Plumbing Emergency? What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives

By Top Florida Plumbers · Updated 2026-11-08

The first ten minutes of a plumbing emergency decide how much damage you'll be dealing with. Here's a plan for the most common ones.

Burst pipe

Shut off the main water valve (usually at the meter near the street or where the line enters the house). Open the lowest faucet to drain the lines. Turn off the water heater. Call (888) 480-9811.

Overflowing toilet

Turn the shut-off valve behind the toilet clockwise. Lift the tank lid and push the flapper closed. Don't flush again. If sewage is backing up in tubs or showers too, the problem is the main line – stop using all water.

Water heater leaking

Turn off the cold-water supply valve on top of the heater, then switch off the breaker (electric) or gas valve. Drain the tank with a hose to the outside if water is spreading.

Gas smell

Leave the house immediately. Don't use switches or phones inside. Call your gas utility's emergency number from outside, then call us for the repair.

No hot water, no leaks

Not a true emergency – but we still offer same-day water heater repair across Florida.

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