Emergency Plumbing: What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives

Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, often when you least expect them. Whether it’s a burst pipe, severe leak, or blocked drain causing flooding, knowing what to do in those crucial first minutes can make the difference between minor inconvenience and major property damage.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first step in any plumbing emergency is to remain calm. Panic can lead to poor decisions that might worsen the situation. Take a moment to assess:

• Where is the water coming from?
• How severe is the leak or blockage?
• Is there immediate danger to people or property?
• Can you safely access the problem area?

Turn Off the Water Supply

For localized issues:

• Look for the isolation valve nearest to the problem (usually under sinks, behind toilets, or near appliances)
• Turn the valve clockwise to shut off water to that specific fixture

For major leaks or burst pipes:

• Locate your main water stopcock (usually near the front of your property, by the boundary or under the kitchen sink)
• Turn it off immediately to stop water flow to the entire property
• If you can’t find it or it’s stuck, call your water company’s emergency line

Turn Off Your Electricity

If water is near electrical outlets, switches, or appliances:

• Turn off electricity at the consumer unit (fuse box) for affected areas
• Never touch electrical items with wet hands
• If you can’t safely reach the consumer unit, call an electrician
• Don’t use electrical appliances in areas with standing water

Protect Your Property

While waiting for professional help:

Move valuables and furniture:

• Lift items off the floor in affected areas
• Move electronics, documents, and furniture to higher ground
• Remove rugs and carpets if possible

Contain the water:

• Use buckets, towels, and mops to collect water
• Open windows for ventilation to prevent mold
• Take photos for insurance purposes

Address Specific Emergency Types

Burst Pipes

• Turn off main water supply immediately
• Turn off central heating system
• Open all taps to drain remaining water
• If the pipe is accessible, try to contain the leak with towels

Blocked Drains

• Stop using all water fixtures connected to the blocked drain
• Don’t use chemical drain cleaners - they can worsen the problem
• If sewage is backing up, evacuate the area and call professionals immediately

Boiler Leaks

• Turn off the boiler and heating system
• Turn off the water supply to the boiler
• Don’t attempt to fix gas appliances yourself
• If you smell gas, evacuate and call the Gas Emergency Service: 0800 111 999

Toilet Overflows

• Turn off the water supply to the toilet (valve behind the toilet)
• Don’t flush again
• Remove water with towels or a wet vacuum if safe to do so

What NOT to Do

• Don’t ignore small leaks - they often get worse quickly
• Don’t use electrical appliances near water
• Don’t attempt major repairs yourself - you might cause more damage
• Don’t use chemical drain cleaners during emergencies
• Don’t wait - call professionals immediately for major issues

When to Call Sale Emergency Plumbers

Call us immediately if you experience:

• Burst pipes or major leaks
• No hot water or heating
• Sewage backups
• Gas leaks (after calling Gas Emergency Service)
• Flooding from plumbing failures
• Boiler breakdowns

Our Emergency Response

When you call Sale Emergency Plumbers:

• Immediate response: We answer calls 24/7, 365 days a year
• Rapid dispatch: Our nearest engineer will be with you as quickly as possible
• Fully equipped: Our vans carry extensive parts and tools for most repairs
• Transparent pricing: No hidden costs or call-out charges
• Insurance work: We work with all major insurance companies

Prevention Tips

• Know where your main stopcock is located
• Test it annually to ensure it works
• Insulate pipes in cold areas
• Have annual boiler services
• Don’t ignore minor leaks or unusual sounds

Remember, in any plumbing emergency, your safety comes first. If you’re unsure about anything, evacuate the area and call professionals immediately.

Emergency Hotline: 0161 399 5748

Available 24/7 across Sale and Greater Manchester