Plumbing Guides
Emergencies
The first minutes: burst pipes, backups, no water, a leaking heater, and when it can wait until morning.
Emergencies Why are several drains backing up at the same time? One slow drain is a fixture problem. Two or more backing up together, especially the lowest ones like a shower or tub, means the main drain line between the house and… Emergencies My water heater is leaking from the bottom. What do I do right now? Close the cold water supply valve on top of the tank, then turn off the breaker for an electric heater or turn the gas control to Off. A tank leaking from the bottom… Emergencies A pipe burst. What do I do in the next five minutes? Close the main shutoff valve, at the house or at the meter, then open the lowest faucet to drain pressure so the flow stops fast. If water is near outlets or the panel… Emergencies Is this a plumbing emergency, or can it wait until morning? Call now if water is still moving where it should not and you cannot stop it, if sewage is in the house, if water is near electrical, if the water heater is leaking from… Emergencies Sewage backup in the house: safety first, then who to call Stop every drain in the house: no flushing, no showers, no laundry. Keep people and pets out of the room, wear gloves, open a window, and do not point a fan at it. Check… Emergencies No water at all? Meter, well pump, or utility Try a second faucet and a hose bib, ask a neighbor, and check whether the main valve or a filtration bypass got closed. On city water, look at the meter and the… Emergencies Water dripping from the ceiling: what to do first Close the main shutoff and drain the pressure at a low faucet. Put a bucket under the bulge and poke a small hole at its lowest point so it drains instead of collapsing… Emergencies Toilet overflowing and will not stop Lift the tank lid and push the flapper closed with your hand, then turn the supply valve behind the toilet clockwise until it stops. The water stops. Let the bowl drop…