or rectangular cover in your yard near the sidewalk). Some homes also have a shutoff valve where the main line enters the house. Find yours NOW before an emergency happens.