Water Main Break? Immediate Steps & Who to Call in Lindsay, Kawartha Lakes & Peterborough
Water Main Break, Leaking Pipes, Basement Flooding?
What if your water main break? Emergency water main repair hits fast. One minute everything is fine, then suddenly you’ve got low pressure, dirty water, or a basement filling with water.
If you live in Lindsay, Kawartha Lakes, or Peterborough, this is one of the most stressful plumbing issues you’ll ever deal with. You need fast steps and a local plumber who responds immediately.
This guide gives you clear instructions, real warning signs, and a direct way to get help now.
How to Know You Have a Water Main Break
Watch for these signs:
- Sudden low water pressure everywhere in the house
- Dirty or brown water coming from taps
- Soft or wet ground on your property
- Unexplained spike on your water bill
- Water pooling in the basement
If more than one of these shows up, treat it as an emergency.
What You Need to Do Right Now If Your Water Main Break
1. Shut off your main water valve
Your shutoff valve is usually:
- beside the water meter
- in the basement on the main pipe
Turn it clockwise until it stops.
2. Move anything valuable
Water spreads fast. Clear electronics, furniture, boxes, and flooring if possible.
3. Document the damage
Quick pictures with your phone help later with insurance.
4. Call a licensed plumber immediately
A water main break can cause structural damage within minutes.
You need someone local, fast, and fully equipped — not someone driving in from out of town.
Call Gravity Plumbing & Heating — 24/7 Emergency Service
📞 705-486-6835 (Peterborough)
📞 705-344-6835 (Lindsay & Kawartha Lakes)

What Our Team Does When We Arrive To Fix A Water Main Break
We keep the steps simple so you get answers fast:
- Pressure testing to pinpoint the break
- Video inspection to see what caused the damage
- Excavation or no-dig repair, depending on pipe condition
- Full replacement or spot repair
- Cleanup + documentation for insurance reporting
Our techs bring the equipment needed for same-day repairs. No delays.
Common Causes of Water Main Breaks in This Area
- Aging lines in older homes (pre-1990 builds)
- Shifting soil during freeze/thaw cycles
- Corrosion from hard water
- Tree root infiltration
- Heavy equipment or landscaping pressure
Homes in Peterborough, Lindsay, and Kawartha Lakes see more breaks during winter and spring.
How to Prevent Water Main Emergencies
- Install a pressure-reducing valve
- Replace older steel or clay lines
- Do yearly camera inspections
- Keep heavy landscaping away from main lines
- Watch for slow pressure drops
These steps reduce risk, but when the line finally fails, fast response matters most.

Why Homeowners Call Gravity Plumbing & Heating First
You get:
- Local techs who know Lindsay, Kawartha Lakes & Peterborough soil and infrastructure
- 24/7 response
- Upfront pricing
- Licensed plumbers
- No up-selling — just repairs done right
That’s how emergency plumbing should work.
If water is flooding, pressure dropped, or you think your line has snapped — call now. Waiting makes damage worse.
📞 Peterborough : 705-486-6835
📞 Lindsa & Kawartha Lakes: 705-344-6835
Or book online:
🔧 https://gravityplumbingandheating.ca/
FAQ — Emergency Water Main Break
1. Should I shut off my water if I suspect a break?
Yes. Turn off the main valve immediately. It stops pressure and slows flooding.
2. How fast can you arrive for emergency repairs?
We dispatch immediately in Peterborough, Lindsay, and Kawartha Lakes — typically same hour.
3. Will insurance cover a water main break?
Most policies cover the damage inside the home. External line repair varies by policy.
4. Can you repair older pipes without digging?
Often yes. We offer trenchless options depending on pipe condition.



