By John Arthur 
When a plumbing emergency hits, your first instinct might be to panic. Water is gushing where it shouldn’t, the toilet’s overflowing, or your basement smells like a sewer. In moments like this, calling an emergency plumber is the right move—but what you do before they arrive can make a huge difference in preventing damage and reducing repair costs.
Whether it’s two minutes or twenty before help gets there, your actions matter. Here’s a complete guide on what to do while waiting for your emergency plumber, so you can keep the situation under control until a professional from Priscilla’s Plumbing takes over.
Why Quick Action Before the Plumber Arrives Matters
Every second counts in a plumbing emergency. Water spreads quickly through floors, walls, and ceilings, causing structural damage and increasing the risk of mold. Sewage backups can contaminate your home within minutes, creating serious health hazards.
By taking a few immediate steps, you can:
- Limit water damage
- Protect your belongings
- Keep your family safe
- Make the plumber’s job faster and more efficient
Think of it as damage control. You’re not trying to fix the problem entirely—you’re buying time until your emergency plumber arrives.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply
The very first thing you should do in most plumbing emergencies is stop the flow of water. This prevents more water from flooding into your home.
Here’s how:
- Main Water Valve: Typically found in basements, utility rooms, garages, or outside near the meter. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
- Fixture-Specific Valves: Toilets, sinks, and appliances often have their own shut-off valves. These are usually located right under or behind the fixture.
If you can’t locate the valve or it’s stuck, let your emergency plumber know immediately—they may bring specific tools to shut it off quickly.
Step 2: Turn Off Your Water Heater
If you’ve shut off the main water supply, turn off your water heater next. Without incoming water, the tank can overheat or burn out if it keeps running.
Gas Water Heater: Turn the thermostat to “pilot.”
Electric Water Heater: Switch it off at the breaker panel.
This step is especially important if your plumbing emergency involves hot water leaks or issues with the heater itself.
Step 3: Contain the Leak or Spill
Even if you’ve stopped the water flow, you may still have water pooling on floors or dripping from ceilings. The faster you contain it, the less damage you’ll face later.
Ways to contain water:
- Place buckets or large containers under active leaks
- Use towels to soak up smaller puddles
- Move furniture, rugs, and valuables away from the affected area
- Place a tarp or waterproof covering on items you can’t move
Your goal here is to keep water from spreading to dry areas and soaking into materials that are harder to repair or replace.
Step 4: Cut the Power if Water is Near Electrical Sources
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If you see water near outlets, appliances, or electrical wiring, turn off the power to that area at your breaker panel.
Important:
- Only do this if it’s safe—never stand in water while touching electrical switches
- If you’re unsure, wait for your emergency plumber or an electrician to handle it
This simple step can prevent electrocution risks and keep you safe until professional help arrives.
Step 5: Open Drains and Spigots to Remove Remaining Water
Once the main water supply is shut off, there may still be water sitting in your pipes. Opening indoor and outdoor faucets can help drain the remaining water and reduce pressure in the lines.
This is particularly helpful if you’re dealing with:
- Frozen pipes
- Burst pipe repair
- Major leaks in the main line
Just be sure to turn everything back off before your emergency plumber starts repairs.
Step 6: Protect Your Belongings
Plumbing emergencies don’t just damage the structure of your home—they also destroy personal belongings. While waiting for the plumber, take a few minutes to:
- Move electronics to a safe, dry area
- Lift furniture legs onto blocks or place aluminum foil under them
- Store important documents in a waterproof container or upstairs location
It may feel secondary to fixing the leak, but saving your belongings now will save money and heartbreak later.
Step 7: Clear the Work Area
Your emergency plumber will work faster if they have immediate, easy access to the problem area.
To prepare the space:
- Move boxes, tools, and stored items away from the leak or pipe
- Sweep or mop debris from the floor to avoid slips
- Make sure there’s a clear path from the entrance to the problem area
If your plumber needs to bring in large equipment, this preparation can save valuable time.
Step 8: Take Photos for Insurance
If the damage is significant, you’ll likely need to file an insurance claim. Take photos or videos of the affected areas before you start cleanup.
Be thorough—include:
- The leak source
- Damaged walls, floors, or ceilings
- Any affected furniture or possessions
This documentation will make your claim stronger and help you get reimbursed for repairs and replacements.
Step 9: Communicate Clearly with Your Plumber
When you call Priscilla’s Plumbing or another emergency plumber, provide as much detail as possible:
- What the issue is (burst pipe, overflowing toilet, no water, etc.)
- How long it’s been happening
- What steps you’ve already taken
- Any unusual smells, sounds, or changes in water pressure
The more they know before arriving, the better they can prepare and bring the right tools for the job.
Step 10: Keep Safety First
Some plumbing emergencies can create dangerous conditions, especially if they involve sewage, gas lines, or contaminated water. While waiting for your plumber:
- Keep children and pets away from the affected area
- Avoid contact with sewage or flood water—wear gloves if you must handle anything
- Ventilate the area if there’s a strong smell of gas or chemicals
If you suspect a gas leak, leave the home immediately and call your utility provider before contacting a plumber.
Why Preparation Makes a Difference
A plumbing emergency is stressful enough without adding preventable damage into the mix. By following these steps before your emergency plumber arrives, you:
- Reduce the scope of repairs
- Lower the risk of secondary issues like mold or electrical hazards
- Make the repair process faster and more efficient
It’s about teamwork—your quick actions set the stage for your plumber to solve the problem effectively.
How Priscilla’s Plumbing Handles Emergencies
When you call Priscilla’s Plumbing, you’re not just getting a plumber—you’re getting an experienced, fully equipped team ready to handle anything from burst pipes to sewer backups. Our 24/7 availability means you’ll never face an emergency alone, and our technicians arrive prepared to fix the issue on the first visit whenever possible.
We value clear communication, fair pricing, and high-quality workmanship—because in an emergency, you deserve more than just a quick patch. You deserve a lasting solution.
Final Thoughts
Waiting for an emergency plumber can feel like forever when water is pouring into your home or your only toilet is out of service. But those few minutes before help arrives are crucial.
By shutting off the water, containing leaks, protecting your belongings, and preparing the space, you can significantly reduce damage and make repairs easier. And with Priscilla’s Plumbing on call 24/7, you’ll know help is always just one phone call away.
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