Edmonton Emergency PlumberCall780-652-1462

Water leak? What to do first, and who to call in Edmonton

Water is dripping, pooling or staining somewhere it shouldn't. Find the source if you can, and stop the water at the main valve if it is safe to reach.

Call 780-652-1462

Call or send a request any time, day or night. Calls are answered by an automated assistant and transcribed. Calls are answered in English.

A local plumber will call you back as soon as possible. If this can't wait, call other plumbers too.

What to do right now

  1. Keep clear of water near power

    Water spreading toward outlets, cords or the panel? Don't wade in. If water is above an outlet, leave until your electricity supplier confirms the power is off, as Alberta advises. In Edmonton, EPCOR's emergency line covers power too: 780-412-4500.

  2. Close the main valve, if you can reach it dry

    Close the main water valve only if you can get to it without stepping into water near anything electrical.

    It sits beside the water meter, near the front or back of the house. EPCOR says to look in a basement utility room, a crawl space near an outside wall, or the furnace room near the water heater.

  3. Don't force it, then check

    If the valve won't turn, leave it, since forcing a seized valve can make it leak. Once it is closed, check that the leak has stopped.

  4. Apartment or condo: the building manager

    In a multi-unit building, EPCOR says the building manager is the one to shut off water to your unit.

  5. Still leaking, or water coming up outside? Call EPCOR

    If closing the valve doesn't stop it, call EPCOR Water Dispatch at 780-412-4500. Call the same number if you think water is leaking underground, on your property or not. EPCOR lists the signs of a main break: water coming up from the ground, a pool on the road away from any drain, and steam off the water in winter.

  6. Water reached the furnace or water heater?

    Has water reached your furnace or water heater? Don't use it until a professional checks it.

  7. A certified plumber for the pipes inside

    For leaks in your home's plumbing, EPCOR's advice is to contact a reputable, certified plumber in your area.

A red handwheel valve on top of a large insulated metal pipe.
A handwheel valve on a water pipe. The main shut-off in your house may look different.

Water leak but can't find it

EPCOR's signs of a hidden leak:

  • A sudden drop in water pressure.
  • Slow drains.
  • Calcium or water stains on walls, ceilings or floors.
  • A water bill that is suddenly high.

Leak near water meter: whose side is it?

EPCOR owns the water meter, the curb stop valve at your property line, and the pipe from the main to that line. The homeowner owns the main shut-off valve and the pipe from the property line to the meter, plus the plumbing inside.

So a leak at the meter itself is EPCOR's to deal with. A leak on the pipe between your property line and the meter is yours. EPCOR notes that repairs to service lines on your property aren't typically covered by a basic homeowner's insurance policy.

Water leak in ceiling or behind a wall

Stains on a ceiling or wall are one of the signs EPCOR lists. If you live below another unit, the water may be coming from above, and the building manager is the person who can shut it off.

Water leak, who to call: in order

  1. 911 if anyone is hurt, or water may reach anything electrical and you can't stay dry.
  2. Your building manager in an apartment or condo.
  3. EPCOR at 780-412-4500 if the valve won't stop the leak or water is coming out of the ground.
  4. Your insurer, with photos.
  5. A plumber for the pipes inside.

Water leak, what to do: sending a request

Phone or use the form, any time, day or night. A local plumber will call you back as soon as possible. If this can't wait, call other plumbers too.

Renting? Tell your landlord or building manager now. They may have their own emergency line, and they may need to approve the work.

Questions

Is a water leak an emergency?

Treat it as one if you can't stop it at the main valve, if water is near anything electrical, or if water is coming up out of the ground. EPCOR asks people to report underground leaks, on their property or not, at 780-412-4500.

Water leak before the meter: who is responsible?

It depends on where the leak is. From the main to your property line, the pipe is EPCOR's. From the property line to the meter, it is yours. If it's underground and you aren't sure, report it to EPCOR at 780-412-4500.

Leak near the water meter?

The meter belongs to EPCOR, so call EPCOR at 780-412-4500 about a leak at the meter itself. The main shut-off valve beside it is the homeowner's.

Can water leaks cause mould?

Yes, which is why drying matters. EPCOR's advice after water damage is to dry out the area as soon as possible to avoid mould.

Is a water leak in the basement covered by insurance?

It depends on the policy and the cause, so check yours. The Insurance Bureau of Canada says a home policy typically covers sudden or accidental water damage from indoor plumbing. Sewer backup is different: the Bureau says standard policies typically don't cover it, and most insurers offer it as an option.

Sources

Other problems

Areas we take requests from

Send a request

Prefer not to call? Send your details. A local plumber will call you back as soon as possible. If this can't wait, call other plumbers too.

We use your details to arrange a call back. See the privacy page.

Call 780-652-1462

Calls are answered by an automated assistant and transcribed.