Emergency Plumbing Guide: What to Do Before Help Arrives

When water is gushing, panic rises fast. Your heart pounds. Time slows. Every second counts. Ants Plumbing understands. Our certified technicians have seen it all—flooded basements, burst pipes in winter, toilets overflowing at midnight. We know the chaos, and we know how to help.

Before our 24/7 team arrives, your actions can save thousands in damage. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide for what to do—quickly and safely—until help is on the way.

Identify Common Plumbing Emergencies 🚨

First, know what you’re facing. Plumbing emergencies come in many forms, but some are more urgent than others:

• Burst pipes: Water spraying from joints or cracks, often during winter freezes.
• Major leaks: Water pooling or dripping rapidly from ceilings, walls, or fixtures.
• Overflowing toilets: Water spilling onto the floor, with risk of contamination.
• Sewer backups: Foul smells and water rising from drains.
• Gas leaks: Rotten egg odor, hissing sounds—leave immediately and call emergency services.
• Flooded basements: Heavy storms or sump pump failure leading to standing water.

Each scenario is different. But the first steps? Always about safety, then stopping more damage.

Shut Off Water & Power Safely

Imagine your home as a ship taking on water. The first move: plug the leak before the whole vessel sinks.

How to shut off water:

• Main shutoff valve: Usually found where the main line enters your home—often in basements, crawl spaces, or utility closets.
  • Turn the valve clockwise until it stops.
• Toilet shutoff: Small oval valve behind the toilet, close to the floor. Turn it clockwise.
• Sink shutoff: Valves under the sink—one each for hot and cold. Turn both clockwise.

If water is near electrical outlets or the fuse box:

• Do not step in standing water if you suspect live wires.
• If safe, switch off electricity to the affected area at your breaker panel.
• If unsure, wait outside and call for help.

Safety first. Water and electricity mix as badly as oil and fire. Always protect yourself.

First Steps for Major Leaks, Burst Pipes, and Overflows

Here’s what you can do—right now:

Burst Pipes

• Shut off the main water valve.
• Open all taps to drain remaining water (reduces pressure and leaking).
• Catch drips with buckets or towels.
• If safe, turn off electricity in the area.

Overflowing Toilets

• Close the toilet’s shutoff valve (behind the toilet).
• Remove the tank lid and lift the float—this stops more water entering.
• Mop up excess water to prevent floor damage.

Major Leaks

• Shut off the closest valve (sink, appliance, or main).
• Move valuables and electronics out of the way.
• Use towels, buckets, or even baking trays to catch drips.

Sump Pump Failure

• Unplug the sump pump if it’s making strange noises or smoking.
• Bail water with buckets if safe.
• Clear any debris from the pit.

Every minute matters. Acting fast slows the damage, giving you a head start before emergency plumbing help arrives.

Preventing Further Damage

Picture a domino line. Stop the first one from falling, and you’ll save the rest.

• Move furniture, rugs, and electronics out of harm’s way.
• Ventilate: Open windows or run fans (if safe) to help dry out damp areas.
• Document damage: Take photos for insurance claims.
• Do not use appliances or outlets in wet areas.

Tip: For winter pipe bursts, wrap towels around leaking sections to absorb water and slow freezing. In storms, check sump pumps and clear outdoor drains to minimize flooding.

When to Call an Emergency Plumber

Some problems can’t wait. Call for emergency plumbing if:

• You can’t stop a leak or shut off the valve.
• Water is spreading rapidly or near electrical equipment.
• There’s a sewer backup or suspected gas leak.
• You’re dealing with no water at all or contaminated water.
• Multiple drains clog at once (could mean a main line blockage).

Ants Plumbing is on call—day or night. Our technicians are licensed, insured, and trained to handle every residential crisis.

Quick Safety Checklist

• [ ] Identify the source of water or gas.
• [ ] Shut off main water valve (or fixture valve).
• [ ] Turn off electricity if water is near outlets.
• [ ] Move valuables and electronics.
• [ ] Document the scene for your records.
• [ ] Call Ants Plumbing for 24/7 emergency help.
• [ ] Wait in a safe, dry location.

Download your printable emergency plumbing checklist here.

DIY Fixes vs. When to Call a Pro

Some issues you can patch for a few hours. Others need a professional touch—fast.

DIY You Can Try

• Tighten a loose pipe joint (hand-tight only).
• Plunge a clogged toilet or drain (if no sewage backup).
• Wrap a burst pipe with rags and a bucket underneath.

Leave to the Pros

• Gas line issues (always a pro job—serious safety risks).
• Major or hidden leaks (walls, ceilings, or underground).
• Sewer line backups—risk of contamination.
• Boiler, water heater, or sump pump repairs.

Remember: The wrong move can make things worse. If in doubt, wait for Ants Plumbing.

What Pros Do On Arrival

When our certified team arrives, they:

1. Inspect and assess the problem—quickly.
2. Use specialized tools to locate hidden leaks (like acoustic sensors and cameras).
3. Shut off secondary valves, if needed.
4. Perform safe, code-compliant repairs.
5. Advise on cleanup, restoration, and next steps.

We follow state plumbing codes and safety guidelines, including Uniform Plumbing Code and local building requirements. Your safety is our priority.

Prevention & Maintenance

An ounce of prevention beats a gallon of mopping. Here’s how to stay ahead:

• Insulate pipes before winter to prevent freezing.
• Test sump pumps each season—pour in water and see if it runs.
• Schedule annual inspections for boilers, water heaters, and backflow devices.
• Replace old hoses on washing machines and dishwashers.
• Install leak detectors under sinks and major appliances.
• Don’t flush wipes or foreign objects down toilets.

Regular checkups catch small problems before they become floods.

Costs & Time Factors

Not all emergencies hit your wallet the same way. Here’s what affects cost and timing:

• Severity: Bigger leaks, more damage, or hard-to-reach pipes take longer and cost more.
• Time of day: Night, weekend, or holiday calls may have higher rates.
• Parts needed: Custom or specialty parts can delay repairs.
• Extent of damage: Water that reaches drywall, floors, or wiring may require additional restoration.

Most emergencies are stabilized within an hour; total repairs can take longer depending on complexity.

When It’s an Emergency

Ask yourself:

• Is water spreading fast?
• Is there risk to safety (electricity, structural, or health hazards)?
• Is the plumbing issue beyond a simple DIY fix?
• Is your home at risk for further damage if you wait?

If you answered yes to any, it’s time for emergency plumbing.

FAQ

How do I find my main water shutoff valve?

Most valves are where the water line enters your home—often in the basement, crawl space, or near your water heater. Sometimes, it’s in a utility room or outside near your foundation.

What should I do if I smell gas?

Leave your home immediately. Do not use switches, phones, or anything that could cause a spark. Call your utility company or local emergency services, then Ants Plumbing for gas safety checks.

Can I use my sump pump during a flood?

Only if it’s working and safe to plug in. If water is rising or the pump is malfunctioning (strange noises, burning smells), unplug it and call Ants Plumbing.

Should I try to clean up sewage backups myself?

No. Sewage contains harmful bacteria. Stay clear and wait for professional cleanup and repair.

Local and Seasonal Considerations ❄️

In colder months, frozen pipes are a big risk—especially in older homes or those with pipes in unheated spaces. Storm season brings basement floods and sump pump failures. After heavy rains, check for water pooling around your foundation and clear outside drains.

If you live in an area prone to winter deep freezes or summer storms, keep extra towels, buckets, and Ants Plumbing’s number handy. Regular maintenance—like pipe insulation and sump pump testing—can make all the difference.

Plumbing emergencies don’t wait. Neither do we. Take these steps, stay safe, and know that certified, caring help is always just a call away.

Call Ants Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  877-753-5879 .