Plumbing emergency? Here's what to do right now
If you're dealing with a burst pipe, an active leak, a sewer backup, no water, or another urgent plumbing issue, the safest first step depends on what is happening. Active water leaks usually call for isolating the water; sewer backups call for stopping fixture use; a gas smell means leave and call the gas utility. Here's what to do for each situation, and when to call.
If you smell gas, leave the home and call the utility — not us.
A gas smell is a utility emergency, not a plumbing service call. Leave the home immediately, don't use switches or anything that could spark, and call your gas utility from a safe distance. The utility will shut off the gas and confirm the area is safe. Only then do we locate and repair the gas line — a plumber never works on a live gas leak.
For active water leaks, isolate the water if you can do so safely
For an active supply leak or overflowing fixture, stopping the water can limit damage. Use a fixture shutoff when that clearly isolates the problem; otherwise use the building main if you know where it is and can operate it safely. A sewer backup is different — stop using water throughout the home rather than assuming the supply must be shut off. No-water problems require diagnosis, not a shutdown. A gas smell is different again: leave the home and call the gas utility. If you don't know where your building shutoff is, read our guide to finding your main water shutoff before an emergency.
Common plumbing emergencies
Burst pipe or major leak
Shut off the main water valve immediately. Open a faucet below the break to drain the line and relieve pressure. Move valuables away from the water. Then call us.
Sewer backup
Stop unnecessary water use — don't run the dishwasher, washer, or fixtures that may discharge into the affected drainage system. Lower fixtures often show backups first, but the exact pattern depends on the piping layout. Call us; we'll determine whether it's a local clog, shared branch/building-drain restriction, or sewer-line problem.
Overflowing toilet that won't stop
Close the supply valve behind the toilet (near the floor). If that doesn't stop it, shut the main water valve. Don't keep flushing — it will only make it worse.
No water at all
Check whether it's just your home or the whole neighborhood. Check that your main shutoff hasn't been accidentally closed. If it's only your home, call us — it could be a main line or supply issue.
Water heater leaking from the tank
Shut off the water supply to the heater and, if it can be done safely, disconnect the appropriate energy source according to the unit's controls and manufacturer guidance. Water found at the bottom does not always mean the tank body failed because leaks from fittings or valves above can run down the jacket. A confirmed tank-body or tank-seam leak generally requires replacement; valve or connection leaks may be repairable.
Main water line break
If the break is inside the home, isolate the building water at the main valve if you can do so safely. If the leak is on the buried service line between the meter and the house, the indoor main may not stop the leak; the serving utility or an authorized plumber may need to isolate the service at the meter or approved shutoff. Don't operate a utility-owned curb stop unless the utility allows it.
When to call 911, the utility, or a plumber
Call 911
If there's an immediate threat to life safety — a gas leak inside the home, water near electrical panels, or any situation that could cause injury.
Call the gas utility
If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak. The utility shuts off gas and confirms the area is safe — always before a plumber touches the line.
Call a plumber
Water leaks, sewer backups, overflowing fixtures, no water, water heater failures, and main line problems — after you've shut off the water.
Emergency plumbing questions
Do you offer 24/7 emergency plumbing service?
We don't advertise 24/7 or after-hours availability. What we do is take your call, tell you honestly whether we can get to you promptly, and help you limit the damage right now. If you have an active emergency, call us and we'll tell you how quickly we can be there — or help you find another option if we can't.
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
Anything that's actively causing damage or makes your home unsafe — a burst pipe, a sewer backup, an overflowing toilet you can't isolate, no water, or a water heater leaking from the tank. A dripping faucet or a slow drain is urgent but not an emergency; shut the supply valve and schedule a normal visit.
I smell gas — what do I do?
Leave the home immediately and call your gas utility from a safe distance. Don't use light switches, phones, or anything that could spark inside the house. The utility will shut off gas and confirm it's safe. Only after the area is safe do we locate and repair the gas line — a plumber never works on a live gas leak.
Should I shut off my water before I call?
If water is actively leaking or overflowing, yes — shut off the main water valve first, then call. Every second the water runs is more damage. If you don't know where your shutoff is, read our guide to finding your main water shutoff before you need it.
What's the first thing I should do in any plumbing emergency?
Make the situation safe based on the problem. For an active water leak or overflowing fixture, isolate the water if you can do so safely. For a sewer backup, stop using plumbing fixtures. If you smell gas, leave the building and call the gas utility from a safe distance. If water is near electrical equipment, stay clear of the area and avoid touching wet electrical devices. Then call the appropriate professional and describe what's happening.
Dealing with an active emergency?
Shut off the water, then call us — we'll help you figure out the next step.