Plumbing emergencies rarely pick a convenient time. A pipe bursts at night, a toilet backs up on a Sunday, or the water stops. What you do in the first few minutes can make a big difference to how much damage you end up with.
Here is a simple checklist you can use at home or at your business until an emergency plumber arrives.
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
Some problems can wait until morning. Others cannot. These situations call for an emergency plumber:
- Sewer backups.
- Broken or burst pipes.
- Water heater failure with leaking water.
- No water at all.
- Flooding, overflowing toilets, or any problem that is getting worse quickly.
If you are not sure, call. We will talk you through it.
The first 10 minutes
1. Stop the water
If water is spraying or pooling, shut off the water. Use the fixture’s own shutoff valve if there is one (under a sink or behind a toilet). If the problem is a pipe or you cannot find the right valve, shut off the main water supply to the property. It is worth knowing where your main shutoff is before you ever need it.
2. Stay clear of electricity
Water and electricity do not mix. If water is near outlets, appliances or your electrical panel, keep away and do not touch anything electrical while standing in water. If you can safely switch off power to an affected area, do so, and call a professional if you are unsure.
3. Keep people and pets clear
Move everyone away from standing water, especially after a sewer backup. Sewage carries health risks, so keep your family out of the affected area.
4. Move what you can
If it is safe, lift rugs, electronics and valuables out of the water’s path. Do not put yourself at risk for belongings.
5. Take a few photos
Quick photos of the damage and the source are useful later if you need to make an insurance claim.
6. Call a plumber
Call East Atlantic Plumbing at (910) 616-3238. We answer emergency calls after 5 p.m. and on weekends. Tell us what you are seeing and what you have already done. Customer reviews of our work often mention a fast response, in some cases within the hour. One customer who called about a running toilet wrote that the techs were at their home within 30 to 45 minutes.
If it is a broken or burst pipe
Shut off the water, then call. Do not try to fix the pipe yourself. Signs of a broken pipe include water stains, discolored water, unusual smells, leaks, mold growth and loud noises in your plumbing. If you notice these before a full burst, call early. You can read more about broken pipes and what we do.
If it is a sewer backup
A backup is one of the most serious plumbing emergencies. Water can come up through toilets, tubs and floor drains. Stop using water in the building, keep everyone away and call us. We offer 24-hour response to sewage backups to limit contamination.
If your water heater fails
Turn off the water supply to the unit and shut off its power or gas. If you smell gas, leave the building and get help. For next steps, see whether to repair or replace your water heater.
If you have no water
First, check whether neighbors are affected, which can point to a problem outside your property. If it is only you, call us. Do not leave faucets open and unattended.
What not to do
- Do not ignore a small leak that is getting bigger.
- Do not use your plumbing if a sewer backup is under way.
- Do not wade through water near electrical equipment.
- Do not try to repair a burst pipe or a sewer problem yourself.
What to expect when you call
When you reach us, you can talk through what is going on. We will tell you whether a visit is needed right now or whether a temporary step can let you wait. When we arrive, we diagnose the problem, explain your options and get to work. For problems that are hard to see, we can perform a plumbing camera inspection.
Learn more about our emergency plumbing and 24-hour plumbing service. To understand what makes a situation urgent, read when emergency plumbing is necessary.
We provide emergency plumbing for homes and businesses in Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach and Leland.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first in a plumbing emergency?
Stop the water, keep clear of electricity and standing water, then call a plumber. Shutting off the water quickly can reduce damage.
Do you offer emergency plumbing at night and on weekends?
Yes. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing, and we answer emergency calls after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
Is a sewer backup an emergency?
Yes. It is one of the most serious plumbing emergencies. Keep everyone away from the affected area and call right away.
Do you handle emergencies for businesses?
Yes. We provide emergency plumbing for homes and businesses, including after-hours situations.
Can you help me decide if it can wait?
Yes. Call us, tell us what is happening, and we will tell you whether it needs a visit now or can wait.
In a plumbing emergency right now?
Call East Atlantic Plumbing at (910) 616-3238, 24/7. For non-urgent questions, you can contact us online.