Emergency Plumbing Guide: What to Do Before Help Arrives

When water is pouring from a burst pipe or a toilet won’t stop overflowing, minutes matter. This guide shows you clear steps to protect your home and health while you wait for a pro to arrive.

H.I.S. Plumbing handles emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, leak detection, pipe repair, unclogging toilets, water heater repair, gas safety checks, and more—24/7 service when you need it most. Use the checklist below to limit damage, stay safe, and help us fix the problem faster.

Common Emergency Scenarios and What You Can Do 🚨

Every situation is unique, but most plumbing emergencies fall into a few patterns. Here’s what you can do right now for the most common ones.

Burst or Leaking Pipe

• Turn off the main water supply. The main valve is usually where the water line enters the home (often near a perimeter wall, basement, crawlspace, or utility closet).
• Open the lowest and highest faucets to drain pressure. This reduces water in the lines and slows leaks.
• If the leak is small, wrap it with a rubber patch (an old hose or gasket) and tighten gently with a clamp or tape until help arrives.
• Move furniture and electronics away. Put down towels or a bucket.
• If water is near outlets or electrical panels, do not touch the water. If safe, shut power at the breaker.

Overflowing or Clogged Toilet

• Remove the tank lid and push the flapper down to stop water entering the bowl. Turn the shutoff valve behind the toilet clockwise to close.
• Use a flange plunger (the type with a neck). Press firmly and plunge 10–15 times.
• Do not keep flushing. One test flush after plunging is fine. If the bowl fills again, stop.

Sewage Backup or Main Drain Clog

• Stop using all plumbing fixtures. Running water elsewhere can worsen the backup.
• Avoid contact with the water. It may contain bacteria and viruses.
• Ventilate the area and keep kids and pets away.
• This is a priority emergency. Call right away.

Water Heater Leak or No Hot Water

• For gas heaters: turn the gas control to “Pilot” or “Off” if you see leaking or smell gas. For electric heaters: switch off the breaker before touching anything wet.
• Turn off the cold-water supply to the heater.
• If the temperature and pressure (T&P) valve is discharging, do not cap it. That valve is a safety device.

Gas Smell or Hissing Line

• Evacuate immediately. Do not use switches or phones inside the building.
• From a safe location, call your gas utility and emergency services.
• Then call H.I.S. Plumbing for gas line repair and safety checks.

Sump Pump Failure During Storms

• If safe, check the float switch. Make sure it’s not stuck.
• Verify power to the outlet. If you have a battery backup, switch it on.
• Reduce water use in the home to limit stress on drains.

Low or No Water Pressure

• Check if it’s a whole-house issue or just one fixture.
• Look for visible leaks or damp spots.
• If only hot water is weak, the water heater or a mixing valve may be the issue.

Quick Safety Checklist ✅

Work through these in order. Skip anything that isn’t safe.

• Water shutoff:
  • Main house valve: close clockwise.
  • Fixture shutoffs: sinks, toilets, and many appliances have local valves.
• Electricity:
  • Water near outlets or panels: keep clear. Shut off power at the breaker if it’s safe and dry to do so.
• Gas safety:
  • If you smell gas or hear a hiss, evacuate and call your gas utility and emergency services.
• Personal protection:
  • Wear gloves and shoes with good grip.
  • Avoid standing water if you suspect electricity is involved.
• Sewage exposure:
  • Avoid contact. If you must be near it, use gloves and a mask. Wash hands with soap after.
• Ventilation:
  • Open windows and doors to reduce humidity and odors.
• Documentation:
  • Take photos or short videos for insurance before you clean up.
• Containment:
  • Use buckets, towels, and a wet/dry vacuum if safe. Move valuables to dry areas.
• Children and pets:
  • Keep them away from leak zones, buckets, tools, and cleaners.
• Chemicals:
  • Do not mix cleaners (especially bleach and ammonia). Avoid chemical drain cleaners before a service visit; they can burn skin and damage pipes.

Authoritative references: International Plumbing Code (IPC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), CDC guidance on sewage exposure, NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code), OSHA electrical safety basics.

DIY vs. When to Call a Pro 🛠️

A calm, simple action now can prevent hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage. Here’s a quick guide.

Reasonable DIY Steps While You Wait

• Shut off water at the main or at fixture valves.
• Plunge toilets and tub/shower drains gently with the right plunger.
• Tighten a loose supply line at the nut one-quarter turn at a time.
• Place a clean towel and clamp over a small pinhole leak in a copper or PEX pipe.
• Drain pressure by opening faucets, especially after a shutoff.
• Clear visible trap clogs by removing the P-trap under a sink (place a bucket first).

What to Avoid

• Chemical drain cleaners. They are harsh on pipes and risky for skin and eyes. They also make professional drain cleaning more hazardous.
• Torch soldering or cutting pipes if you’re not trained.
• Capping a T&P valve on a water heater.
• Sticking foreign objects deep into drains. You can compact the clog.
• Ignoring a slow gas odor. Even a faint smell needs immediate action.

Call H.I.S. Plumbing for

• Emergency plumbing and active leaks you can’t control.
• Sewage backups and main line clogs.
• Water heater repair or replacement.
• Boiler repair and no-heat issues.
• Gas line installation, leak checks, and safety inspections.
• Sewer line inspection, repair, or replacement.
• Backflow testing and prevention.
• Sump pump repair and replacement.
• Water pressure problems and repiping.

If you’re searching for “Emergency Plumbing near you,” call us. We’ll guide you on shutoffs by phone and dispatch a plumber.

What Pros Do When We Arrive

Knowing our first steps can help you prepare the space and speed up the repair.

1) Safety and Shutoffs

• Verify main water and fixture shutoffs.
• Secure electricity if water has reached outlets or equipment.
• For gas-related calls, we confirm utility and code compliance per NFPA 54.

2) Rapid Assessment

• Interview: What happened, when it started, recent work or noises.
• Visual scan: Ceilings, walls, floors, and fixtures for signs of hidden leaks.
• Moisture and pressure tests: Non-invasive meters, pressure gauges, and temperature checks.

3) Leak Detection and Pipe Repair

• Methods: acoustic listening, infrared, scope cameras for concealed lines.
• Quick fixes: push-fit couplings, PEX repairs, or isolation of zones.
• Longer fixes: copper re-soldering, section replacement, or repiping if pipes are brittle or undersized.

4) Drain Cleaning and Sewer Work

• Tools: plungers, closet augers, hand and sectional snakes, and hydro jetting for heavy buildup.
• Cameras: we inspect the line to identify roots, breaks, or bellies.
• Repairs: spot repair, cleanout installation, or full sewer line replacement when needed.

5) Fixture, Toilet, and Sink Repair

• Rebuild kits for running toilets (fill valve, flapper, and flush valve).
• Wax ring or gasket replacement for rocking or leaking bases.
• Cartridge replacements in faucets and shower valves.

6) Water Heater and Boiler Service

• Gas safety checks, thermocouple/flame sensor, igniter, gas valve diagnostics.
• Electrical checks on elements and thermostats for electric heaters.
• Flush to remove sediment; replace anode rods when needed.
• Boiler checks: circulator pumps, pressure relief, air separators, and expansion tanks.

7) Backflow and Water Quality

• Certified backflow testing as required by local codes.
• Installation of backflow prevention assemblies.
• Water filtration systems for taste, odor, and scale control.

8) Final Steps

• Clean-up and disposal of old parts.
• Explain what we did, what to watch for, and prevention tips.
• If walls were opened, guidance on drying and restoration partners as needed.

Standards we follow include IPC/UPC, local building department requirements, ASSE and IAPMO listings for devices, and manufacturer instructions.

Prevention and Maintenance You Can Do 💧

A few small habits can stop most emergencies before they start.

Monthly

• Inspect under-sink supply lines and shutoff valves for damp spots.
• Run water in guest baths to keep traps filled and odors away.
• Clean drain strainers in showers and tubs to reduce hair clogs.
• Listen for running toilets; a silent leak can waste thousands of gallons.

Every 6–12 Months

• Test your main shutoff and individual fixture valves. Turn them off and on to prevent seizing.
• Replace braided supply lines every 5–7 years or sooner if you see rust or bulges.
• Flush your water heater to reduce sediment; check the T&P valve per manufacturer guidance.
• Test your sump pump by lifting the float; clean the pit and check the discharge line.
• Schedule backflow testing if you have an irrigation system or required device.
• Inspect garbage disposal connections; tighten mounting rings and check for leaks.

Annually

• Check water pressure with a gauge (attach to a hose bib). Ideal is usually around 50–60 psi. Consistent readings above 80 psi call for a pressure-reducing valve check or replacement.
• Have a camera inspection if you’ve had repeated main line clogs or if your home has mature trees near the sewer line.
• Get a boiler service before heating season: relief valve, expansion tank, circulator, and venting.

Habits That Help

• Only flush toilet paper. Wipes, even “flushable,” can snag on rough pipe walls and start a blockage.
• Keep fats, oil, and grease out of drains. Cool them in a container and trash them.
• Use enzymatic drain maintenance monthly to keep organics down (avoid harsh chemicals).
• Label critical valves: main water, water heater, irrigation, and gas. Teach the household where they are.
• Add leak sensors under sinks, behind toilets, near water heaters, and by washing machines. Many smart versions send phone alerts.

References: EPA WaterSense for conservation tips, manufacturer maintenance manuals, IPC/UPC guidance on valves and T&P safety.

Costs and Time Factors (What to Expect) ⏱️

We can’t quote in a blog, but we can share typical ranges and what changes them. Your actual price depends on the specific situation, materials, and access.

Typical Time on Site

• Minor leak at a fixture: 30–90 minutes.
• Toilet rebuild: 45–90 minutes.
• Standard drain snaking: 45–120 minutes.
• Water heater swap (like-for-like): 2–5 hours.
• Sewer camera + jetting: 2–4 hours.
• Complex diagnostics or concealed leaks: variable.

Common Cost Ranges

• Minor repairs (supply lines, traps, flappers): often in the low hundreds.
• Drain cleaning: usually mid to high hundreds depending on access and severity.
• Water heater repair: varies by part; replacement can range into the low to mid thousands depending on size, venting, and code upgrades.
• Sewer line spot repairs vs. full replacements: from the mid to high thousands and up when excavation is involved.
• After-hours or holiday service: may include an emergency dispatch fee.

What Affects Price

• Access and location: behind tile, under concrete, or in tight crawlspaces adds labor.
• Code upgrades: expansion tanks, seismic strapping, venting, drain pans, and drain lines may be required by local code.
• Materials chosen: copper, PEX, or CPVC have different costs and install times.
• Condition of existing piping: old, brittle, or corroded lines can extend the scope.
• Permits and inspections: required for gas lines, water heaters, sewer work, repiping, and more.
• Restoration: drywall, tile, and paint are usually separate from plumbing costs.
• Safety hazards: sewage exposure, mold, or energized circuits slow the job and require protection steps.

References: Local building departments on permits/inspections, IPC/UPC installation requirements, NFPA 54 for gas line work.

When It’s Truly an Emergency

Call immediately if you have:

• Active flooding or a burst pipe that won’t stop with a local shutoff.
• Sewage backing up in a tub, floor drain, or lower-level fixture.
• A gas odor, damaged gas line, or tripped carbon monoxide alarm.
• A water heater T&P valve discharging or signs of overheating.
• No water throughout the home (not a utility outage).
• A ceiling bulge or sag from water—risk of collapse.
• A main drain clog affecting multiple fixtures.
• Frozen pipes you cannot thaw safely.

Not sure? Call us and describe what you see. We’ll help you decide and talk you through shutoffs.

FAQ

Where is my main water shutoff?

• Common spots: along the perimeter wall in the basement, near the water meter, in a crawlspace, garage, or utility closet. In warmer regions it may be in a ground box at the street. Turn clockwise to close. If the valve won’t turn or leaks, tell us—valve replacement is a common service.

Are chemical drain cleaners safe?

• They can harm pipes, damage finishes, and burn skin and eyes. They also make professional drain cleaning hazardous. Plungers and mechanical snakes are safer. If chemicals were used, tell us before we start.

Can I use the water if I have a small leak?

• Use as little as possible and only at fixtures that don’t feed the leak. Turning off the main may be best. Place a bucket and monitor. If you see ceiling stains spreading or the leak worsens, shut off water and call.

Will insurance cover water damage?

• Many policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, but not long-term leaks or neglected maintenance. Take photos, stop the leak, and call your agent. We can provide documentation of the cause and repairs.

Local and Seasonal Considerations ❄️

Your home’s location and climate change your risk profile. Plan ahead with these tips.

Cold Climates

• Insulate pipes in unconditioned spaces (attics, garages, crawlspaces).
• On extreme nights, let a safe drip run on vulnerable lines.
• Keep heat on even if you’re away; open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to reach pipes.
• If a pipe freezes, turn off water before thawing to limit damage when it releases.

Hot or Arid Regions

• High incoming water temperature can scald. Check water heater settings (around 120°F is typical per many safety guides).
• Hard water speeds scale build-up. Consider a softener or conditioner to extend the life of water heaters and fixtures.

Storm and Flood Zones

• Test and maintain sump pumps and check valves; consider battery backups.
• Elevate water heaters and critical equipment where possible.
• Install backwater valves to reduce sewer backflow risk, where allowed by code.

Older Homes and Historic Properties

• Galvanized steel pipes can corrode internally and reduce flow. Plan for repiping to PEX or copper.
• Old cast iron sewer lines may crack or develop root intrusions; camera inspections catch issues early.
• Angle stops (fixture shutoff valves) older than 10–15 years can fail when turned. Replace them before an emergency.

Wells and Septic

• Install low-water cutoffs and pressure switches sized correctly for your pump.
• Septic backups need immediate attention; watch for gurgling and slow drains after heavy use or rain.

References: IPC/UPC for backwater valves and pipe insulation guidance, FEMA flood readiness, American Red Cross home shutoff basics, EPA recommendations on hot water temperature and scald prevention.

Extra Tips to Speed Up Your Service Visit

• Clear the area: Move items under sinks and around the water heater.
• Have access ready: Unlock gates and utility spaces; crate pets if needed.
• Share details: When did it start? Any recent DIY or contractor work? Are alarms chirping?
• Know your fixtures: Brand and model help us bring the right parts.
• Photos help: Text or email photos if your dispatcher requests them.

Why Homeowners Call H.I.S. Plumbing for Emergencies

We handle:

• Emergency plumbing, leak detection, and leak repair
• Pipe repair, repiping, and pipe installation
• Drain cleaning and unclogging toilets
• Water heater repair and installation
• Boiler repair and heating-side plumbing
• Backflow testing and prevention
• Garbage disposal and kitchen plumbing
• Bathroom plumbing, toilet repair, and sink repair
• Sewer line inspection, repair, and installation
• Gas line installation and gas safety checks
• Preventative maintenance, water pressure issues, and sump pump repair
• Water filtration systems

When you need reliable Emergency Plumbing near you, we’re ready to help—day or night.

Call H.I.S. Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  1-888-778-7167 .