The first hour matters most
A leak does more damage the longer it runs. In the first hour your job is to stop the flow, protect what is exposed and gather information for the plumber and the insurer. Repair comes next.
Find the main shutoff valve before you need it. It is usually at the meter box near the street or where the line enters the house, and many homeowners discover theirs is stuck only during an emergency. Test it once a year.
What to do right away
Follow these steps in order.
- Close the fixture's angle stop, or the main valve if the leak is large or you cannot find the source.
- Switch off power to wet areas at the breaker if water is near outlets or appliances.
- Move belongings out of the water's path and soak up standing water.
- Take photos and video of the source and the damage.
- Open cabinets and doors, run fans and bring in a dehumidifier if you have one.
- Call a plumber for repair and your insurer if damage is significant.
If you cannot stop the water, call the 24/7 line at (321) 463-9969 and tell the dispatcher what you tried.
Where leaks hide and what they look like
Leaks fall into a few common categories.
| Location | Typical sign | Common cause |
|---|---|---|
| Under a sink | Damp cabinet, musty smell | Loose supply line, worn valve, drain connection |
| Behind a wall | Stain, peeling paint, soft drywall | Pinhole in a pipe, failed joint |
| Ceiling | Brown spot, sagging | Upstairs fixture, attic line, roof leak |
| Under the slab | Warm floor, rising bill, hissing sound | Corroded supply line |
| Yard | Wet spot, green strip, low pressure | Service line or irrigation break |
Our guide to slab leaks and the page on water service line repair go deeper on the last two.
Repair, patch or replace
A single failed joint or fitting is a repair, and it is usually quick. A pinhole in older copper may be repairable, but several pinholes suggest the pipe is thinning and a larger replacement makes sense.
A leak in a wall means opening the drywall at the leak and patching it afterward. A plumber should show you the damaged section so you can see why the repair is needed.
If the leak is in polybutylene or old galvanized pipe, patching may only move the problem to the next weak spot. In that case read our repiping page and compare the cost of repeated repairs with a full replacement.
Drying out and avoiding mold
Wet drywall and insulation can start growing mold within a day or two. EPA guidance on mold advises drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours. Open walls where needed, run fans and a dehumidifier, and throw away porous materials that stayed wet.
Hire a water damage specialist if more than a small area is wet. A moisture meter shows whether the walls and floors are dry, and it is cheap insurance against a hidden problem.
Insurance: what to document
Homeowner policies often cover sudden accidental water damage and often exclude long-term seepage and the repair of the failed pipe itself. The line between them depends on your policy wording.
Take photos before cleanup, keep the damaged items until the adjuster says otherwise, save the plumber's invoice and note the date you found the leak. Report promptly, because many policies require timely notice.
Saint Cloud local note: permits, water and who to call
A simple leak repair needs no permit under the county permit page, while re-piping, replacement fixtures and water heaters do. A bigger replacement may therefore need one, and the building department for your address can tell you.
Water in Saint Cloud comes through Toho Water Authority from the Floridan aquifer, and the utility's 2025 report lists chlorine at an average of 1.57 parts per million and applies corrosion control. The meter is typically where utility responsibility ends and the homeowner's begins, though that varies, so confirm with Toho for your address before you decide who repairs a leak near the meter.
Where this comes from, according to the pages themselves: the county permit information page and the utility's annual water quality report. Leak repairs are also handled in Kissimmee and Harmony.
Quick answers for Saint Cloud homeowners
Where does Saint Cloud's water come from?
Toho Water Authority's 2025 report says the water comes from the Floridan aquifer. It is treated with ion exchange, aeration and chlorine, with corrosion control applied.
Does a leak repair need a permit in Osceola County?
The county's permit page lists repairing leaks as not requiring a permit. Re-piping does, so a large replacement may need one.
How do I find where a leak is coming from?
Check under sinks, around toilets and at the water heater, then watch your meter with all fixtures off. A plumber can use acoustic or thermal tools if the source is hidden.
Can I fix a leak myself?
A loose supply line or a dripping valve is within reach of many homeowners. Plumbing is a regulated trade in Florida, so hire a licensed plumber when the job grows.
Should I turn off the main valve for a small leak?
A small leak at a fixture can be stopped with that fixture's angle stop. If you cannot find the source or the leak is large, close the main valve.