 In case of plumbing emergency you will have to stop the stream of water very rapidly. To do this successfully, you, as well as every member of your family, should know the location of the intercept valve for each fixture and appliance, the major intercept valve for the house, and the way they function.
If the emergency engages a certain fixture or appliance, at first find its intercept valve and turn it clockwise to cut off the water to that fixture or appliance exceptionally.
The valve is always placed under the fixture like toilet or sink, or behind an appliance like washing machine at the spot where the water supply line connects to it.
When the problem lies not in a specific fixture or appliance, or there is no intercept valve for a particular fixture or appliance, make use of the major intercept valve to shut the water supply off to the whole house.
Actually, the major intercept valve is located on the interior or exterior of your house where the main water supply line enters. In areas with cold climate the valve may be placed inside the foundation wall in the basement or cellar.
Turn the intercept valve clockwise to cut it off.
In case the major intercept valve is faulty and must be fixed, call your water supply company. They will send somebody with the necessary equipment needed to cut off the water in the street prior to it comes to the valve.
A Leaking or Broken Pipe
Shut off the major intercept valve to deter water damage. 
Take some short-term measures to stop seeping out.
The line should be substituted as soon as possible.
A Clogged Sink
Turn off any tap or appliance (for example, dishwasher) that is draining into the sink.
Unblock the sink with the help of a plunger.
You should not use a chemical drain cleaner if the clogging is overall.
A Tap That Won't Shut Off
Shut off the water at the fixture intercept valve under the sink without delay.
In case the valve is missing there, cut off the major intercept valve.
Fix the tap or, if needed, substitute it.
A Steaming Hot Water Faucet
Open all the hot water taps to alleviate the overheated water heater.
Cut off gas or electricity supply to the heater. Let the taps be open till cold water runs (this testifies that the water is no more overheated). Then you may shut them off.
Send for an expert to make all essential repairs to the thermostat and pressure relieve valve.
| 
