What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency: Stay Calm and Take Control

A plumbing emergency can turn your day upside down in seconds — water spraying from a burst pipe, a flooded bathroom, or a backed-up toilet that just won’t quit. It’s stressful, messy, and usually happens at the worst possible time.

The good news is that with a clear head and quick thinking, you can minimize the damage and take control of the situation until a professional plumber arrives. Here’s what to do when a plumbing emergency strikes.

1. Turn Off the Water

The first and most important step in any plumbing emergency is to shut off the water supply.

• For major leaks or burst pipes, find your main water shutoff valve — usually located near the water meter, in a basement, garage, or outside along your home’s foundation — and turn it off immediately.
• For smaller issues (like an overflowing toilet or leaking sink), you can often close the localized shutoff valve under the fixture.

This simple step can prevent gallons of water from flooding your home and causing extensive and expensive damage.

2. Cut the Power If Needed

If water is spreading near electrical outlets, appliances, or your breaker box, turn off the electricity in that area. Water and electricity are a dangerous mix — safety comes first.

3. Contain the Water

Next, limit the damage as much as possible. Use towels, mops, or buckets to soak up or divert standing water. Be sure to place a container under active leaks to catch dripping water. And move furniture and valuables away from the affected area to prevent further damage. A few minutes of action can save you hours of cleanup later.

4. Call a Licensed Plumber

Once you’ve contained the situation, it’s time to call the professionals. A licensed emergency plumber such as Eastern Plumbing can identify the root cause, make safe repairs, and help prevent future issues. When you call Eastern Plumbing, be ready to describe the problem clearly — the more details you provide, the faster they can respond and bring the right tools.

5. Don’t Try to Fix Major Problems Yourself

It’s tempting to grab a wrench and start tightening pipes, but some fixes can make things worse if done incorrectly. Unless it’s a simple clog or loose connection, it’s best to leave the big repairs to the experts.

7. Prevent the Next Emergency

After everything is under control and our plumbers have arrived, take some time to plan ahead. If you didn’t know where your shutoff valve was, make sure you know where it is next time. Be sure to check your pipes and, if they are not well insulated, do so to prevent freezing.

You can also schedule routine plumbing maintenance. Routine maintenance can help prevent future emergencies. And be sure to keep our number handy in case you need us again. A little preparation now can make all the difference next time.

Call Eastern Plumbing for All Your Plumbing Needs

Plumbing emergencies are stressful — but they don’t have to be catastrophic. By acting quickly, staying calm, and calling the professionals at Eastern Plumbing, you can protect your home and your peace of mind.

If you’re facing a burst pipe, a significant leak, or a sudden flood, remember: turn off the water, stay safe, and call Eastern Plumbing right away, 252-758-7579.