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Emergency Plumbing Repairs: What to Do Before Help Arrives

Home | Blog | Published on September 26th, 2025

Plumbing emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time. From burst pipes to major leaks, they can cause serious damage fast. But a calm, informed response can protect your home and help the pros work faster when they arrive. At Real HVAC Services, we believe in giving you the tools to act quickly—because every minute matters.

Emergency plumber repairing leaking pipe under kitchen sink in Salisbury, MD

Stay Calm & Assess the Situation

The first thing to do is stay calm and get a quick read on the issue. Is water actively flowing? Is it near electrical components or soaking valuables? Understanding the severity helps you respond safely and effectively.

Shut Off the Water Supply

Find the main water shut-off valve and turn it off immediately. If it’s a localized issue—like a sink or toilet—use that fixture’s shut-off valve instead. Stopping the flow early is key to reducing damage.

Turn Off Power if Needed

If water is anywhere near outlets, appliances, or your water heater, it’s safest to cut the power at the breaker box. For electric or gas-powered water heaters, shut them down if you can do so safely. If not, wait for our technicians to arrive.

Protect Belongings & Contain Water

Move furniture, electronics, and anything else you can safely remove from the wet area. Use towels, pans, or buckets to catch or contain water where possible. Acting quickly here can help prevent lasting damage.

Relieve Pressure in the System

If it’s safe to do so and you’ve been advised, open faucets starting at the top level of your home and working downward. This can relieve pressure in the lines. Not sure if it’s the right move? Don’t worry—our team will take it from there.

Document the Damage

Take photos or videos of the water damage and anything you’ve done to control it. This can be helpful for your plumber and your insurance claim later on.

Don’t Use Plumbing Fixtures

Avoid using any plumbing connected to the affected area. Using toilets, sinks, or showers might worsen the problem before it’s been properly diagnosed.

Ventilate and Dry the Area

Open doors and windows and use fans if available. Mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours, so getting airflow into the space helps reduce that risk.

Get Ready for the Pros

When Real HVAC Services arrives, let us know what happened and what steps you’ve already taken. Share your photos, point out specific concerns, and we’ll take it from there.

Final Thoughts

Every second counts in a plumbing emergency. Your quick actions can go a long way in protecting your home and minimizing repairs. Real HVAC Services is your trusted local partner for 24/7 emergency plumbing repairs in Salisbury, MD and across the Delmarva region. We respond fast, work clean, and get the job done right—because your peace of mind is our priority.

Need help right now? Call Real HVAC Services for round-the-clock emergency plumbing support.

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