What to Do Before Calling an Emergency Plumber
Minimize water damage by knowing exactly what steps to take before the plumber arrives. Hint: it starts with the main water shut-off valve.
What should you do immediately before an emergency plumber arrives?
Immediately shut off your home's main water valve near the water meter, turn off electric breakers or gas control valves to your water heater to prevent dry-fire tank damage, open lowest faucets to bleed trapped line pressure, and avoid running any water if dealing with a main sewer backup.
A plumbing emergency can trigger panic. Whether it is a burst copper pipe spraying gallons of water across your basement, a ruptured water heater tank, or raw sewage overflowing a floor drain, what you do in the first five minutes can save tens of thousands of dollars in structural and cosmetic damage.
Follow this emergency protocol immediately to safeguard your home and family before our 24/7 dispatch team arrives.
Step 1: Shut Off the Main Water Supply Immediately
Every member of your household should know the exact location of your main water shut-off valve. In Duluth homes, it is almost always located in the basement or utility room near the front foundation wall where the water service pipe enters from the street.
For lever ball valves: Turn the handle one-quarter turn perpendicular to the pipe (forming a cross). For round gate wheel valves: Turn the knob clockwise (to the right) until it stops completely. If the valve is seized, do not force it with a wrench — call us immediately.
Step 2: Shut Down Water Heaters & Electrical Panels
If you have turned off your main water supply, you must immediately protect your water heater. An energized water heater without water flow can burn out electrical elements or overheat gas burners, causing severe damage.
Electric water heaters: Flip the dedicated 30A double-pole breaker to "OFF" in your electrical panel. Gas water heaters: Turn the gas control dial on the front of the tank to "PILOT" or "OFF".
Step 3: Relieve Trapped Plumbing Line Pressure
Go to the lowest faucet in your home (such as a basement utility sink or laundry tub) and open both hot and cold handles. This allows remaining water in vertical supply pipes to drain into the sink rather than spraying through the burst opening.
Step 4: Handling Sewage Backups Safely
If your emergency is a main sewer lateral backup, stop using all water immediately. Do not flush any toilets, run washing machines, or use showers. Any water poured into upstairs drains will directly push raw sewage up through your lowest basement floor drain.
Step 5: Call Duluth Plumbing 24/7 Emergency Dispatch
Call our emergency dispatch line directly at (218) 227-4082. Our licensed master plumbers arrive within 45 to 90 minutes across Duluth, Proctor, and Hermantown equipped to diagnose, isolate, and repair the emergency on the spot.
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