Plumbing Emergency Guide
What to Do During a Plumbing Emergency
When water is escaping, a toilet is overflowing, sewage is backing up or another plumbing problem is getting worse, the first goal is to reduce additional damage and avoid making the situation more dangerous. These steps can help you respond while you determine what professional plumbing service may be needed.
If Water Is Actively Escaping, Focus First on Controlling the Source
If it is safe and you know which shutoff controls the affected fixture, appliance or section of plumbing, turn it off. If the source cannot be isolated, the property’s main water shutoff may need to be used.
First Response
Stop or Reduce the Water Flow
During many plumbing emergencies, limiting the amount of water entering the affected area is the most useful first action. The exact shutoff depends on the problem.
Toilets, sinks and some appliances have nearby shutoff valves. If the problem involves one fixture and the valve is accessible, closing it can reduce additional water flow.
If a pipe is leaking heavily or the source cannot be isolated, shutting off the property’s main water supply can help limit additional water loss.
Avoid forcing a valve that will not move. Older valves can become difficult to operate, and excessive force can create another plumbing problem.
Immediate Actions
Three Things to Do Before Trying to Solve the Plumbing Problem
Control Water When Possible
Close the appropriate fixture or main water valve when it is safe to do so and when you know which valve controls the problem.
Stop Using Affected Fixtures
If a toilet, drain or sewer system is backing up, additional use can introduce more water and make the situation worse.
Protect People First
Do not enter unsafe water, handle energized equipment or attempt work involving hazards you are not equipped to manage.
Safety Comes First
Keep Water Away From Electrical Hazards
Water and electricity can create a serious safety risk. If water is reaching electrical equipment, outlets, wiring or appliances, avoid entering the affected area when doing so could expose you to electrical danger.
If electrical danger is possible, prioritize personal safety and use appropriate emergency or utility resources rather than attempting to access energized equipment through wet conditions.
Plumbing damage can become a property problem, but personal safety takes priority. Avoid actions that expose you to electrical, gas, sewage, hot-water or other serious hazards.
Common Plumbing Emergencies
Identify What Kind of Plumbing Problem You Are Dealing With
Active Pipe Leak
Note where the water appears to be coming from, whether the flow is continuous and whether a local or main shutoff has stopped it.
Overflowing Toilet
Stop additional flushing, close the toilet’s water supply if possible and avoid using the fixture until the cause is evaluated.
Drain or Sewer Backup
Avoid using connected plumbing fixtures and note whether more than one drain or fixture is affected.
Water Heater Leak
Note whether water appears to come from a connection, valve or the heater itself without dismantling the equipment.
Avoid Making It Worse
What Not to Do During a Plumbing Emergency
Do Not Repeatedly Flush an Overflowing Toilet
Additional flushing can introduce more water to a blocked fixture and increase the amount of overflow.
Do Not Keep Using Backed-Up Drains
Additional water entering the drainage system can worsen a backup, especially when several fixtures are involved.
Do Not Open Equipment You Do Not Understand
Water heaters and related equipment can involve hot water, electricity, gas or pressure and should be treated accordingly.
Do Not Assume the Wet Spot Is the Source
Water can move through walls, floors and framing before becoming visible, so concealed leaks can require further evaluation.
Need to Check Plumbing Service Options?
If you are dealing with an active plumbing problem, call to describe what is happening and check participating independent provider options in your area. Availability varies by location, time, service need and provider capacity.
Professional Plumbing Help
When Should You Consider Calling a Plumbing Provider?
Professional plumbing help can make sense when water cannot be controlled, a problem keeps returning, several fixtures are affected, wastewater is backing up or you cannot identify the source of the problem.
It can also be appropriate when the issue involves concealed piping, plumbing equipment or a condition that cannot be safely evaluated through a basic visual check.
For service-specific information, see our Emergency Plumbing Help page.
Important Notice
Plumbing Options Network provides general informational content and connection services. Plumbing Options Network is not a plumbing contractor, does not perform plumbing inspections, repairs, installations or emergency plumbing work, and does not employ the independent service providers that consumers may speak with through third-party call-routing or referral relationships.
The information on this page is general educational guidance and is not a substitute for a property-specific professional evaluation. Plumbing conditions, equipment, utilities and safety risks vary. Do not enter a hazardous area or attempt work that could expose you to electrical, gas, sewage, hot-water or other safety risks.
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Dealing With a Plumbing Problem Right Now?
Call to describe the issue and check independent plumbing provider options in your area. Availability varies by location, service type, time and provider capacity.