Emergency Plumbing Checklist

A plumbing emergency can strike at any time—a burst pipe, overflowing toilet, or sudden leak. Knowing what to do in those first critical minutes can save thousands of dollars in water damage and make the repair process much smoother.

Step 1: Stop the Water Flow

The most critical first step is to shut off the water supply to prevent further flooding and damage.

For Localized Issues (One Fixture)

If the problem is isolated to a single fixture (toilet, sink, appliance), locate and turn off the fixture shutoff valve:

• Toilets: Look for the oval-shaped valve on the water supply line behind the toilet, near the floor
• Sinks: Check under the sink for valves on the hot and cold supply lines
• Washing machines: Turn off both hot and cold valves behind the appliance
• Water heaters: Turn off the cold water inlet valve at the top of the tank

Turn valves clockwise (righty-tighty) until they stop. Don't force them—if a valve is stuck, move to shutting off the main water supply instead.

For Major Leaks or Burst Pipes

If water is gushing or you can't locate the fixture valve, shut off your home's main water supply immediately:

1. Locate your main water shutoff valve (usually in the basement, crawl space, garage, or utility room near where the water line enters your home)
2. Turn the valve fully clockwise until it stops
3. If you have a lever-style valve, turn it 90 degrees (perpendicular to the pipe)
4. Open a faucet somewhere in the house to release remaining pressure

Step 2: Turn Off Electricity (If Necessary)

If water is near electrical outlets, appliances, or your home's electrical panel, turn off electricity to the affected area immediately:

• Go to your electrical panel (breaker box)
• Flip the breaker for the affected room or area to the OFF position
• If there's significant flooding near the panel itself, call an electrician and don't approach it

Step 3: Contain and Clean Up Water

Once the water is off and the area is safe, work to minimize water damage:

• Use towels, mops, and buckets to soak up standing water
• Move furniture and valuables away from the affected area
• Place buckets or containers under active drips
• Open windows and use fans to improve ventilation and start drying
• Remove wet carpets or rugs if possible to prevent mold

The faster you act, the less damage water will cause to floors, walls, and belongings.

Step 4: Document the Damage

For insurance purposes, document everything before cleaning up:

Step 5: Protect Your Belongings

While waiting for help to arrive:

• Move electronics, documents, and valuables to a dry location
• Elevate furniture legs with aluminum foil or plastic to prevent further water absorption
• Remove books, papers, and fabric items from wet areas
• If a ceiling is leaking, poke a small hole in the bulge to release water in a controlled way (into a bucket) rather than letting it burst

Common Plumbing Emergencies & Quick Tips

Burst Pipe

Action: Shut off main water supply immediately, turn off electricity if water is near outlets, call H2O Plumbing for emergency leak repair.

Overflowing Toilet

Action: Turn off the toilet shutoff valve, lift the tank lid and push down the flapper to stop water flow, do NOT flush again. If it won't stop, shut off the main water supply.

Water Heater Leak

Action: Turn off the cold water inlet valve on top of the heater, turn off the power (circuit breaker for electric, gas valve for gas), call for professional water heater repair.

Sewer Backup

Action: Stop using ALL water and drains immediately, keep family and pets away from contaminated water, call H2O Plumbing for emergency sewer service. This is a health hazard requiring immediate professional attention.

Frozen/Burst Pipe in Winter

Action: Shut off main water, open faucets to relieve pressure, apply gentle heat to frozen section with a hair dryer (never a torch), call for professional help. See our guide on preventing frozen pipes.

What NOT to Do in a Plumbing Emergency

• Don't panic—staying calm helps you think clearly
• Don't use chemical drain cleaners on backups or clogs during an emergency—they can make the situation worse and are dangerous
• Don't attempt major repairs yourself unless you're qualified—you could make things worse
• Don't ignore small leaks hoping they'll go away—they always get worse
• Don't wait to call—the sooner professionals arrive, the less damage you'll have

Why Choose H2O Plumbing for Emergencies

When disaster strikes, you need a plumber you can trust. For over Founded 2020 years, H2O Plumbing has been Southwest Washington's go-to emergency plumbing service because:

• Fast response times: We understand that every minute counts
• Available 24/7: Plumbing emergencies don't wait for business hours
• Fully equipped trucks: We arrive with the tools and parts to fix most issues on the spot
• Experienced technicians: Our team has seen it all and knows how to handle any emergency
• Transparent pricing: We'll explain the problem and costs upfront—no surprises
• Licensed & insured: Your protection and peace of mind are guaranteed

We treat every emergency with the urgency it deserves, working quickly to stop the damage and get your plumbing back to normal.

Prevention: The Best Emergency Response

While you can't prevent every plumbing emergency, regular maintenance can dramatically reduce your risk:

• Schedule annual plumbing inspections to catch problems early
• Know where all your shutoff valves are located
• Test your main shutoff valve annually to ensure it works
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing
• Never pour grease down drains
• Install water leak detectors in high-risk areas
• Replace old washing machine hoses with braided steel versions