Avoid Catastrophe With These Expert-Backed Steps
Plumbing disasters don’t wait for business hours — and when one strikes in your Auburn, WA home, knowing what to do in the first 15 minutes can make the difference between a quick fix and thousands of dollars in water damage.
Whether it’s a burst pipe, overflowing toilet, or leaking water heater, homeowners need to act fast and smart before the plumber arrives. This post outlines exactly what to do, step by step, and explains how Einstein Pros Auburn can help when you need an emergency plumber, fast.
🚨 Common Plumbing Emergencies in Auburn
According to HomeAdvisor, these are the most frequent issues that require emergency plumbing:
- Burst water pipes
- Clogged or backed-up toilets
- Sewer line backups
- Major leaks from appliances or fixtures
- No hot water (especially in winter)
- Gas line issues (requiring urgent attention)
Rain-heavy Auburn seasons and aging infrastructure contribute to these issues, especially during cold snaps or flooding.
🔧 Step-by-Step: What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency
1. Shut Off the Water
Your first move should always be turning off the water to prevent additional flooding.
- For localized problems (like a toilet or sink), turn off the fixture shut-off valve.
- For major leaks or unknown sources, shut off the main water valve—usually located near your water meter or where the water line enters your home.
Not sure where it is? Einstein Pros includes a free valve-location walkthrough during every home inspection. Schedule one here.
2. Turn Off the Water Heater (If Needed)
If you’re dealing with a leak around your water heater or suspect an issue with pressure buildup, turn it off immediately:
- Electric Water Heaters: Switch it off at the breaker.
- Gas Water Heaters: Turn the gas valve to the “pilot” setting.
Energy.gov warns that running a water heater dry can cause it to overheat or crack — a costly and dangerous outcome.
3. Contain the Water
Use towels, buckets, and mops to soak up as much water as possible. Place a bucket under any visible leaks and move valuables away from the affected area.
This will not only minimize damage but also help your plumber identify the exact source more easily.
4. Open Drains and Spigots
Even after shutting off the main, water remains in your pipes. To drain the system:
- Open cold taps throughout the home
- Flush each toilet once
- Run exterior spigots
This helps move water out of the system and reduces the risk of further leaking or bursting.
5. Call an Emergency Plumber in Auburn
Once the situation is under control, call a trusted licensed plumber who offers 24/7 emergency service — like Einstein Pros Auburn.
Our team is:
✅ Licensed & insured in Washington
✅ Locally based — fast response across King and Pierce counties
✅ Experienced in handling water main breaks, sewer backups, gas lines, and more
Call us immediately or schedule online anytime: Einstein Pros Emergency Plumbing
💥 What NOT to Do in a Plumbing Emergency
Even with good intentions, panicked reactions can make things worse. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t use electrical appliances near standing water
- Don’t try to snake major clogs without experience (you could damage pipes)
- Don’t ignore the problem or delay calling a pro
- Don’t attempt gas line repairs yourself — ever
- For gas issues, leave immediately and call Puget Sound Energy or 911.
- More info: PSE Emergency Instructions
- For gas issues, leave immediately and call Puget Sound Energy or 911.
🏠 Prevent Future Emergencies: Be Proactive
Want to avoid these emergencies altogether? Einstein Pros Auburn offers:
- Annual plumbing inspections
- Water heater maintenance
- Leak detection & pipe camera inspections
- Drain cleaning
- Frozen pipe protection services
Learn more about our services here: Einstein Pros Auburn Plumbing Services
📌 Final Thoughts
Emergencies happen — but they don’t have to be devastating. By knowing what to do, how to shut off your water, and who to call, Auburn homeowners can stop a bad situation from becoming worse.
For fast, reliable, and code-compliant plumbing services, trust the experts at Einstein Pros Auburn.