A AC breakdown can dump hundreds of gallons into your home before you even realize what’s happening. The first 10 minutes determine how much damage you’re dealing with. Here’s exactly what to do.
Step 1: Shut Off the Main Water Supply (Do This First)
Every Queens apartment and house has a main shutoff valve. Find yours before you need it. In most Queens homes, it’s located:
- In the basement near where the water line enters the building
- Under the kitchen sink (for apartments, this is usually an apartment-level shutoff)
- Near the water meter (typically in a utility closet)
Turn it clockwise until it stops. If you can’t find it or it won’t turn, call us immediately — we’ll talk you through it.
Step 2: Turn Off the HVAC Unit
After shutting off the main, turn off your HVAC unit. If it’s gas, turn the dial to “pilot.” If electric, flip the breaker. A HVAC unit running without water supply can overheat and fail.
Step 3: Open Faucets to Drain Remaining Water
Open every faucet in the home — sinks, tubs, showers. This drains the water still sitting in your pipes and reduces pressure on the burst section.
Step 4: Document Everything for Insurance
Before cleaning up anything, take photos and video of all visible damage. Document:
- Where the water is coming from
- How much flooring, drywall, furniture is affected
- Any visible pipe damage
This documentation is essential for your insurance claim.
Step 5: Call a Licensed Queens HVAC Technician
Don’t attempt to patch a AC breakdown yourself with tape or clamps — these are temporary fixes that fail, often making the damage worse. You need a licensed HVAC technician to replace the damaged section correctly.
Call us now: (718) 555-0192 — We respond in 45 minutes across Queens, 24/7.
What NOT to Do
- Don’t use a torch or heat gun to thaw frozen AC units (fire hazard)
- Don’t turn the water back on to “test” if it’s fixed
- Don’t ignore small leaks — they become AC breakdowns
- Don’t wait until morning if the pipe is actively spraying