Emergency Plumbing Checklist:
What to Do Before Sam Arrives

Six steps before the plumber arrives

1. 1. Call Sam first — 24/7 dispatch

   Tap to call (239) 776-2919. Our after-hours line routes straight to an on-call plumber for Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and the rest of Lee and Collier County. While Sam is on the way, work through the steps below.

2. 2. Stop the water at the closest valve

   For a leaking toilet, sink, or water heater, twist the shut-off valve under or beside the fixture clockwise until it stops. If you can't isolate it — or the leak is spraying — go straight to your main shut-off.

3. 3. Find and close your main shut-off

   Most SW Florida slab homes have the main shut-off on the exterior wall near the hose bib, next to the water heater, or in a garage utility closet. Turn the lever a quarter-turn, or twist the round handle clockwise until firm. If you can't find it, your curb stop is in a green or concrete box near the street — use a meter key or large adjustable wrench.

4. 4. Kill power to wet areas

   If water has reached outlets, the water heater, the dishwasher, or anywhere near the panel, flip the affected breakers before stepping in. When in doubt, throw the main breaker — Florida flood-prone slab homes can hide live water paths.

5. 5. Shut off gas to a leaking water heater

   Gas tank-style water heater leaking? Rotate the gas control knob on top of the tank to OFF. For tankless units, close the yellow gas valve on the supply line. Leave the area and call from outside if you smell gas.

6. 6. Contain water and protect belongings

   Lay towels and buckets, move rugs and electronics off the floor, and start a box fan blowing across wet baseboards. The faster you dry, the lower your mold and drywall replacement costs.

Where the main shut-off lives in SW Florida homes

Find it before you need it — walk outside this weekend and tag the valve with bright tape so anyone in the house can shut the water in seconds.

• Older Naples and Fort Myers homes: look for a round wheel valve at the slab penetration on the exterior wall — give it a few firm clockwise turns.
• Newer construction: look for a quarter-turn ball valve (red or blue lever) in the garage utility wall, near the water heater, or in a wall-mounted box.
• Condos and townhomes: the unit shut-off is usually in a hallway access panel; the building shut-off is managed by your HOA — keep their after-hours number on your fridge.
• Can't find it? Use the meter-box curb stop at the street. You'll need a meter key (about $15 at any hardware store) or a long adjustable wrench.

Burst pipe? Drain the system after you shut off

Closing the main stops the supply, but pressurized water in the lines keeps pushing through the failure point. Bleed it off:

1. Open the lowest faucet in the house (usually an outdoor hose bib or utility sink) to drain remaining pressure.
2. Open a faucet on every floor so the lines drain instead of holding water against the burst.
3. Don't restore water until your plumber confirms the failed section is isolated or repaired.

Protecting your home from water damage

SW Florida humidity means mold can start in 24–48 hours. While you wait for your emergency plumber:

• Lift everything off the floor. Cardboard boxes, electronics, paper, and rugs absorb water fast — get them up on counters, beds, or shelves.
• Pull baseboards in soaked areas. If you can, gently pry baseboards off wet drywall so the wall cavity can dry.
• Run fans, not just AC. Box fans blowing across wet flooring pull moisture out far faster than air conditioning alone.
• Photograph everything. Document the source, the spread, and damaged items before any cleanup — your insurer will ask.
• Call your insurance carrier early. Most Florida homeowners' policies cover sudden plumbing failures but require prompt notice.