Find and close the main shut-off
Know where it is before you need it: usually where the water line enters the house, near the meter, or in a basement or crawl space. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
Burst pipe or major leak
Shut off the main, open a low faucet to drain the lines, and move belongings. If water is near electrical outlets or the panel, shut off power to that area if you can do it safely.
Sewer backup
Stop using all water and toilets, keep people and pets away from affected areas, and call immediately. Don't try to plunge a main line backup.
No hot water or water heater leak
Turn off the gas valve or breaker and close the cold inlet valve on top of the heater. Then call a 24 hour plumber — a leaking tank can dump 50 gallons fast.
Need a plumber for this?
MGA Plumbing provides emergency plumber 24/7 in every Missouri city — Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia and hundreds more. Upfront pricing, same-day service. Call (888) 480-9811.