Plumbing Emergency: Step-by-Step Guide

Plumbing emergencies never happen at a “good time.” One minute everything is normal, the next you’re staring at water spreading across the floor, hearing a toilet overflow, or noticing the water heater dripping fast. The good news: the right first steps can dramatically reduce damage and repair costs—and help us fix the problem faster when we arrive.

What should you do first in a plumbing emergency?

In a plumbing emergency, shut off the water, turn off electricity/gas if water is near appliances, contain the water, and call a licensed plumber immediately. Then document damage and avoid using affected fixtures until the issue is repaired. Guidance across top plumbing resources consistently starts with locating and turning off the main water supply to stop ongoing damage.

Quick Emergency Plumbing Checklist (Do This First)

If you only remember one thing, remember this order:

1. Stop the water (fixture shutoff valve or main shutoff).
2. Protect people and property (electricity/gas safety, move valuables).
3. Contain and remove water (towels, buckets, wet/dry vac if safe).
4. Call Done-Rite Plumbing & Rooter in Orange, CA: (714) 605-2950.
5. Document the damage for insurance (photos/video).
6. Do not “test” the system (avoid running water or flushing) until we advise it’s safe.

Step 1 — Shut Off Water Fast (Main Shutoff + Fixture Valves)

Find the fixture shutoff first (if possible)

For issues isolated to one fixture—like a toilet, sink, or dishwasher—look for the small shutoff valve nearby:

• Toilet: behind the toilet, near the wall
• Sink: under the cabinet (hot and cold valves)
• Washer: behind the washer (hot and cold valves)

Turn the valve clockwise until it stops.

If water is still flowing, shut off the main water supply

In bigger emergencies (burst pipe, slab leak signs, water heater leak), go straight to the main shutoff valve. Many plumbing guides note it’s commonly near the water meter or where the main line enters the home (utility area, garage, exterior wall).

Tip from our team: Once you shut off the main, open a faucet briefly to relieve pressure and confirm water is off.

Step 2 — Protect Your Home From Electrical and Gas Hazards

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.

• If water is near outlets, a breaker panel, or an appliance, do not step in standing water.
• If you can safely reach your electrical panel on dry ground, turn off power to the affected area.
• If you smell gas or suspect a gas appliance issue (especially around water heaters): leave the area and contact the appropriate emergency utility support, then call us.

(We’ll guide you on what’s safe when you call—especially if a leak is near the water heater, laundry room, or garage.)

Step 3 — Contain Water and Reduce Damage Immediately

Once the water source is stopped (or minimized), shift to damage control:

• Use towels and buckets to stop the spread
• Move rugs/furniture away from wet areas
• Wet/dry vacuum (only if you’re not dealing with electrical hazards)
• Ventilate: fans + open windows (when weather allows)

What not to do

• Don’t keep running water “to see if it got better.”
• Don’t ignore slow leaks—hidden leaks can escalate and cause structural damage over time. Done-Rite highlights how leaks can quietly wreak havoc, especially slab and hidden pipe leaks.

Step 4 — Identify the Type of Plumbing Emergency (So We Bring the Right Fix)

Here’s a quick guide to common emergencies and what they usually mean.

Burst pipe or sudden heavy leak

Signs:

• Sudden drop in water pressure
• Water pooling unexpectedly
• Sound of running water behind walls

Your move: shut off main water, contain water, call us.

Internal link opportunity:

• Burst pipe repair service page (example: Anaheim burst pipe repair)

Toilet overflow that won’t stop

Signs:

• Water rising quickly
• Repeated clogs/backups

Your move: turn off the toilet shutoff valve. If the toilet bowl is near overflowing, lift the tank lid and push the flapper down to stop the refill of water, then call.

Sewer backup (multiple drains gurgling/slow)

If several drains are acting up at once, it can indicate a sewer line issue. Done-Rite’s sewer line guidance notes that multiple fixtures clogging together is a red flag.

Your move: stop using water; call for urgent evaluation.

Water heater leak or no hot water + leaking

Water heater problems can include leaks, inconsistent heating, or discolored water, and should be evaluated quickly—especially when water is present around the unit.

Your move: if leaking heavily, shut off water to the heater (or main). Avoid electrical hazards around the unit and call us.

Internal link opportunity:

• Water heater repair resources (example: Tustin water heater repair)
• “Water Heater Repair vs. Full Replacement”

Slab leak or hidden leak (common “mystery” emergency)

Hidden leaks can show up as:

• Unexplained water spots
• Persistent wet areas
• Sudden increases in water bills
• Warm spots on floors (sometimes)

Done-Rite emphasizes non-invasive leak detection for hidden leaks and slab leaks.

Your move: stop using affected plumbing and schedule professional leak detection.

Step 5 — Call a Licensed Emergency Plumber in Orange, CA (and Know What to Say)

When you call (714) 605-2950, we’ll ask a few quick questions to speed up diagnosis:

• Where is the water coming from (if known)?
• Is water currently flowing, or did you shut it off?
• Any electrical risk (near outlets, panel, appliances)?
• Is it affecting one fixture or multiple drains?

Helpful details to mention:

• If you hear water behind the walls
• If the water pressure dropped suddenly
• If you see signs that suggest a burst pipe or major leak

Step 6 — While You Wait: Safe Steps to Take (and What to Avoid)

Safe actions

• Keep the water shut off
• Mop up and ventilate
• Take photos/video of affected areas
• Keep children/pets away from wet zones

Avoid these common mistakes

• Chemical drain cleaners during backups (can worsen damage and complicate repairs)
• Running fixtures when there’s a suspected sewer backup
• Turning water back on repeatedly