Emergency Plumbing Guide: What to Do Before Help Arrives

A burst pipe doesn’t care if it’s 2 AM, or if you’re expecting guests in an hour. When water is pouring where it shouldn’t, every second feels like a runaway train. Whether you’re dealing with a leaking water heater, a clogged sewer line, or an overflowing toilet, knowing what to do in those first frantic minutes can make all the difference.

Sky High Plumbing has seen it all — and fixed it all — for families and businesses across the region. Our certified team is ready 24/7, but here’s your essential playbook for what to do until we arrive.

Immediate Actions to Take 🚨

Emergencies don’t wait, so neither should you. Fast, focused action can keep a bad situation from spiraling. Here’s where to start:

• Stay calm. Panic never fixed a leak.
• Shut off the water. Find your main shut-off valve (usually in the basement, garage, or outside wall). Turn it clockwise until tight.
• Turn off electricity if needed. If water is near outlets or wiring, shut off power at the breaker box to avoid shocks.
• Contain the leak. Use buckets, towels, or even old baking sheets to collect water.
• Move valuables. Get electronics, rugs, and furniture out of harm’s way.
• Ventilate. Open windows or use fans to help dry out the area if it’s safe.

Common Emergency Scenarios

Every emergency plumbing call is a little different, but most fall into these buckets:

Burst Pipes

Water gushing from a split pipe can soak walls, floors, and ceilings in minutes. Cold snaps are the usual culprit, but corrosion and old pipes can surprise you any time.

Overflowing Toilets

A clog in the line can turn a flush into a flood. Don’t keep flushing — it’ll only make things worse.

Major Leaks

A water heater leak, broken washing machine hose, or faulty fixture can create a mini lake. Sometimes, it starts as a slow drip and suddenly bursts into chaos.

Sewer Backups

Sinks, tubs, or toilets filling with foul-smelling water? That’s a sign of a serious blockage or a broken sewer line.

Gas Leaks

If you smell rotten eggs or hear a hissing sound near a gas line, leave the building and call emergency services. Safety first — always.

Quick Safety Checklist

Before you try anything, run through this mental checklist:

• Do you know where your main water shut-off valve is?
• Do you have a flashlight, pliers, and a wrench handy?
• Are children and pets clear of the area?
• Is electricity off if water is near outlets?
• Is it safe to stay inside, or should you evacuate (especially for gas leaks)?

A little preparation goes a long way. Make sure your emergency kit has:

• Adjustable wrench
• Heavy-duty gloves
• Towels and buckets
• Flashlight with batteries
• Duct tape (for temporary pipe patches)
• Plunger and drain snake

When to Shut Off Water

It’s the simplest and most powerful move you can make. If water is leaking uncontrollably, don’t wait — shut off the main valve. For small leaks under a sink or at a toilet, there may be a local shut-off right on the supply line (a little oval handle).

Pro tip: Once the water is off, open faucets at lower levels of your home to drain any remaining water from the pipes.

Preventing Further Damage 🧰

Time is your best friend — or your worst enemy. Once you’ve stopped the flow:

• Soak up standing water. The faster you dry things out, the less you’ll worry about mold later.
• Use towels or duct tape for minor leaks. It’s no substitute for a real fix, but it can slow the drip.
• Clear the area. Move furniture, boxes, and anything valuable.
• Photograph the damage. Useful for insurance and for showing your plumber what you’re dealing with.

If it’s safe, prop up furniture on blocks or foil to keep it dry. Roll up rugs. Open cabinet doors under sinks to help pipes dry out.

Common Tools & Supplies to Have on Hand

You don’t need a full tool chest, but a few basics can make all the difference:

• Plunger: For stubborn toilets and sinks.
• Pipe wrench or adjustable wrench: For tightening loose fittings.
• Teflon tape: Helps with leaky threads.
• Bucket: For catching water under leaks.
• Flashlight: Emergencies rarely happen in daylight.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from hot water or sharp edges.

When to Call a Professional

Some plumbing tasks are like changing a light bulb — you can handle them. Others are more like rewiring your house: not worth the risk.

Call Sky High Plumbing right away if:

• You can’t stop the leak at the source.
• Water is coming through ceilings, walls, or light fixtures.
• Sewage is backing up anywhere in your home or business.
• You suspect a gas leak (leave the area and call 911 first).
• The water heater is making strange noises or leaking.
• You’re out of your depth — literally or figuratively.

Remember, a minor mistake can lead to a major bill. Our certified plumbers will get it done right, safely, and up to code.

DIY vs. Call a Pro 🔧

DIY is great for:

• Unclogging a toilet with a plunger
• Tightening a loose faucet handle
• Replacing a showerhead

Call a pro for:

• Pipe bursts or major leaks
• Sewer line clogs or backups
• Water heater, boiler, or gas line issues
• Sump pump failure
• Multiple fixtures backing up at once

When in doubt, it’s safer — and often cheaper in the long run — to let a licensed plumber take over.

What Pros Do On Arrival

You’ve done your part. Here’s what to expect when Sky High Plumbing shows up:

• Assessment: We’ll quickly pinpoint the source and scope of the problem.
• Containment: Stop any additional water or gas flow.
• Repair: Fix or replace the damaged section — from pipes to fixtures to valves.
• Testing: Make sure everything is safe, secure, and up to code.
• Cleanup: We’ll help prevent mold, mildew, and structural problems down the line.

Our team is trained to handle emergencies according to the latest plumbing and safety codes, including those set by the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and local regulations.

Prevention & Maintenance

Most plumbing emergencies can be traced back to missed warning signs. Don’t let minor issues turn into major disasters:

• Have your plumbing inspected annually.
• Install leak detectors under sinks and near water heaters.
• Insulate pipes before winter to prevent freezing.
• Don’t pour grease or wipes down the drain.
• Replace old hoses and washers before they fail.

A little prevention is worth a thousand towels.

Costs & Time Factors

No two emergencies are alike, but here’s what usually affects the bill:

• Severity: A burst pipe behind the wall costs more than a leaky faucet.
• Time: After-hours or weekend calls may add to the cost.
• Parts: Specialty fixtures or old pipes can mean pricier repairs.
• Extent of damage: Water damage cleanup can add to the total.

Most emergency plumbing repairs take 1–4 hours. Major issues like repiping or sewer line repair may take longer, depending on access and weather.

When It’s an Emergency 🚒

Is it really an emergency? Here are the telltale signs:

• Unstoppable leaks: You can’t contain the water.
• Sewage backup: Any sign of sewage is a health risk.
• Gas leaks: Rotten egg smell, hissing sounds, or dizziness.
• No water: Complete loss of water supply, especially in a business or during a freeze.

If you’re not sure, err on the side of caution. Better a false alarm than extensive damage.

FAQ

How do I find my main water shut-off valve?
Usually, it’s near where the water line enters your building — basement, crawl space, or utility room. Sometimes outside by the meter.

Will insurance cover water damage?
Most policies cover sudden, accidental plumbing failures. Check your policy and document everything with photos.

How can I prevent frozen pipes?
Insulate exposed pipes, keep the heat on, and let faucets trickle during hard freezes.

What should I do if my sump pump fails during a storm?
Unplug it, check for blockages, and call for repair. Keep valuables off the floor in flood-prone areas.

Local/Seasonal Considerations

Our region brings its own plumbing challenges. Winter freezes can split pipes in hours. Heavy rains can overwhelm sump pumps and sewer lines. Local building codes may require backflow prevention or annual inspections — especially in areas with older infrastructure.

If you live in a storm-prone zone, make sure your sump pump is tested and your drains are clear before the season starts. For freeze-prone areas, pipe insulation is a must. Sky High Plumbing is always a call away for Sink Repair near you, leak repairs, and more — day or night, whatever the weather.

Call Sky High Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  877-730-8216 .