What to Expect During a Plumbing Emergency and How to Prepare

What to Expect During a Plumbing Emergency and How to Prepare

When a plumbing emergency hits, it never seems to happen at a convenient time. Maybe it’s late at night, or right before guests arrive. Whatever the case, it can feel stressful fast. The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way, and knowing what to expect can help you stay calm and minimize the damage.

Step 1: Shut off the water

If water is actively leaking or flooding, the first thing to do is stop the flow. Most fixtures have a small shutoff valve located beneath the sink or behind the toilet. If you can’t find it, or if the leak is coming from somewhere else, locate your home’s main shutoff valve and close it. This will cut off the water supply to the entire house.

If you’re not sure where your main shutoff is, now’s the time to find it, before an emergency ever happens. It’s usually near the water meter, often in the basement or along an exterior wall.

Step 2: Turn off your water heater (if needed)

If you had to shut off the main water supply, it’s a good idea to turn off your water heater as well. This prevents heat or pressure from building up inside the tank when there’s no water flowing through it.

Step 3: Contain what you can

Grab towels, buckets, or a wet/dry vacuum to manage any standing water. Try to keep water from spreading into other rooms or soaking into drywall or flooring. Quick action here can save you a lot of cleanup later.

Step 4: Call a plumber you trust

Once things are under control, call your plumber and explain what’s going on as clearly as possible. A good plumber will help you figure out whether it’s safe to wait for a scheduled visit or if it’s time for an emergency dispatch.

At Pescara Plumbing, we handle these calls all the time. Our team will walk you through what to do while we’re on the way, so you’re not left guessing.

Step 5: Stay safe and patient

Avoid standing water near electrical outlets or appliances, and don’t try to take apart plumbing fixtures on your own unless you’re confident in what you’re doing. It’s tempting to fix things right away, but sometimes a quick DIY move can make the problem worse.

A Few Ways to Prepare Ahead of Time

• Know your shutoff locations. Label them if needed.

• Keep a few supplies handy: towels, a mop, a bucket, and a flashlight.

• Save your plumber’s number in your phone. When you’re panicking, you don’t want to be searching online.

• Schedule regular maintenance. A yearly inspection can catch small leaks or worn parts before they turn into a major mess.

Plumbing emergencies are never fun, but being prepared makes all the difference. If you ever find yourself in a bind, Pescara Plumbing is ready to help. We’re local, responsive, and here when you need us most.