Emergency Plumbing: What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives

When water is where it shouldn't be, panic is expensive. The homeowners who come out of a plumbing emergency with the least damage are the ones who act fast and in the right order. Save this page — the day you need it, you won't have time to search.

The 4 steps, in order

• Shut off the water. For a fixture, turn the valve under it clockwise. For a major leak, shut the main valve (usually where the water line enters the house, near the meter). Know where yours is now.
• Kill the power if water is near outlets, the panel, or appliances. Safety first — never stand in water near live electrical.
• Contain and document. Grab towels and buckets, move valuables, and take photos and video for your insurance claim before you clean up.
• Call a pro. With water off and damage documented, get a licensed plumber matched and on the way.

Common emergencies — and what they mean

Burst pipe

Shut the main immediately. Burst pipes flood fast and are the top cause of major water damage. Common in Wichita after a hard freeze.

Sewage backup

Stop using all water and keep everyone away — this is a health hazard, not just a mess. Always a same-day pro call.

Water heater failure

If it's leaking, shut off its water supply and, for gas units, the gas valve. A slow drip can wait a few hours; a gushing tank cannot.

Frozen pipes

Open a faucet to relieve pressure and warm the pipe gently — never with an open flame. A frozen pipe is a burst pipe waiting to happen.

What it costs

An emergency service call typically runs $150–$500 depending on the time and day — after-hours, weekend, and holiday calls sit at the higher end. That fee usually covers the visit and diagnosis; the repair itself is quoted separately.

True emergency, or can it wait?

Call now if: you can't stop water from flowing, there's any sewage, or a leak is near electrical. It can usually wait until morning if: it's a single slow drip you've isolated by shutting one valve, or a clogged drain with no overflow. When in doubt, shut the water and call — a five-minute phone triage beats a flooded floor.