Plumbing emergencies always happen at the worst possible time. The water shuts off the night before a holiday gathering. A pipe bursts during a cold snap. A toilet overflows on a Sunday morning.
The good news is you don't need to be a plumber to handle the first critical minutes well. After 40+ years of emergency calls in Cobb County, here is the playbook we wish every homeowner had on their fridge.
The first 30 seconds.
In any plumbing emergency, your goal in the first half-minute is the same: stop the water and stop the damage. Damage to your home compounds quickly. A single inch of standing water can cost thousands in repairs.
Stop the water source (local fixture shutoff first, then the main shutoff). Cut power to affected areas if water is near outlets. Move valuables. Call us at 770-439-0919.
Common emergencies and what to do.
Burst pipe or major leak
The most damaging plumbing emergency. A 1/2 inch pipe can put out 5+ gallons per minute. Shut off the main water valve immediately. Open the lowest faucet to drain remaining water. Turn off the water heater. Take photos for insurance. Call us.
Sewage backup
If sewage is coming up through floor drains, tubs, or showers, you have a main sewer line problem. Stop using all water in the home. Flushing makes the backup worse. Keep children and pets away. Open windows for ventilation. Call us right away.
Frozen pipes
Cold snaps catch homeowners off guard every few years. Pipes freeze in unheated areas. Locate your main shutoff in case the pipe has cracked. Open the affected faucet to give water somewhere to go. Apply gentle heat (hair dryer, heating pad, hot towels). Never use an open flame.
Water heater leaking
A failing tank can release 40 to 50 gallons in minutes. Shut off the water supply at the dedicated valve. Cut power to the unit (gas valve to off or breaker tripped). Place towels and buckets to contain water. Call us for a same-day replacement.
Find your main shutoff before you need it.
If you can't find your main water shutoff in 30 seconds in the dark, please go locate it today. This is the single most important thing in this guide.
In most Cobb County homes, the main shutoff is in one of these places:
- Inside the house where the water line enters (garage, utility room, basement, or crawl space).
- At the meter, in a concrete box near the curb or property line (you will need a meter key).
- Outside, attached to the house, sometimes near the hose bib closest to the street.
If you smell gas, leave the house first
Do not try to find the source. Do not turn on lights or use phones inside. Get everyone out, then call your gas utility from outside. Plumbing problems can wait. Gas leaks cannot.
How to prepare before an emergency.
Take 15 minutes this week and do these:
- Locate and test your main water shutoff. Make sure everyone in the house knows where it is.
- Locate gas and electric shutoffs for your water heater.
- Save our number at 770-439-0919.
- Know your insurance carrier and what your homeowner policy covers for water damage.
- Address the small things now. Slow drains and small leaks become emergencies when ignored.
The first ten minutes of a plumbing emergency matter the most. Shut off the water. Then call.
If something happens that's beyond what you can handle, that's what we're here for. We've been answering emergency calls in Cobb County for over 40 years. Learn more about our emergency service, or just call us directly.
