Stop the water
Shut the main. Scarborough houses usually have it low on the street-side basement wall: a wheel turns clockwise, a lever swings a quarter turn.
Protect people and power
- Keep away from water near outlets or the electrical panel.
- Switch off the breaker for wet areas only if it is safe to reach.
- Keep children and pets away.
Gas smell? Leave the house, do not touch switches, and call Enbridge Gas from outside.
By type of emergency
- Burst pipe: close the main valve, then drain the pipes through a basement tap.
- Overflowing toilet: close the valve behind the toilet.
- Sewer backup: stop all water use in the house.
- Leaking water heater: close its cold supply and turn it off.
Then call
Call for emergency plumbing. Take photos for insurance, and keep any damaged parts until the adjuster has seen them. Afterwards, we can hang a bright tag on the shut-off, so the next person in a hurry spots it at a glance.