A burst pipe, overflowing toilet, or water heater leak can turn a normal day into a stressful scramble. Bassett Services is proud to serve homeowners across Indiana and Ohio with fast, reliable plumbing solutions, but knowing what to do in the first few minutes of a plumbing emergency can make all the difference. This guide will walk you through the critical steps you should take before picking up the phone.
What Counts as a Plumbing Emergency?
Not all plumbing issues require immediate professional help. But some problems demand urgent action:
- Burst or leaking pipes causing flooding
- Sewage backup in sinks, tubs, or toilets
- No access to clean water due to a main line problem
- Gas or foul odors that could indicate a sewer leak
- Water heater leaks that threaten damage to floors or walls
If you’re unsure, it’s always safer to call Bassett for guidance.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water
The very first thing to do is stop the flow of water.
- For individual fixtures (toilet, sink, washing machine): turn the shutoff valve near the fixture.
- For whole-home leaks (burst pipe, water heater tank rupture): locate your main water shutoff valve, typically in the basement, crawlspace, or near the water meter, and turn it clockwise.
This one step can prevent thousands of dollars in damage.
Step 2: Turn Off the Water Heater
If your water heater is leaking or if you had to shut down the main supply, turn off your water heater to prevent damage:
- Gas heaters: Switch the thermostat to “pilot” or shut off the gas supply.
- Electric heaters: Flip the breaker in your electrical panel.
This helps avoid overheating or further leaks.
Step 3: Contain the Damage
Until help arrives, do what you can to limit the spread of water:
- Place buckets or pans under active leaks.
- Use towels to soak up standing water.
- Move valuables, furniture, or electronics out of the affected area.
- Open cabinets under sinks to allow air circulation and reduce mold growth.
Step 4: Avoid Using Other Fixtures
During a major plumbing issue, using sinks, toilets, or appliances connected to the system can make things worse. For example, flushing a toilet during a sewer backup could cause additional flooding.
Step 5: Identify and Communicate the Problem
When you call Bassett Services, be ready to describe:
- What happened (burst pipe, clogged drain, etc.)
- Where the problem is located (bathroom, kitchen, basement)
- How severe the damage is (slow leak vs. active flooding)
The more detail you provide, the faster our team can bring the right tools and parts to fix the issue.
What Not to Do in a Plumbing Emergency
- Don’t use chemical drain cleaners – they can damage pipes and pose a hazard to technicians.
- Don’t ignore small leaks – a dripping pipe can quickly escalate.
- Don’t attempt major repairs yourself – plumbing systems are complex, and DIY fixes often lead to bigger problems.
How Bassett Services Helps in Emergencies
When you call Bassett, you’re getting more than a quick patch. Our licensed plumbers provide:
- Same-day emergency service across Indiana and Ohio
- Upfront pricing so you’re never surprised by the bill
- Long-term solutions that prevent future breakdowns
- 40+ years of trusted expertise in handling everything from frozen pipes to sewer line failures
Preventing Future Plumbing Emergencies
While some emergencies are unpredictable, regular maintenance helps avoid many of them:
- Schedule annual plumbing inspections.
- Invest in drain cleaning and hydro jetting to prevent backups.
- Replace old water heaters before they fail (see our guide: When Should You Replace Your Water Heater?).
- Install a sump pump to guard against basement flooding.
- Use leak detection systems for early warnings.
Don’t wait until water is pouring across your floor. If you’re dealing with a plumbing emergency, call Bassett Services today for fast, reliable repairs.
For more than 40 years, families in Indiana and Ohio have trusted us to protect their homes with dependable plumbing solutions. Contact Bassett Services now for same-day emergency plumbing service.
