Call a plumber: banging with water where it should not be

Why this happens

Bob Vila says water hammer can vibrate pipes enough to weaken connections and joints, and that some leaks start as a slow drip inside the wall. Family Handyman says the shaking can loosen fittings and, over time, wear holes in pipes. A bang with water showing up is a leak until a plumber says otherwise.

What to do right now

1. If you smell gas at any time, leave the house and call 911 and your gas utility from outside. The Pennsylvania PUC says not to turn lights on or off or make calls from inside.
2. Stay out of standing water near outlets, cords and appliances. Ready.gov says not to touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.
3. Shut off the main water valve by hand, but only if you can reach it without walking through standing water. If you cannot, call your water utility and a plumber. Bob Vila says a ball valve, which has a lever handle, turns clockwise 90 degrees, and a gate valve, which has a round handle, takes a few turns clockwise until it stops.
4. Never force the valve. Family Handyman says an old gate valve can break and a stuck one should be left alone. If it will not turn, call a plumber and your water utility, which can shut the water off at the street.
5. Move belongings away from the wet area. Do not cut into the wall or ceiling to look.
6. Call a licensed plumber now. If water reached outlets, switches or your electrical panel, also tell the plumber and call a licensed electrician before anyone uses that circuit.

When to stop. If water is spraying or pooling fast, or the main valve will not turn, call a plumber and your water utility right away and do not force the valve.

Start this troubleshooter over

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