Water pouring from a burst pipe, flooding your bathroom, or leaking through the ceiling—panic sets in fast. When an emergency plumber is on the way, every second counts, and what you do next can make a huge difference. Do you know how to minimize the damage before help arrives?

If you’ve never faced a plumbing emergency before, it’s easy to freeze up. But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through the essential steps to take when disaster strikes, keeping your home safe and damage to a minimum.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water Immediately

The most critical move? Stop the water at its source. Every home has a main water shut-off valve, usually found:

• Near the water meter (often outside or in a basement)
• Under the kitchen sink or near the boiler in apartments
• In a utility room, garage, or basement in houses

Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the main water supply. If the leak is from a specific fixture (like a sink or toilet), you may be able to turn off just that individual shut-off valve instead.

No idea where your shut-off valves are? Take a moment to find them now—before an emergency ever happens.

Step 2: Cut the Power If Needed

Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. If flooding is near electrical outlets, appliances, or your circuit breaker, turn off the electricity immediately. Locate your breaker panel and flip the main switch to shut off power to the affected areas while you wait for your emergency plumber to arrive.

⚠ Safety Tip: Never step into standing water if there’s a chance of electrical contact. If the area is already flooded, stay out and wait for professional help.

Step 3: Contain the Leak

Stopping the water was step one—now, it’s time to limit the damage.

• Grab towels, buckets, and mops – Soak up as much water as possible to prevent it from seeping into floors and walls.
• Place a bucket under active leaks – If water is dripping from the ceiling, use a container to catch the flow.
• Turn on fans and open windows – Good airflow helps slow water damage and reduces humidity buildup.
• Move furniture and valuables – If flooding spreads, get rugs, electronics, and wooden furniture out of harm’s way.

The faster you act, the less water damage you’ll be dealing with later.

Step 4: Check for Clogs and Blockages

Sometimes, a plumbing disaster is caused by a simple blockage. If your sink, toilet, or drain is backing up, try:

• Plunging – A plunger can quickly clear minor clogs in sinks and toilets.
• Removing visible debris – Hair, grease, or food scraps might be causing the issue.
• Turning off the water to the affected fixture – This prevents overflow while you wait for the plumber.

Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can worsen the problem and cause pipe damage.

Step 5: Take Photos for Insurance Claims

If you’re dealing with major damage—like water-soaked walls, ceilings, or flooring—take photos and videos of everything before you start cleaning up. Many home insurance policies cover water damage, and having proof can make filing a claim much easier.

Document:

• The source of the leak
• Any visible damage
• Affected furniture and belongings
• Water levels (if there’s standing water)

Your insurance provider will appreciate the extra details when assessing coverage.

Step 6: Give the Plumber the Right Information

When calling an emergency plumber, be as clear as possible. They’ll work faster if they know exactly what they’re walking into. Be ready to provide:

• The location of the leak (e.g., kitchen sink, ceiling, basement)
• How much water is involved (a small leak vs. flooding)
• Any attempts you’ve made to stop it
• Whether power is shut off in affected areas

This ensures they bring the right tools and prioritize the most urgent issues first.

Step 7: Prevent Future Plumbing Disasters

Once the plumber has fixed the immediate problem, it’s time to prevent another emergency. Here’s how:

• Know where your main shut-off valve is – If you haven’t already, locate it now.
• Insulate pipes in winter – Burst pipes are often caused by freezing temperatures.
• Don’t ignore slow leaks – That tiny drip under the sink? It can turn into a full-blown flood if left unchecked.
• Watch what goes down your drains – Grease, food scraps, and hair are some of the biggest culprits behind blockages.
• Schedule routine plumbing checks – A professional inspection can catch small problems before they escalate.

A little maintenance now can save you from another plumbing emergency later.

Stay Calm, Act Fast, and Minimize Damage

Plumbing emergencies can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps before a professional arrives can save you time, money, and stress. The key? Shut off the water, contain the damage, and get help fast.

Now that you know what to do, you’ll be prepared if (or when) water starts flowing where it shouldn’t. And remember—regular maintenance and small fixes can go a long way in preventing future disasters.