Before emergency plumbing help arrives, stop the water if you can, keep everyone away from hazards, and protect your belongings. Then clear a path to the problem and gather a few details so the repair can begin as soon as the plumber walks in.
Take Control of the Water
Use the valve closest to the problem first. If that does not work, close the main. In many houses, the main shutoff is a round handle or lever near the water meter in the basement. Turn a round handle clockwise until it stops. If sewage is backing up, shutting off the supply will not help, so stop using all water instead.
Make the Area Safe
Keep children and pets away from standing water and sewage. Stay clear of wet outlets, cords, and appliances. If water is near the electrical panel, do not touch it unless you can reach it from a completely dry spot.
Save What You Can
- Lift rugs, boxes, and electronics off the floor
- Set buckets under drips and lay towels around them
- Open cabinet doors near the leak so they can dry
- Take photos before you clean up too much
Get Ready for the Plumber
Clear the stairs and hallway to the problem area. Turn on lights in the basement. Make sure the plumber can reach the main shutoff and the water heater. Write down when the problem started, what you noticed first, and anything you have already tried, such as a plunger or a drain cleaner.
If you share the house with another household, let them know what is happening and ask them to hold off on using water if a drain is involved.
To know what to expect, you can read about how an urgent plumbing visit works. If you need help now, call JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840. Anything that can wait, such as a dripping faucet you noticed while waiting, can be added to a separate routine visit.