Water where it shouldn't be?
Shut off the main water valve, keep clear of anything electrical, and call. Stopping the water in the first few minutes saves floors, walls and ceilings.
Fast callback on emergency requests
The first 15 minutes
Do these in order
- 1
Shut off the main water valve
Usually where the water line enters the house, near the water heater, or at the meter box by the street.
- 2
Stay clear of electrical
If water is near outlets, cords or the panel, don't walk through it. Cut power at the panel only from a dry spot.
- 3
Turn off the water heater
Switch off the breaker for electric, or set a gas heater to off or pilot.
- 4
Drain the lines and photograph
Open a low faucet to drain the pipes, then photograph the damage for your insurer.
- 5
Call a plumber
Then call your insurer if water damaged floors, walls or ceilings. If you smell gas, leave and call the gas utility first.
Emergency services
Pick what happened
FAQ
Emergency questions
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
A burst pipe, a leak you can't stop, sewage backing up, no water at all, or a gas smell. Anything where water is flowing where it shouldn't gets worse by the minute.
Should I stay in the house?
Leave if you smell gas, a ceiling is sagging badly or water is near the electrical panel. Otherwise shut off the water and stay out of the affected rooms.
What if I can't find the main shutoff?
Check where the water line enters the house, near the water heater, or at the meter box by the street. The plumber can talk you through it on the phone.
How quickly can an emergency plumber arrive?
Response times depend on travel distance, weather conditions, and active technician availability. Emergency dispatches are prioritized over scheduled maintenance, and the dispatcher provides an arrival window on the initial call.
What if water is leaking near an electrical panel or outlets?
Do not enter standing water near live electrical sources. If you can reach your main breaker safely from a completely dry area, shut off power. Otherwise, stay clear and call the electric utility immediately.
Does homeowners insurance cover emergency plumbing repairs?
Most policies cover sudden, accidental water damage to walls, ceilings, and floors caused by a burst pipe, but exclude the cost of repairing the plumbing pipe itself. Photograph all damage immediately for your insurance claim.