Emergency Plumbing: What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives

Every Minute Counts in a Plumbing Emergency

A burst pipe, overflowing toilet, or major leak can cause thousands of dollars in water damage within minutes. The actions you take in the first few moments can mean the difference between a manageable repair and a catastrophic mess.

Here’s exactly what to do while you wait for the plumber.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water

This is the single most important thing you can do. Stop the flow of water as quickly as possible.

For Localized Problems

Most fixtures have individual shut-off valves nearby:

• Toilets: Look for the oval valve on the wall behind or beside the toilet. Turn it clockwise until it stops
• Sinks: Check under the sink for hot and cold shut-off valves. Turn both clockwise
• Washing machine: Close the red (hot) and blue (cold) valves behind the machine
• Water heater: Turn the valve on the cold water inlet pipe clockwise

For Major Leaks or Burst Pipes

Shut off the main water supply to the entire house:

• Find your main shut-off valve — it’s typically near the water meter, often in the basement, crawl space, garage, or near the street
• Turn it clockwise (or perpendicular to the pipe for ball valves)
• After shutting off the main, open faucets at the lowest point in the house to drain remaining water from the pipes

Know where your main shut-off is before an emergency happens. Walk to it right now and make sure you can operate it. If it’s corroded or stuck, have a plumber replace it during a non-emergency visit.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Heater

If you’ve shut off the main water supply, turn off your water heater to prevent damage:

• Gas water heater: Turn the thermostat to the “pilot” setting
• Electric water heater: Flip the dedicated circuit breaker to off

Running a water heater without water flowing through it can cause overheating and damage the unit.

Step 3: Contain the Water

Minimize damage while you wait:

• Use towels, buckets, and bins to catch dripping water
• Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the affected area
• Mop up standing water as quickly as possible — standing water causes the most damage
• Place buckets under active drips and empty them regularly
• If water is near electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the electrical circuit for that area at the breaker box before touching anything

Step 4: Open Drains and Spigots

After shutting off the main water supply, open outdoor spigots and indoor faucets to drain residual water from the pipes. This reduces pressure and directs remaining water to controlled locations rather than the break point.

Step 5: Document the Damage

While you’re waiting for the plumber:

• Take photos and videos of the damage, the source of the leak, and any affected belongings
• Note the time the emergency started and when you shut off the water
• Save damaged items for insurance documentation (don’t throw anything away yet)

This documentation is essential if you need to file a homeowner’s insurance claim.

What NOT to Do

Avoid these common mistakes that make things worse:

Don’t Use Electrical Appliances in Standing Water

Water and electricity are a lethal combination. If water is near outlets, light switches, or appliances, cut power at the breaker before entering the area.

Don’t Try to Fix the Problem With Duct Tape

Temporary patches on pressurized pipes usually fail, often spectacularly. Pipe clamps or plumber’s tape (Teflon tape) on threaded connections can work for minor leaks, but duct tape, electrical tape, or glue will not hold.

Don’t Ignore “Small” Leaks

A slow drip can indicate a much larger problem behind the wall. If you discover a small leak during an emergency, mention it to the plumber — it may be related.

Don’t Pour Chemical Drain Cleaner

If you have a backup or slow drain during the emergency, don’t pour chemical drain cleaner down it. These products can damage pipes, create toxic fumes, and make the plumber’s job harder and more dangerous.

Common Plumbing Emergencies and Quick Actions

Emergency	Immediate Action
Burst pipe	Shut off main water, open faucets to drain
Overflowing toilet	Turn off the toilet valve, don’t flush again
Gas leak smell	Leave the house, call gas company, don’t flip switches
Sewer backup	Stop using all water, don’t flush any toilets
Water heater leak	Turn off power/gas, shut off cold water inlet
Frozen pipe	Turn off main water, apply gentle heat (hair dryer)

Be Prepared Before Emergencies Happen

The best time to find a reliable plumber is before you need one. Knowing how to find a reliable plumber and having their number saved can save precious time when disaster strikes.

Get a free quote from emergency plumbers in your area now — so you have a trusted number ready when you need it most.