Plumbing Emergency? Here’s Exactly What to Do (Step-by-Step Guide)

Plumbing emergencies never come with a warning. One moment, you’re brushing your teeth, and the next—boom—your bathroom’s turning into a swimming pool. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a clogged toilet, or a mysteriously rising water bill, these issues can go from annoying to catastrophic in no time.

The good news? You don’t have to be a pro to handle the first few critical steps. In this guide, we’ll break down what counts as a plumbing emergency, what to do when one strikes, and how to protect your home from further damage. We’ll also share some tips to help you prevent these situations in the first place.

What Is a Plumbing Emergency?

Let’s set the record straight—not every drip or clog is an emergency. So how can you tell if it’s time to panic (or not)? Ask yourself:

• Is water gushing, leaking, or flooding?
• Is sewage backing up?
• Is the hot water completely out during freezing temps?
• Are pipes frozen, bulging, or making loud noises?
• Is there a foul smell that could be gas or sewage?
• Is there potential damage to walls, ceilings, or floors?

If you answered yes to any of the above, then yes—it’s a plumbing emergency, and you’ll want to act fast.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water

Seriously—this is your first move.

• Small leak? Shut off the water to that specific fixture.
• Bigger issue? Turn off your home’s main water valve. It’s usually near your water meter—find it before you ever need it.

Cutting off the water supply can stop a minor issue from turning into thousands of dollars in damage.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Heater

If you’re dealing with a serious leak or burst pipe, your water heater is at risk too.

• Electric heater? Switch off the breaker.
• Gas-powered? Turn off the gas supply first.

This helps prevent overheating or damage to the heater itself. Plus, you avoid adding fuel to the fire—literally.

Step 3: Drain the Pipes

Once you’ve shut off the water, open your faucets—hot and cold—to drain the remaining water in the lines. Don’t forget your outdoor spigots too.

Doing this buys you time and lessens the chance of additional leaks or bursts.

Step 4: Assess the Damage

Take a breath. Now look around.

• Check ceilings for bubbling or sagging.
• Smell for mold or musty odors.
• Look for standing water on the floor or damp spots near walls.

Snap photos and take videos. These will come in handy when talking to your plumber—or your insurance company.

Step 5: Know When to Call a Professional

Some issues are a quick DIY fix. Others? Not so much.

Here’s when you should definitely call an emergency plumber:

• Burst or leaking pipes
• Overflowing toilets that won’t unclog
• No hot water (especially in winter)
• Sewer smells or visible backups
• Major leaks causing structural damage
• Water heater leaks or strange sounds

Not sure? Play it safe—call anyway. It’s better than dealing with mold or collapsing drywall later on.

What Happens When You Call an Emergency Plumber?

Here’s what to expect:

1. They’ll ask you to describe the issue.
2. You might be asked to send pictures or video.
3. You’ll get an ETA and maybe a ballpark price.
4. They’ll likely charge more than usual—nights, weekends, and holidays come with a premium.
5. Some fixes might be temporary, with follow-up needed the next day.

Good Stuff to Keep on Hand

You don’t need a plumber’s toolbox, but a few essentials go a long way in a plumbing emergency:

• Plunger
• Adjustable wrench
• 5-gallon bucket
• Heavy-duty rags or towels
• Slip-joint pliers
• Duct tape
• Flashlight

How to Prevent a Plumbing Emergency

Here’s the part we all skip—until it’s too late. But a little prevention can save you thousands.

Do:

• Know where your main shut-off valve is
• Drain your water heater annually
• Check for slow leaks monthly
• Use strainers in drains to catch hair and gunk
• Run water while using your garbage disposal

Don’t:

• Flush wipes (even the “flushable” ones)
• Pour grease down the sink
• Use harsh chemical drain cleaners
• Ignore small leaks—they almost always get worse

Wrap-Up

Plumbing emergencies are stressful, no doubt. But with the right steps, you can stay calm, act smart, and avoid a total disaster. The secret? Be prepared. Know what to look for, what to do, and when to call in the pros.

Because let’s be real—when water is spraying from your ceiling at 11 p.m., you don’t have time to scroll through 20 tabs figuring out what to do.

Bookmark this guide. Share it with friends. Print it and stick it in your emergency binder if you’ve got one.

And next time your plumbing throws a tantrum? You’ll know exactly what to do.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber 

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need any plumbing, drain cleaning, water damage, or excavation service. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.