What to Do During a Plumbing Emergency
By NorTech Services
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first few minutes are critical. Take a quick glance to identify what’s happening (burst pipe, overflowing toilet, slab leak, faucet that won’t shut off, etc.) and where the water is coming from. Knowing the source helps you choose the right immediate action and prevents panic‑driven mistakes that can make the damage worse.
2. Shut Off the Water Supply
| Scenario | How to Locate the Shut‑Off | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Burst pipe or major leak | The main water shut‑off is usually near the water meter, in the basement, crawl space, or outside the house (often a gray‑ or brass‑colored gate valve). | Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. If it’s stiff, use a pipe wrench for extra leverage—but don’t force it to the point of breaking. |
| Leaking faucet or isolated fixture | Look for a local shut‑off under the sink, behind the toilet, or beside the appliance. | Close that valve first; then, if the leak continues, close the main valve as a backup. |
| Outdoor irrigation system | There is often a separate valve on the street side of the house or in the utility closet. | Turn it off to stop any sprinkler‑related flooding. |
Tip: After you shut the water off, open a faucet on the lowest level of the house (e.g., a basement sink). This releases pressure in the pipes and lets any remaining water drain out, reducing the flow from the leak.
3. Cut Power If Water Is Near Electrical Sources
Water conducts electricity, and a wet outlet or light fixture can become a serious shock hazard.
- Locate the circuit breaker that controls the affected area.
- Flip the breaker to “OFF.” If you can’t identify the exact circuit, shut off the main breaker for absolute safety.
- Avoid touching any metal objects that are wet or could be wet (e.g., metal ladders, tools).
If you suspect a live wire is submerged, do not attempt to retrieve it yourself—call an electrician after the water issue is contained.
4. Contain and Remove Standing Water
The faster you limit water spread, the less damage to flooring, walls, and personal belongings.
| Action | How to Execute |
|---|---|
| Absorb small puddles | Lay down old towels, rags, or absorbent shop‑floor mats. Press firmly to soak up as much water as possible. |
| Redirect flow | Position a bucket or a shallow pan under a leaking pipe or faucet to catch drips. |
| Move valuables | Quickly relocate furniture, electronics, and documents to a dry area. If they can’t be moved, elevate them on pallets or blocks to keep the bottom dry. |
| Use a wet/dry vacuum | (if you have one) to suction water from carpeted areas or hard floors. |
| Ventilate | Open windows and doors to promote air circulation. If you have a dehumidifier, set it to a low humidity target (≈ 45 %). |
5. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
Drain cleaners that contain caustic lye or harsh acids may react with water in the pipes, creating heat or corrosive residues that damage the plumbing. In an emergency, they can also clog the line further or make a leak worse by weakening pipe material.
Instead:
- Use a plunger for a clogged toilet or sink.
- If a pipe is partially blocked, try a hand‑crank drain snake to clear the obstruction.
- For minor clogs, a mixture of hot water and baking soda can be effective and is far less risky.
6. Call Nortech Services Immediately
Once you’ve shut off the water, cut power if needed, and contained the water, dial our emergency line. Provide the following information to help us dispatch the right technician quickly:
- Exact address (including any gate codes).
- Nature of the emergency (burst pipe, overflowing toilet, slab leak, etc.).
- Location of the shut‑off valve (main, local, or both).
- Whether electricity has been turned off and if any outlets or appliances are wet.
- Any visible damage (e.g., flooded basement, water on the ceiling).
Our emergency team is on call 24/7 and aims to arrive within 60 minutes in most urban areas. We bring the tools, parts, and expertise needed to stop the flow, repair the fault, and begin water‑damage mitigation.
7. What to Expect When We Arrive
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Initial inspection | We assess the source, check for hidden leaks (behind walls, under slabs), and verify that the water and electricity are safely shut off. |
| Damage control | If the water is still present, we use portable pumps, wet‑dry vacuums, and dehumidifiers to remove it quickly. |
| Repair | Depending on the issue, we may replace a burst pipe segment, tighten a loose fitting, reseal a toilet flange, or install a temporary patch while ordering a permanent part. |
| Documentation | We photograph the affected area, note the cause, and provide a written estimate before any major work proceeds. |
| Follow‑up advice | After the repair, we recommend steps to prevent recurrence (e.g., installing a water‑shut‑off valve near the main line, adding a leak‑detection sensor, or insulating exposed pipes). |
8. Post‑Emergency Prevention Tips
- Know the location of all shut‑off valves and practice turning them off at least once a year.
- Install a water‑leak detection system that can automatically shut off the main valve when moisture is detected.
- Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and attics to protect them from freezing and bursting.
- Schedule regular plumbing inspections (every 1–2 years) to catch corrosion, loose fittings, or worn‑out seals before they fail.
- Maintain proper drainage around the foundation—ensure gutters and downspouts direct water at least 6 feet away from the house.
9. Quick‑Reference Checklist (Print or Save on Your Phone)
- Shut off water – main valve first, then local if needed.
- Turn off electricity – especially near the leak.
- Contain water – towels, buckets, wet/dry vacuum.
- Move valuables – elevate or relocate.
- Avoid chemicals – no drain cleaners.
- Call Nortech Services – give clear details.
- Stay safe – do not enter flooded areas if you suspect structural damage.
Final Thoughts
A plumbing emergency can turn a minor inconvenience into thousands of dollars in water damage, mold growth, and structural repair if you hesitate. Rapid shut‑off, safe power isolation, swift containment, and professional intervention are the three pillars that keep the damage minimal.
Keep Nortech Services on speed dial, familiarize yourself with your home’s shut‑off valves, and follow the steps above the next time water erupts unexpectedly. With the right response, you’ll protect your home, your belongings, and your peace of mind.
Emergency Hotline: [Phone Number]
Online Request: [Website URL]
We’re ready to respond 24/7—just a call away when you need us most.
