You never plan for a burst pipe or a flooded basement, but when it happens, the pressure is on. That moment when water starts creeping across your floor is not the time to Google what to do next. Knowing what counts as an emergency and what can wait until morning can save you from bigger problems and higher costs. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® in North Metro, MN, we’ve helped homeowners navigate stressful plumbing surprises with less worry and more control.
Know When to Shut Off the Water
When water is gushing from a pipe or pooling beneath your sink, the last thing you want is hesitation. The fastest way to stop more damage is to cut the water supply. You’ve probably seen the valve near your toilet or under the sink, but in a larger emergency, you’ll need to use the main shut-off. That valve is usually located where the main water line enters your home. In North Metro, MN, that often means checking your basement, crawl space, or utility room; sometimes it’s hidden behind insulation or a panel in colder climates. If you’re already dealing with water damage, take a second to dry your hands before touching any metal parts. Wet hands and slippery handles don’t mix well. Keep a towel nearby, even if the leak seems small. Knowing where your main valve sits ahead of time takes the guesswork out of it and prevents last-minute scrambling.
Look for the Root of the Problem
Once the water stops flowing, your next move is figuring out what gave out. That step matters because it helps you figure out how urgent the fix needs to be. A cracked pipe under the sink might take a few hours. A water heater leaking from the bottom may signal tank failure and often requires full replacement. Leaks from the top could be due to a loose fitting or valve, but still need prompt attention. Look closely at the area around the issue. Is there a pool of water or just a steady drip? Do you see corrosion near the fitting? Is the floor warm where it shouldn’t be? Water doesn’t always show up where the break happens. It can travel along joists or behind walls before finally surfacing. That’s where you need to slow down and look at everything nearby. Cabinets, ceilings, and even baseboards might show signs before you notice the leak. This step keeps you from wiping up one area just to have water reappear from another. The more details you catch early, the easier it becomes to explain what’s going on when help arrives.
Stop Using Other Fixtures Nearby
If you’ve got a toilet that’s overflowing or a sink that’s backing up, don’t assume the problem is only in that one spot. Plumbing works like a web. Pipes branch and connect in ways that aren’t always obvious. Using the shower while the sink’s clogged can make things worse. In some cases, water that can’t escape one fixture will find another route out. You don’t want to create a second mess while trying to carry on with your routine. The same goes for flushing toilets or running the dishwasher while you troubleshoot. If you’re not sure which lines are linked, play it safe and avoid using anything near the affected spot. Even if everything seems fine on the surface, pressure in the pipes could still be building. It’s better to wait until a pro confirms the system is clear than to gamble on water behaving how you expect.
Use Towels and Buckets, Not Guesswork
Once the source is isolated, control the water that’s already loose. Towels are your best friend, not just for wiping up but for containing spills. Line them along thresholds, corners, or any place water might sneak under the trim. A rolled towel behind a toilet can stop water from soaking into the drywall. If the leak’s still active but slow, set a bucket or bowl beneath it. You don’t want dripping water to spread farther or damage the flooring underneath. For wet carpets, grab a shop vacuum if you have one. Skip using your regular household vacuum, it’s not made for liquids and could pose an electrical hazard. If your flooring is wood or laminate, time matters. Laminate and wood flooring absorb water quickly, which can lead to warping or buckling within hours. Step on the towels to press moisture out instead of just wiping them across the surface. Keep a fresh stack handy so you can swap out soaked ones without delay.
Take Notes and Photos for Peace of Mind
In the middle of an emergency, documenting things might seem like the last thing you want to do, but it’s one of the smartest steps you can take. Grab your phone and take pictures of the leak, any visible damage, and the steps you’ve already taken to clean up. Snap a shot of the shut-off valve if you had to use it, and any spots where water seeped into the flooring or walls. If the plumber has to dig into walls or flooring, you’ll have a visual record of how things looked beforehand. That’s helpful if you need to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance, or if damage shows up weeks later and you want to prove it stemmed from this incident. Jot down any noises you heard before the leak started or changes in water temperature or pressure. These details might not mean much to you, but they can help a pro diagnose hidden problems faster.
Avoid DIY Fixes That Make Things Worse
In a stressful moment, you might be tempted to patch a pipe with tape or wedge something under a leak and call it done. Temporary fixes can buy you time, but they can also backfire if you don’t understand the pressure inside the pipe. Some people try wrapping a towel and tightening it with a zip tie. Others stuff paper towels into joints or smear glue across the crack. Most of those fixes only work on slow drips and often fail fast once water pressure climbs. Store-bought patch kits might help in a pinch, but even those come with limits. If you misread the pipe type or diameter, the seal might not hold. The smarter move is to stop the water, clean the area, and wait for a permanent repair to be made.
Call a Professional Sooner Rather Than Later
Once the water’s off and the mess is contained, your next move shouldn’t be watching repair videos. Call a licensed plumber, especially if you’re dealing with anything beyond a basic clog or drip. Plumbing emergencies can escalate quickly behind the scenes. What looks like a minor leak might be part of a cracked pipe inside your wall or a failing water heater that’s on the verge of rupture. The longer you wait, the greater the chance of structural damage, mold growth, or costly repairs. Make sure you explain everything you noticed: where the water appeared, any odd noises beforehand, or changes in water pressure. The more you share, the better prepared your plumber will be when they arrive. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing®, our team is available for emergency plumbing calls—day or night, so you’re never left dealing with water damage on your own.
Make It Through Your Plumbing Emergency With Us
No one wants to spend their weekend mopping up water or figuring out how to shut off the main valve. Having a plan in place makes those tense moments feel a little less chaotic. We also offer water heater repairs, drain cleaning, and sewer line inspections. Keep this guide handy and remember that when things go sideways, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® in North Metro is just a call away for emergency plumbing support you can count on.
