When a plumbing emergency strikes, panic is often the first response, and understandably so. A broken pipe, overflowing toilet, or gushing leak can feel overwhelming, especially when water starts to damage floors, walls, or valuable belongings. But the best way to protect your home (and your sanity) is by staying calm and knowing what to do next.
These emergency plumbing tips can help you act quickly and minimize damage while waiting for a professional plumber to arrive.
1. Shut Off the Water Supply Immediately
The first and most important step in any plumbing emergency is to stop the flow of water. Locate your home’s main water shut-off valve and turn it clockwise to close it. If you’re dealing with a smaller issue, like a leaking toilet or sink, you may be able to shut off water just to that fixture using the local shut-off valve beneath or behind it. Knowing where these valves are in advance can save you time (and water damage) during an emergency.
2. Turn Off the Water Heater
If the plumbing issue affects your hot water supply, turn off your water heater to prevent it from overheating or building up pressure. For electric water heaters, switch off the power at the breaker panel. For gas models, turn the gas supply off. This step is especially important if a pipe bursts, as your water heater could try to refill itself continuously and cause further problems.
3. Open Outdoor Spigots and Drains
Once the main water supply is off, go outside and open your outdoor faucets. This helps direct any remaining water in the system away from your home. It also relieves pressure from your pipes and prevents water from sitting stagnant inside them. If the problem involves freezing pipes, this can be particularly helpful in reducing the risk of additional bursts.
4. Contain the Leak as Best You Can
Use towels, buckets, and mops to control the water and limit how far it spreads. If the leak is coming from a pipe and is small enough, wrapping it with duct tape or a plumber’s tape can serve as a temporary fix until a professional gets there. For larger leaks, especially those causing ceiling or wall damage, try to catch the water in a container and clear the area of electronics or valuables.
5. Check for Electrical Hazards
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If the leak is near electrical outlets, appliances, or your breaker box, don’t take risks. Shut off power to that area of the house immediately and avoid standing water. This is not the time to test your DIY skills; electrical risk is a situation where you should call for help and wait.
6. Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
In the middle of a plumbing emergency, it can be tempting to reach for chemical drain cleaners, especially if you’re dealing with a clog. But these products can do more harm than good. They may damage your pipes or react poorly if professional tools are used afterward. It’s best to leave clogs for your plumber to clear safely.
7. Know When to Call a Professional
Some homeowners hesitate to call for help, thinking they can fix things themselves. But when water is pouring out of a pipe, when multiple drains back up, or when you don’t know the source of the problem, it’s time to bring in a licensed plumber. Emergencies handled incorrectly can result in expensive plumbing repairs later. The sooner a professional intervenes, the more likely it is you’ll avoid long-term damage.
When Every Minute Counts, We’ve Got You Covered
Plumbing emergencies are never convenient, but knowing what to do makes all the difference. At FlowPro Plumbing, we’re here for homeowners across Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, and Rolling Meadows. If you’ve shut off your water, done your best to control the damage, and still need help (and you probably will), give us a call.
We treat every emergency like it’s happening in our own home: with urgency, professionalism, and a commitment to resolving it right the first time. You can reach out to us for commercial and residential plumbing needs, including drain cleaning, kitchen plumbing, sewer line repair, broken pipe repair, and more.
Call FlowPro Plumbing today and get expert help when you need it most.
