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Woman on the phone stressed over a leak from under her sink.
April 22, 2025
Written by Darci
Emergency Plumbing Situations:

What to Do Before Help Arrives

When a plumbing emergency strikes, it’s easy to panic — but knowing what to do in those first crucial moments can help minimize damage and protect your home. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a sewer backup, or a major leak, here’s a simple action plan to follow before the professionals arrive.
Turn Off the Water Supply

The very first thing you should do is stop the flow of water.

  • For isolated fixtures (like a sink or toilet): turn the valve located underneath or behind the fixture clockwise to shut it off.
  • For larger emergencies (like a burst pipe or whole-house leak): locate your home’s main water shut-off valve and turn it off immediately.

💡 Tip: Know where this valve is before you ever need it!

Shut Off the Gas Supply (If Needed)

If you smell gas or have concerns about a gas appliance during a plumbing emergency (like a water heater leak), safely turn off the gas at the appliance or the main shutoff valve outside your home.

🚨Important: If you suspect a major gas leak, evacuate immediately and call your utility company or 911.

Avoid Using Clogged Fixtures
If you have a clogged toilet, backed-up drain, or sewage backup, avoid running water or flushing additional fixtures in your home. This can worsen the situation and increase the risk of water or sewage damage.
Contain the Water
Use towels, buckets, or a wet/dry vacuum to control minor flooding while you wait for help. Place towels around leaks and open cabinets to allow airflow if water is trapped inside.
Call a Licensed Plumber (Like Us!)
Once you’ve contained what you can, give your plumber a call for professional emergency service. Provide as many details as possible about what’s happening so they can arrive prepared.
5 Things to do in a plumbing emergency. 1. Turn off the water 2. Shut off the gas 3. Stop using clogged fixtures 4. Contain the water 5. Call a licensed plumber
What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency:

Quick Reference Guide

Plumbing emergencies can be stressful, especially when they happen unexpectedly. Whether you're dealing with a burst pipe, a sewer backup, or a major leak, knowing what to do before a plumber arrives can help minimize damage and keep your home safe.

That's why we've created this quick-reference infographic to guide you through the first steps you should take in a plumbing emergency.

Download or screenshot this guide and keep it somewhere handy

Need professional help now? Don’t wait—contact us for after-hours emergency service.

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