In a plumbing emergency, shut off the main water valve first, then turn off the water heater, keep away from water near electricity, and call an emergency plumber. A gas smell is different: leave the home and call 911 or Atlanta Gas Light at 1-877-427-4321 from outside.
A plumbing emergency is any plumbing failure that causes active water damage, a health hazard or a safety risk. Burst pipes, sewage backups and gas leaks are the common examples. The first 15 minutes decide how much damage the home takes. Our 24/7 emergency plumbers in Marietta take over once the water is off.
What Is the First Thing to Do in a Plumbing Emergency?
The first thing to do is close the main water shutoff valve, which stops all water flowing into the home. Closing the main stops the flooding while you wait for the plumber.
For a leak at one fixture, close that fixture’s shutoff valve instead. Sinks and toilets have small valves under or behind them.
Where Is the Main Water Shutoff Valve?
The main water shutoff valve sits where the water line enters the home, in a basement, crawl space, garage or utility room, or near the water heater. A second shutoff sits at the meter box near the street.
| Valve type | How to close it |
|---|---|
| Gate valve (round wheel) | Turn clockwise until it stops |
| Ball valve (lever handle) | Turn the lever a quarter turn, across the pipe |
| Meter valve (at the street) | Use a meter key; some utilities ask homeowners not to operate it |
Find and test the main shutoff before an emergency. A stuck valve wastes the minutes that matter most.
What Do You Do for Each Type of Plumbing Emergency?
Each emergency has its own first steps, but closing the water supply comes first for every water emergency.
| Emergency | First steps |
|---|---|
| Burst pipe | Close the main valve, open faucets to drain the lines, move belongings |
| Water heater leak | Close the cold supply to the heater, turn off power or gas |
| Sewage backup | Stop all water use, keep people and pets away |
| Overflowing toilet | Close the valve behind the toilet, lift the flapper to stop the fill |
| Frozen pipe | Open the faucet, check for splits, apply gentle heat |
| Gas smell | Leave immediately, avoid sparks, call 911 or Atlanta Gas Light from outside |
What Do You Do About a Burst Pipe?
Close the main water valve, open the lowest faucet to drain the lines, and move belongings out of the water path. Turn off the water heater once the main is closed. Frozen and burst lines follow the steps in our guide to thawing frozen pipes safely.
What Do You Do About a Leaking Water Heater?
Close the cold water valve on top of the heater and turn off its power or gas. Water pooling under the tank points to a valve, fitting or tank failure; our guide explains what a water heater leak means.
What Do You Do About a Sewage Backup?
Stop all water use in the home, because every flush and drain adds to the backup. Keep people and pets away from the sewage and avoid touching it without gloves. A main line backup needs a plumber with a drain machine or sewer camera.
What Do You Do If You Smell Gas?
Leave the home immediately, avoid anything that makes a spark, and call 911 or Atlanta Gas Light at 1-877-427-4321 from a safe distance, as Atlanta Gas Light instructs. Natural gas smells like rotten eggs because of an added odorant called mercaptan.
Never search for the leak, flip switches or use a phone inside the home. Repairs follow once the area is declared safe; see our licensed gas line repair service in Marietta.
How Do You Stay Safe Around Water and Electricity?
Never step into standing water near outlets, cords or appliances, and switch off power to the flooded area only from a dry spot. Water conducts electricity, and a flooded basement with live outlets is an electrocution risk.
Call the power company or an electrician when the breaker panel sits in the flooded area.
What Do You Do While Waiting for the Plumber?
While waiting, remove standing water, move valuables, photograph the damage for insurance and note what happened.
- Remove water. Use towels, buckets and a wet vacuum on hard floors.
- Protect belongings. Move furniture, rugs and electronics out of the wet area.
- Document damage. Take photos and videos before cleanup for the insurance claim.
- Note details. Write down when the problem started and which fixtures are affected.
What Do You Tell the Emergency Plumber?
Tell the plumber what failed, where the water is coming from, whether the main valve is off and how large the affected area is. These details help the plumber bring the right parts.
When Is the Utility Responsible?
The water utility is responsible for leaks at the meter and on the street side, while the homeowner is responsible for pipes from the meter to the home. Call the utility on your bill for water flowing from the street or the meter box.
| Utility | Phone |
|---|---|
| Marietta Power & Water | 770-794-5150 |
| Cobb County Water System | 770-423-1000 |
Our guide on who to call for a leak in Marietta or Cobb County shows which utility serves each address.
How Do You Prepare for a Plumbing Emergency?
Prepare for a plumbing emergency by finding and testing the main shutoff, labeling fixture valves, keeping a wet vacuum on hand and saving an emergency plumber’s number.
- Find the main shutoff. Show every adult in the home where it is.
- Test the valve. Turn it once a year so it does not seize.
- Label fixture valves. Mark the water heater and toilet shutoffs.
- Keep supplies ready. A wet vacuum, buckets, towels and a flashlight.
- Save the number. Store a 24/7 plumber’s number in every phone.
Related Emergency Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing to do when a pipe bursts?
Close the main water shutoff valve. Then turn off the water heater and call an emergency plumber.
Where is my main water shutoff?
The main shutoff sits where the water line enters the home, in a basement, crawl space, garage or utility room, or near the water heater.
Is a clogged toilet a plumbing emergency?
A clogged toilet becomes an emergency when it overflows and the home has no other working toilet. Close the valve behind the toilet first.
What do I do if I smell gas in my house?
Leave immediately and call 911 or Atlanta Gas Light at 1-877-427-4321 from a safe place.
Who do I call for a water leak at the meter?
Call the water utility on your bill for leaks at the meter or the street side. Marietta Power & Water is 770-794-5150, and Cobb County Water System is 770-423-1000.
Plumbing Emergency in Marietta?
Water off and still need help? Call (770) 230-0611. Plumber Marietta GA sends a licensed emergency plumber 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.