Emergency Plumbing: What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives
When water is spraying from a broken pipe or sewage is backing up through your drain, panic is natural. But taking the right steps immediately minimizes damage and cost.
Step 1: Shut off the water (immediately)
Every homeowner should know where their main water shutoff valve is BEFORE an emergency. It's usually near where the water line enters your house — in the basement, crawl space, or near the water heater. Turn it clockwise to close.
Step 2: Turn off the water heater
If you've shut off the main water, turn off the water heater to prevent overheating and pressure buildup. For gas heaters, turn the gas valve to 'off'. For electric, flip the breaker.
Step 3: Open drains and spigots
After shutting off water, open the lowest faucet in the house and an outdoor spigot to drain remaining water from the pipes. This reduces pressure and minimizes additional leaking.
Step 4: Contain the water
- Place buckets under active leaks
- Use towels to dam doorways and prevent spread
- Move electronics and valuables away from water
- Open windows to begin drying (if weather permits)
- Do NOT use electrical appliances in standing water
Step 5: Call an emergency plumber
Emergency plumbing calls cost $150-$400 for the first hour, depending on time of day. Weekend and after-hours rates are typically 1.5-2x regular rates. While it's expensive, the cost of NOT calling — water damage restoration averages $3,000-$10,000 — makes immediate professional response the smart financial decision.
Document everything for insurance
Take photos and video of the damage before any cleanup begins. This documentation is essential for your insurance claim. Most homeowners policies cover sudden plumbing failures but not gradual leaks.
