The call order
| Order | Who | When to call | Your number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 911 | Fire, smoke, sparking, gas smell, a ceiling coming down on someone, or anyone hurt | 911 |
| 2 | Building maintenance or landlord | You rent, or the shutoff is in a locked room or another unit | |
| 3 | Water utility emergency line | A break at the meter, the curb stop or in the street, or the main valve will not close | |
| 4 | Plumber | After the water is off, to find and fix the failure | |
| 5 | Electrician | Water reached outlets, a panel, light fixtures or wiring | |
| 6 | Water mitigation company | Water soaked carpet, drywall or ceilings and needs extraction and drying | |
| 7 | Insurance claim line | Once the water is stopped and photographed | |
| 8 | Neighbors or unit below | Water may have crossed into their space |
Why this order
Life safety always comes first, which is why 911 is on top even though most leaks never need it. Next is whoever can stop the water fastest. In a house you own, that is you at the main valve; in an apartment or a shop, it may be a manager with a key to a mechanical room. The utility comes in when the problem is on their side of the meter or when a valve fails.
The plumber and the electrician fix the cause and make the space safe. Drying and the insurance call come after, once the water is stopped and the damage is photographed. Insurers generally expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage, and most will tell you to go ahead with emergency drying.
Fill these in today
- The emergency number printed on your water bill, and the name of the utility.
- Your landlord's or property manager's after-hours number, if you rent.
- A plumber you would call, and a second choice in case the first is booked.
- Your insurer's claim phone number and your policy number.
- The location of your main shutoff, written in words someone else could follow.
- A neighbor who has a key and could close the valve if you are away.
Common questions
Should I call my insurer before a plumber?
Usually stop the water and make the space safe first. Then photograph everything and open the claim. Most insurers expect you to prevent further damage without waiting for them.
General information for Englewood, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.