Emergency Plumbing Guide: What Counts and What to Do First
Not every plumbing problem is an emergency. Here's how to tell the difference and what to do if it is.
It's not always obvious in the moment whether a plumbing problem needs an emergency call or can wait until tomorrow. The clearest signal is whether water is actively moving somewhere it shouldn't be. A drip can wait. A spray can't.
How to Tell If It's an Emergency
Ask two questions: is water actively leaking, spraying, or backing up right now, and is it getting worse while you watch? If the answer to either is yes, treat it as urgent. A slow drain that's been getting worse over two weeks is a different situation than a pipe that just split open.
What to Do in the First Few Minutes
Locate the main water shutoff valve before you need it — usually near where the water line enters the house, in a basement, crawlspace, or utility area. Shutting it off stops the flow immediately, buying time to arrange a repair without more water damage piling up.
If electrical outlets or fixtures are near the water, shutting off power to that area is a reasonable precaution. Move anything valuable out of the way once the water is under control.
What Happens Once a Plumber Arrives
The immediate priority is stopping the water loss if it hasn't already been contained, followed by identifying the failed component and repairing or temporarily securing it. From there, the extent of any water damage usually determines what other cleanup or repair is needed.