A water leak can range from a slow drip under a sink to active water that is spreading across a room. Start by looking at where the water is coming from and whether you can safely stop or contain it.
If water is near an outlet, switch, light fixture, electrical panel, appliance connection, or other energized equipment, keep away from the affected area and do not continue ordinary leak troubleshooting.
Start With the Nearest Fixture Shutoff
If the leak is coming from a toilet, sink, or another fixture with a readily accessible shutoff valve, use that valve first.
For a typical round-handled valve, turn it clockwise until closed. For a lever-style valve, moving the lever one-quarter turn so it sits across the pipe usually closes it.
Do not force a valve that is stuck, corroded, damaged, or does not move normally.
If the Fixture Shutoff Does Not Stop the Water
If you know where the home's main water shutoff is located and it is readily accessible in a safe, dry area, you may close it.
Do not enter a flooded or unsafe space, open a utility-owned meter box, crawl into a confined area, or force a valve that will not operate normally.
Contain Water Only When It Is Safe
If the source has stopped or the leak is small enough to manage safely, use a bucket, towels, or another simple container to limit water spread.
Move personal belongings away from the affected area when you can do so safely. Do not remove walls, ceilings, cabinets, flooring, or plumbing components to search for the source.
If the ceiling is bulging or sagging with water, stay away from the area underneath it and report the condition. Do not puncture or drain the ceiling yourself.
If the Leak Is at the Water Heater
Use the Water Heater & Hot Water Problems guide. A leaking water heater can also involve hot water, electricity, or gas, so the safe steps differ from an ordinary fixture leak.
When the Leak Needs Emergency Routing
If water is actively causing major property damage and you cannot safely stop or contain it with a simple action, use the emergency-maintenance routing on Resident Maintenance.
If water is entering through an outlet, electrical fixture, panel, or other energized equipment, keep away from the affected area and follow the appropriate electrical-safety route rather than continuing plumbing troubleshooting.
What to Include in Your Maintenance Request
Tell us where the water is coming from, whether it is still flowing, which shutoff you used, whether the water stopped, what materials or rooms have been affected, and when you first noticed the problem.
Include clear photos or a short video when they can be taken safely. Submit the unresolved leak through your resident portal.
For other plumbing symptoms, return to Plumbing & Water Problems.
Published: September 2, 2026
