A plumbing emergency can strike at the worst possible time, in the middle of the night, during a holiday dinner, or just as you’re heading out the door. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a clogged sewer, or a flooded bathroom, the key to minimizing damage is knowing exactly what to do in the moment.
This guide will walk you through how to act fast, stay calm, and take the right steps until a professional plumber arrives.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Immediately
The very first thing you should do is stop the water flow.
- For a localized leak (like under a sink or toilet), look for a shutoff valve near the fixture and turn it clockwise.
- For major leaks or burst pipes, turn off the main water valve to your home. This is usually located in a basement, crawl space, utility closet, or near the exterior wall.
Tip: Make sure all adults in your home know where the main shutoff valve is and how to use it.
Step 2: Turn Off the Water Heater
If your plumbing emergency involves hot water or a broken pipe connected to your water heater, turn off the water heater to prevent overheating or further damage.
- For gas water heaters, turn the dial to the “pilot” setting.
- For electric water heaters, shut off the breaker in your electrical panel.
Step 3: Shut Off Electricity If Necessary
If water is near electrical outlets, appliances, or your fuse box, turn off power to the affected areas. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Don’t take risks.
Important: If you can’t safely reach your breaker panel, wait for professional help.
Step 4: Contain and Minimize Water Damage
Use towels, buckets, and wet/dry vacuums to soak up water and prevent it from spreading to other rooms or damaging the flooring.
Place buckets under drips and move furniture, rugs, and electronics out of the affected area.
Step 5: Document the Damage
Before cleaning up too much, take photos and videos of the damage. These can be essential if you need to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance.
Be sure also to document:
- Visible leaks or pipe damage
- Standing water or water stains
- Affected belongings
Step 6: Call an Emergency Plumber
Now that you’ve stopped the immediate crisis, it’s time to call a licensed emergency plumber. Choose a service with:
- 24/7 availability
- Quick response time
- Experience handling your specific issue (burst pipe, sewer backup, etc.)
If you’re in a larger city like Knoxville, TN, look for plumbers who specialize in emergency services near your neighborhood for faster help.
Step 7: Follow the Plumber’s Instructions
When you’re on the phone with the plumber, they may ask you to do certain things to help prepare for their arrival, like opening additional faucets to relieve pressure or checking for signs of water heater damage.
Follow their guidance closely, and clear a path to the problem area so they can work quickly once they arrive.
Bonus Tips to Be Prepared Next Time
Plumbing emergencies happen unexpectedly, but you can reduce your risk and be better prepared by:
- Learning where all shut-off valves are
- Keeping emergency contact numbers handy
- Installing smart leak sensors in vulnerable areas
- Scheduling annual plumbing inspections
- Replacing aging pipes or fixtures before they fail
Final Thoughts: Stay Calm, Act Fast
Plumbing emergencies are stressful, but the damage doesn’t have to be devastating. By staying calm, shutting off the water, and calling a trusted plumber quickly, you can protect your home and avoid a costly disaster.
If you’re unsure about what to do next or need help recovering from an emergency, don’t hesitate to reach out to GoHero Home Services, your local plumbing expert.
