A burst pipe, overflowing toilet, or major plumbing leak can turn into a serious problem in minutes. Water can damage flooring, walls, cabinets, and personal belongings long before you have time to figure out what went wrong.

If you're dealing with a plumbing emergency in Draper, Utah, the first few minutes matter. Knowing what to do before your plumber arrives can help limit water damage, protect your home, and make the repair easier.

Here is what Draper homeowners should do when a plumbing emergency strikes.

1. Shut Off the Water Immediately

The most important first step in a major plumbing emergency is stopping the flow of water.

If the problem is coming from a toilet, sink, washing machine, or another fixture, look for the individual shutoff valve and turn it clockwise until the water stops.

For a burst pipe or leak that you cannot isolate, shut off your home's main water supply.

Where Is the Main Water Shutoff in a Draper Home?

The exact location varies by home, but the main shutoff is commonly found near where the water service enters the house. Depending on the home's layout, it may be located in a utility area, basement, garage, mechanical room, or another accessible location near the water service.

If you have never located your main shutoff valve, finding it now is much easier than trying to locate it while water is pouring through your home.

Once you find it, make sure everyone in your household knows where it is.

2. Turn Off Electricity If Water Has Reached Electrical Areas

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.

If water is pooling near electrical outlets, appliances, electrical panels, or wiring, do not walk through standing water to reach an electrical switch or panel.

If it is safe to do so without entering standing water or touching wet electrical equipment, shut off power to the affected area. Otherwise, leave the area and contact emergency professionals.

Your safety is more important than saving a wet appliance or piece of flooring.

3. Know When to Call 911

Most plumbing emergencies require a plumber, but some situations require emergency services first.

Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to someone's safety, a fire, a serious electrical hazard, or another situation requiring emergency responders.

If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, leave the home immediately and avoid creating sparks by turning electrical switches on or off. Contact the appropriate emergency utility or emergency services from a safe location.

For a burst pipe, major water leak, sewer backup, overflowing toilet, or other plumbing problem without an immediate life-safety threat, contact a 24/7 emergency plumber.

4. Reduce Water Damage While You Wait

Once the water is shut off, focus on limiting additional damage.

Use towels, buckets, or a wet/dry vacuum if you can safely do so. Move furniture, electronics, rugs, boxes, and other valuables away from the affected area.

If water has reached drywall or flooring, take photos before extensive cleanup whenever possible.

Do not spend so much time cleaning that you delay calling a plumber. The faster the source of the problem is identified and repaired, the less opportunity there is for additional damage.

5. Document the Damage for Your Insurance Company

If the plumbing emergency has caused significant water damage, document what happened.

  • The plumbing problem itself
  • Standing water
  • Damaged flooring, walls, ceilings, and cabinets
  • Damaged furniture or personal belongings
  • The location of the leak or failed plumbing component

Keep receipts for emergency cleanup, temporary repairs, or damaged items.

Your plumber can also document the cause of the plumbing problem and the repairs performed, which may be useful when communicating with your insurance company.

6. Don't Make the Problem Worse With a DIY Repair

When water is pouring into your home, it is tempting to start taking pipes apart immediately.

That can sometimes make the situation worse.

If you know how to safely shut off the water, do that first. But avoid cutting pipes, removing fittings, opening walls, or attempting an unfamiliar repair while the system is still under pressure.

A temporary action that stops the water is very different from attempting a permanent repair without knowing what caused the failure.

For a major leak, burst pipe, sewer backup, or recurring plumbing emergency, professional diagnosis can help identify both the immediate problem and any underlying issue.

When Should You Call an Emergency Plumber?

  • A pipe has burst or is actively leaking
  • You cannot stop a major water leak
  • A toilet is overflowing and cannot be stopped
  • Water is flooding your home
  • A sewer line is backing up into the house
  • A plumbing leak is causing significant property damage
  • You have lost water because of a serious plumbing failure
  • You discover a leak inside a wall or ceiling
  • You are unsure how to safely stop the problem

Waiting until normal business hours isn't always the best way to save money. A small plumbing problem can become a major water-damage event if it continues unchecked.

Need a 24/7 Emergency Plumber in Draper?

When a plumbing emergency happens, you don't want to spend 30 minutes searching for someone who might answer the phone.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Draper provides 24/7 emergency plumbing service for homeowners in Draper and surrounding communities. The local team handles emergencies including burst and leaking pipes, overflowing toilets, water leaks, sewer problems, and other urgent plumbing issues.

And because plumbing emergencies are stressful enough without wondering when your plumber will arrive, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Draper backs its service with an On-Time Guarantee: if the plumber is late, the company pays $5 for every minute they're late, up to $300.

If you're facing a plumbing emergency in Draper, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Draper at (801) 650-5959 for 24/7 emergency plumbing service.

Don't wait for a small leak to become a major repair. Stop the water, protect your home, and get professional help as quickly as possible.