Tips for Controlling Plumbing Emergencies

Plumbing emergencies can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Water damage happens fast, and knowing how to react can save you time, money, and stress.

In this guide, we’re sharing tips for controlling plumbing emergencies and providing advice on tackling common plumbing problems. In the video above, Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and host Kevin O’Connor share some insight into managing common plumbing emergencies and controlling water flow until professional help arrives.

Tips for Controlling Plumbing Emergencies

The key to minimizing water damage is quick action. When a serious leak happens, don’t panic—follow these tips.

Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valve Is

There’s a simple solution to stop water flow immediately: know where your shut-off valves are. Start by locating your home’s main water shut-off valve. It’s usually near the front of the house, close to the water meter or where the well pump supply line enters the home. Shutting the water supply off will give you time to assess the situation.

Find Your Fixture-Specific Valves

For isolated leaks, you likely won’t need to turn off your entire water supply. So, you’ll also want to know where your fixture-specific shut-off valves are located. Here are a few examples:

• Toilets: Look near the floor behind the toilet.
• Sinks: Find the supply valves under the sink.
• Dishwashers: Check under the sink or in a nearby cabinet.

To turn off the water supply, either to the entire house or a specific fixture, turn the valve clockwise (to the right). You can turn the water back on by turning the valve counter-clockwise (to the left).

Create an Emergency Plumbing Kit

An emergency plumbing kit can save valuable time and reduce damage. Trethewey recommends assembling a kit with the following items, all of which you’ll find at local home centers:

• Hose cap
• Push-to-connect copper caps
• Push-to-connect couplings
• Push-to-connect valves
• Threaded caps
• Threaded plugs

Include fitting to cover both 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch pipes, which are the most common sizes in residential plumbing. Keep your kit in an easy-to-reach spot. 

Take Steps To Prevent Plumbing Emergencies

Taking preventive steps can help you avoid emergencies altogether. Here’s how to keep your plumbing in good shape:

• Regularly inspect visible pipes, fixtures, and supply valves for signs of wear or damage.
• Address small leaks quickly before they become major issues.
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing and bursting.
• Avoid flushing nonbiodegradable items down toilets.
• Use drain screens to prevent clogs in sinks and showers.
• Clean out filters and screens on faucets.
• Check toilet and sink shut-off valves for functionality every quarter.
• Test the pressure relief valve on your water heater at least twice a year.
• Take care of leaks and other issues as soon as you notice them, and know when it’s best to call a professional.

Dealing With Common Plumbing Problems and Emergencies

Different types of plumbing problems and emergencies require different approaches. Here’s how to handle some of the most common issues:

Leaking Fixtures

Leaking fixtures may not always be an emergency, but they can be irritating. To assess the issue, first turn off the fixture’s water supply. If the issue is with the toilet, you’ll need to flush it to drain the remaining water. This allows you to inspect the plumbing without water getting in your way.

Many leaks are simply because of worn-out washers or other minor issues and can quickly be repaired. You can use plumber’s tape or pipe sealant to make temporary fixes. If you’re not comfortable fixing it yourself or if the leak is serious, it’s best to call a professional.

Broken Pipes

Broken pipes can be more challenging to isolate and may cause significant damage. Here’s how to quickly control the situation:

• Crimp or bend the pipe: Temporarily stop the flow by bending the pipe like a hose.
• Use compression fittings: Apply these to seal the break until it can be properly repaired.
• Apply push-to-connect fittings: These can quickly connect broken pipe sections.

These are temporary solutions, so contact a plumber to make a permanent repair.

Leaking Water Heaters

A leaking water heater can quickly become a big problem, and you’ll likely need a professional. In the meantime, here are steps you can take to prevent damage:

1. Shut off the cold water supply valve to the heater.
2. Turn off the gas supply or electricity to the unit.
3. If the leak is from the drain, try installing and tightening a hose cap.

Never plug or cap the temperature and pressure relief valve. This safety feature prevents over-pressurization, and tampering with it can be extremely dangerous.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can burst and cause major damage. Insulating your pipes, allowing cold water to drip from your faucet, and setting your thermostat above 55 degrees can all help prevent the issue. However, if a pipe freezes:

1. Shut off the main water supply to prevent water from rushing out if the pipe bursts.
2. Open the faucet so water can flow once the ice melts.
3. Gradually thaw the pipe using a heat lamp or hairdryer—never an open flame.
4. Slowly turn the water supply back on.
5. Once it’s thawed, check for any cracks or splits.

If you can’t access the frozen pipe or it’s not thawing, call a professional.

When To Call a Professional Plumber

Some plumbing issues are best left to the experts. We recommend reaching out to a professional if you have:

• Sewage backups: This can indicate a serious blockage or damage.
• Multiple fixture failures: If several fixtures aren’t working, there might be a bigger problem.
• Persistent low water pressure: Could signal a leak or blockage in the main line.
• Water heater problems: Anything beyond a simple leak needs professional attention.
• Gas line issues: If you smell gas, evacuate immediately and call your gas company.
• Unthawing frozen pipes: If you can’t resolve it yourself, get professional help.

Delaying professional assistance can make the problem worse and lead to higher repair costs.