Plumbing emergency guide · save it, print it
Plumbing emergency? Do this first.
First steps for the most common plumbing emergencies in Central New Jersey homes. Do the steps, then call a licensed plumber.
You smell gas
Leave the building immediately. Do not operate switches, flames, appliances or phones inside. From a safe location call 911 and the gas utility. Do not re-enter until cleared. Don't start a car in an attached garage. Plumbing Doctor can discuss eligible repair work after the utility/authorities declare the site safe; scope of the repair work requires confirmation.
Step one for any leak: shut off the main water
The main shut-off is usually in the basement or crawl space, next to the water meter where the water line comes through the foundation wall. A lever valve closes with a quarter turn so the handle crosses the pipe. A round handle turns clockwise until it stops. Find yours today, before you need it.
Our main water shut-off is:
Water heater gas or power switch:
Electrical panel is:
Water pouring from a pipe
- Shut the main water valve (see above).
- Open a faucet on the lowest floor to drain the pipes.
- Don't enter standing water or touch electrical controls near the leak.
- Call us, then move valuables and start soaking up water.
Toilet overflowing
- Turn the valve on the wall behind the toilet clockwise.
- If it won't turn, lift the tank lid and push the rubber flapper down.
- Don't flush again.
- If dirty water also comes up in the tub or a floor drain, it may be the main line: stop all water and call.
Water heater leaking
- Stay out of standing water and don't touch electrical or gas controls near the heater.
- If you can reach it safely, close the cold water valve on the pipe going into the top of the heater.
- Keep kids and pets away from hot water and the heater.
- Call us. A leak from the tank itself means it needs replacing.
Sewage backing up
- Stop running water: no flushing, showers, laundry or dishwasher.
- Keep everyone, especially kids and pets, away from the water, and don't enter floodwater near electrical equipment.
- Don't pour chemicals down the drain.
- Call us for a professional drain assessment. Sewage cleanup may need a remediation company.
No water at all
- Ask a neighbor if they have water. If not, call your water company.
- If they do, check that your main valve is fully open.
- In winter, a pipe may be frozen. Shut off water where safe and call us.
- Never use a torch or any open flame on a pipe.
- No water can usually wait until morning. If someone in the home can't do without it overnight, call us.
Then call a licensed plumber
908-873-6686Plumbing Doctor, serving Central New Jersey. NJ Master Plumber Lic. #36BI01345600.
These steps are general safety information and don't replace a licensed plumber.
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