What Should You Do During a Plumbing Emergency at Home?

Picture this: You're enjoying a quiet evening at home when suddenly, water starts gushing from under your kitchen sink. Panic sets in—what should you do first?

Plumbing emergencies strike without warning and can quickly escalate from a minor inconvenience to a full-blown disaster. From burst pipes to overflowing toilets, these situations demand swift action and a clear head. Knowing how to handle a plumbing emergency before professional help arrives can make all the difference in minimizing water damage, protecting your property, and saving you stress and money.

At Onyx Plumbing & Gas, we understand that every second counts when your home’s plumbing is in trouble. That’s why it’s critical to be prepared—not just with the right tools but with the right knowledge. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to confidently take control during a plumbing crisis. Whether you’re dealing with a flooded basement or a frozen pipe, we’ll equip you with expert-backed tips to keep your home and family safe.

If you’re serious about protecting your home, you won’t want to miss these practical tips from your neighborhood plumbing experts!

How to Tell If Your Plumbing Problem Is a True Emergency

Not all plumbing issues are created equal—some can wait until morning, while others demand immediate action. A plumbing emergency typically involves an active water leak, flooding, or the complete loss of a vital system like clean water or sewage removal. If your situation poses a risk to your property, health, or safety, you’re likely dealing with an emergency. For example, a burst pipe, sewage backup, or water heater failure with leaking are all red flags that need professional intervention immediately.

Water damage is one of the costliest consequences of untreated plumbing issues. If water is actively leaking and spreading, it can quickly damage flooring, drywall, electrical systems, and even the structural integrity of your home. Another major concern is sewage. If wastewater is backing up into sinks, bathtubs, or toilets, it poses a serious health risk due to harmful bacteria and contaminants. In both of these scenarios, time is of the essence—and so is knowing when to shut off the water supply and call for help.

It’s also important to consider whether you can control the issue temporarily. A dripping faucet or slow drain can often wait, but if you can’t stop the water or if you're without running water altogether, it’s time to act fast. Evaluating whether the problem is actively worsening, uncontrollable, or dangerous to health and safety will help you determine if you need to contact a professional plumbing service company without delay.

Proactive Steps to Prevent Further Damage During a Plumbing Emergency

When plumbing disasters strike, your first priority should be damage control. The single most important action you can take is to shut off the water supply at its source. For isolated problems—like a toilet or sink overflow—turn off the fixture’s shut-off valve. In more severe cases, such as a burst pipe or major leak, locate and turn off your home’s main water valve. This quick action can drastically reduce water exposure and give you time to assess the situation more calmly.

Next, it’s crucial to contain the water. Use towels, buckets, or a wet/dry vacuum to manage pooling water and reduce the risk of damage to floors, walls, and furniture. Elevate electronics, move valuables, and place fans or dehumidifiers nearby if it’s safe to do so. If the issue involves electrical hazards—like water near outlets or the fuse box—shut off the power to the affected area and avoid contact until a professional can evaluate the risk.

Finally, take photos or video of the damage, especially if you plan to file a homeowners insurance claim. While you wait for help to arrive, don’t attempt complex DIY repairs unless you’re confident in your plumbing skills. A trusted professional experienced in plumbing repair will be better equipped to resolve the issue safely and completely. 

Who to Contact for 24/7 Plumbing Emergencies in St. Louis Park

When water is rushing into your home or a sewer backup threatens your health, you need help immediately—no waiting until regular business hours. In St. Louis Park, choosing a reliable plumbing professional who offers true 24/7 emergency services is essential. Look for a company that not only advertises around-the-clock availability but has a reputation for actually answering the phone and dispatching licensed plumbers promptly, even in the middle of the night or on weekends and holidays.

Timely service isn’t the only factor that matters. You want a team that is familiar with the specific plumbing systems, codes, and weather-related risks common to Minnesota homes. From frozen pipes in the winter to sudden sump pump failures after a storm, local expertise plays a huge role in how quickly and effectively a plumbing emergency is resolved. Be sure to keep the contact information of a qualified emergency plumber somewhere easy to access—like taped inside your utility cabinet or saved as a favorite in your phone.

In addition to emergency responsiveness, ensure the provider is licensed, insured, and backed by positive customer reviews. A true 24/7 service doesn’t just show up—they come prepared with the tools, parts, and knowledge to solve the issue on the spot. 

Understanding the Cost of Emergency Plumbing Services

It’s no secret that emergency plumbing services often come with a higher price tag, but there are good reasons for the added cost. Emergency service means a plumber is available outside of normal business hours, often on weekends, holidays, or overnight. This level of accessibility requires companies to maintain an on-call staff, keep equipment ready for immediate deployment, and respond quickly regardless of the hour. The added costs reflect the resources and readiness required to deliver this critical level of service.

That said, not every emergency plumber overcharges. Reputable companies will provide upfront pricing, explain any surcharges clearly, and offer a transparent breakdown of costs. It’s important to understand that waiting to resolve an emergency can often lead to even higher repair costs due to water damage, mold growth, or structural harm. In that context, paying a premium for rapid response is often the more economical—and safer—choice in the long run.

Some homeowners carry insurance or service agreements that cover part or all of the cost of emergency plumbing work. It’s wise to check your policy or consider preventive service plans if your home is prone to plumbing problems. And while price matters, quality and reliability are even more critical during a crisis. Investing in prompt, expert help can protect your home, your belongings, and your peace of mind.

Essential Tools Every Homeowner Should Keep for Plumbing Emergencies

Preparation is key when it comes to minimizing damage during a plumbing emergency. Every homeowner should have a basic plumbing toolkit ready for fast action. At the top of the list is a water shut-off key or wrench, essential for turning off the main water valve quickly. Knowing where your main shut-off valve is located (and testing it periodically) can save you precious time when a leak begins. Also critical are towels, buckets, and a reliable wet/dry vacuum to contain and remove water swiftly.

Other must-have items include a heavy-duty plunger for clearing toilets or drains and a pipe wrench for gripping or tightening fittings in a pinch. Adjustable pliers and Teflon tape are also handy for tightening leaking joints or making minor temporary repairs. For those with a bit more DIY confidence, a drain snake or auger can be used to tackle localized clogs while you wait for professional help. It’s also wise to keep rubber gloves, goggles, and a flashlight on hand to safely inspect tight or dark spaces.

Let Onyx Plumbing & Gas Help You Weather Any Plumbing Emergency

Whether it’s a midnight pipe burst, a weekend sewer backup, or a Monday morning leak under your sink, plumbing emergencies rarely happen at convenient times. That’s why having a trusted local expert matters. Onyx Plumbing & Gas is committed to being that reliable resource for homeowners in St. Louis Park and throughout the Minneapolis area. 

Don’t wait for disaster to strike! Call us at (612) 234-6699 or schedule a service today and gain peace of mind knowing you have a team of experts ready to help, anytime, day or night.