Call a plumber right now if you have not already
Do not wait until you have read every step. Shut the water off, then call an emergency plumber. The rest of this guide helps you minimize damage while you wait.
Burst Pipe or Major Water Leak
Follow these steps in order. Each one limits damage before the plumber arrives.
- 1
Shut off the main water supply
Find your main shut-off valve and turn it off immediately. It is usually near the water meter — in a basement, utility closet, crawl space, or outside near the foundation. Turn clockwise to close.
- 2
Turn off power in affected areas
If water is near electrical outlets, panels, or appliances, turn off power to those circuits at your breaker panel. Do not enter standing water if you are unsure whether the power is off.
- 3
Open cold taps to drain remaining pressure
Open the lowest cold-water faucet in your home to drain remaining water in the pipes. This reduces damage and relieves pressure from the burst section.
- 4
Contain the water
Use towels, buckets, and any available containers to collect water. Move valuables, furniture, and electronics out of the affected area. The faster you move standing water, the less structural and mold damage results.
- 5
Document everything
Before you clean up, take photos and video of all water damage for your insurance claim. Capture the source, water levels, and affected belongings.
- 6
Call an emergency plumber
Most plumbing emergencies qualify for same-day or emergency service. When you call, describe the location of the break and what steps you have already taken. This speeds up the diagnosis.
Sewage Backup
A sewage backup is a health hazard. Do not attempt to clear it yourself with chemicals or mechanical tools unless the clog is clearly in a single fixture trap.
- Do not use any drains or toilets until the backup is cleared — they will overflow or worsen
- Avoid all contact with sewage water — it carries bacteria, viruses, and pathogens
- Open windows for ventilation but do not use fans that push air back into the house
- Call a plumber for a sewer camera inspection to identify the blockage location
- Check whether the backup is isolated to your home or affects neighbors — a municipal main line may be the cause
- If sewage has entered living spaces, you will need professional remediation, not just a plumber
Gas Smell — Treat This as an Emergency
If you smell gas, do not think — act. Speed is the only variable that matters.
Do not operate any switches, lights, or appliances
Even a light switch creates a spark that can ignite gas
Do not use your phone inside
Cell phones can ignite gas — make calls from outside
Leave all doors open as you exit
Increases ventilation to reduce gas concentration
Evacuate everyone immediately
Do not gather belongings — leave now
Call the gas company from outside or a neighbor's home
Your gas company has a 24/7 emergency line specifically for this
Do not re-enter until cleared by the gas company
Professional equipment is needed to confirm safe levels
Know This Before an Emergency Happens
Most plumbing emergency mistakes happen because homeowners do not know where their shut-offs are. Take five minutes now to locate and label each of these.
- Location of your main water shut-off valve
- Location of individual fixture shut-off valves (under sinks, behind toilets)
- Location of your electrical panel and which breakers control which areas
- Your gas company's emergency phone number (save it in your phone now)
- The phone number of a licensed plumber before you need one
- Location of your water heater shut-off
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the first thing to do in a plumbing emergency?
- Shut off the water supply immediately. For a localized problem (one fixture), use the fixture shut-off valve below or behind it. For a major leak or burst pipe, turn off the main water shut-off valve for the house — typically located near the water meter, in a basement, crawl space, or utility area.
- What should I do if I smell gas in my home?
- Do not turn any lights or switches on or off. Do not use your phone inside the house. Evacuate immediately, leave the door open behind you, and call your gas company's emergency line from outside or a neighbor's home. Do not re-enter until cleared by the gas company.
- What causes most home plumbing emergencies?
- The most common causes are frozen pipes that burst, failing supply lines under sinks or behind toilets, aged water heater failures, sewer line clogs, and tree root intrusion into underground pipes. Regular annual inspections can catch most of these before they become emergencies.