What to Do During a Plumbing Emergency (Before the Plumber Arrives)
No homeowner wants to deal with a plumbing emergency. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a leaking water heater, or a sewage backup, the damage can escalate quickly if you don’t act fast. In cities like Bellevue—where seasonal rain, aging pipes, and freezing temperatures are common—being prepared is more than just helpful; it’s essential.
While calling a professional should be your first move, knowing what to do before the plumber arrives can make a major difference. These early actions can protect your home, minimize water damage, and even save you money on repairs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical, easy-to-follow Emergency Plumbing Tips every homeowner in Bellevue should know. We’ll also show you when to take action and when it’s time to contact Eastside Repipe & Plumbing for immediate help.
Recognizing a Plumbing Emergency
A plumbing emergency isn’t always as obvious as water gushing from a broken pipe. Sometimes, subtle signs like discolored water, reduced water pressure, or strange smells can signal something serious.
Here are common situations that qualify as a Plumbing Emergency In Bellevue:
Burst or leaking pipes
Sewer backups or foul-smelling drains
Overflowing toilets
Frozen pipes during winter
Water heater leaks or failures
No access to clean running water
Sudden drop in water pressure
If any of these occur, don’t panic—but do act fast. The right response in the first few minutes can prevent a minor issue from turning into a disaster.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply
The first thing to do in any plumbing emergency is to stop the flow of water. This reduces damage and buys you time until the professionals arrive.
How to Shut Off the Water:
Individual Fixtures: If only one sink or toilet is affected, turn off the valve beneath it.
Whole-House Valve: For serious problems like a Burst Pipe, locate your main water shut-off valve. It’s often found near the water meter or where the main line enters your home—commonly in basements, crawl spaces, or garages.
Tip: Every homeowner should know where this valve is before an emergency happens.
Step 2: Turn Off Your Water Heater
If you’ve shut off the water supply, don’t forget your water heater. Leaving it on without water can cause it to overheat or even burst. For gas water heaters, turn the dial to “pilot.” For electric models, switch off the breaker.
This step is especially important if you’ve detected a leak or pool of water near your heater. If you're unsure what to do, avoid touching any wet electrical areas and contact Eastside Repipe & Plumbing for help.
Step 3: Open Drains and Spigots
With the main supply shut off, there will still be water in your pipes. Let it drain by turning on faucets inside and outside the house. This helps relieve pressure and remove water trapped in the lines.
You should:
Open all cold water taps, starting from the lowest level of the home and working your way up.
Flush toilets to release remaining water.
Open outside hose spigots to ensure the system is completely emptied.
This is especially useful during freezing weather in Bellevue, where pipe bursts are more common.
Step 4: Address Small Leaks (If Safe)
Once the immediate danger is under control, look for any small leaks. If safe to do so, try to contain the leak or apply temporary patches.
Quick solutions include:
Using towels or rags to absorb water
Wrapping duct tape or plumber’s tape around a leaking joint
Placing a bucket or pan underneath dripping pipes
These temporary fixes won’t hold forever, but they can limit water damage until a licensed plumber arrives.
Step 5: Remove Standing Water
Standing water can cause floor damage, mold, and mildew in just a few hours. The sooner you clean it up, the better.
Use:
Wet/dry vacuums
Mops and buckets
Towels or shop rags
Pay special attention to hardwood floors and carpeted areas. Dry everything thoroughly and run fans or dehumidifiers if you have them available.
Step 6: Document the Damage
Before you clean too much, take pictures or video of the damage. This will help with your insurance claim and give your plumber a better understanding of the issue.
Include:
The source of the leak (if visible)
Damaged flooring or walls
Wet furniture or belongings
Any temporary fixes you've attempted
This documentation may also help you get reimbursed for emergency services from your insurance company.
Step 7: Call a Professional Emergency Plumber
While these tips help manage the situation temporarily, plumbing emergencies should never be treated as DIY projects. Many issues—especially hidden leaks or burst pipes—require immediate attention from a licensed expert.
That’s where Eastside Repipe & Plumbing comes in.
We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services in Bellevue, handling everything from sewer line failures to urgent water heater replacements. With quick response times and expert technicians, we’re the team you can count on in a crisis.
Call us now or Schedule Service online if you're currently facing a plumbing emergency.
Common Emergency Scenarios & What to Do
1. Burst Pipe
Shut off water immediately.
Turn off electrical power if the area is wet.
Open faucets to drain system.
Use towels or buckets to contain water.
Read more: Burst Pipe—What to Do
2. Overflowing Toilet
Turn off the valve at the toilet base.
Use a plunger if the water level is safe.
Avoid flushing again until the issue is fixed.
3. Leaking Water Heater
Turn off the water supply and power to the heater.
Drain the tank if leaking is severe.
Avoid standing water near electrical panels.
4. Sewer Backup
Stop using all water fixtures.
Do not try to clean sewage yourself—this poses serious health risks.
Call us for same-day assistance and proper sanitation.
Prevent Future Plumbing Emergencies
Preventive care is the best way to avoid high-stress scenarios. Here are tips to keep your plumbing system in top shape:
Schedule annual inspections
Insulate pipes before winter
Avoid pouring grease or debris down drains
Know where your shut-off valves are located
Keep Eastside Repipe & Plumbing on speed dial
Need help creating a plumbing emergency plan? We can walk you through safety steps specific to your home.
Conclusion
A plumbing emergency can strike without warning—but it doesn’t have to cause chaos. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can stay calm, protect your home, and prevent lasting damage. Remember these essential Emergency Plumbing Tips and contact a professional as soon as possible.
If you’re facing a plumbing emergency in Bellevue, don’t wait. Call Eastside Repipe & Plumbing. We’re ready to respond 24/7 to protect your home and your peace of mind.
