Plumbing Emergency? Here's What to Do Right Now
A plumbing emergency is stressful. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can prevent thousands of dollars in additional damage. Here's exactly what to do for each type of emergency — while you wait for us to arrive.
Burst Pipe
- 1Shut off the main water supply immediately
- 2Turn off the water heater (to prevent damage from running dry)
- 3Open faucets to drain remaining water from the pipes
- 4Move valuables away from the affected area
- 5Call a plumber — (443) 440-0632
No Water (Well Pump Failure)
- 1Check the circuit breaker — reset if tripped (if it trips again, don't reset)
- 2Check the pressure gauge — if reading zero, the pump has likely failed
- 3Do not run the dishwasher, washing machine, or fill the bathtub
- 4Call a plumber — (443) 440-0632 — well pump failures require professional diagnosis
Sewer Backup
- 1Stop using all water immediately — every flush makes it worse
- 2Do not use toilets, sinks, showers, or the washing machine
- 3If sewage is on the floor, do not walk through it — it's a biohazard
- 4Call a plumber — (443) 440-0632 — sewer backups require immediate attention
Gas Smell
- 1Leave the home immediately — do not operate any switches or appliances
- 2Do not use your phone inside the home
- 3Call your gas company from outside or from a neighbor's home
- 4Do not re-enter until the gas company clears the home
- 5Call a licensed plumber to repair the source before gas is restored
Water Heater Leaking
- 1Turn off the cold water supply to the water heater (valve on the cold inlet pipe)
- 2Turn off the power (electric) or gas supply to the heater
- 3If the leak is from the tank itself (not a fitting), the tank needs replacement
- 4Call a plumber — (443) 440-0632
Know Where Your Main Shutoff Is
The single most important thing you can do before an emergency happens: find your main water shutoff valve and make sure it works. For homes on well water, the shutoff is usually near the pressure tank in the basement or utility room. For homes on municipal water, it's near the water meter. Test it annually — a valve that hasn't been turned in 10 years may be stuck.
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Written & Reviewed By
Terry Foster Jr.
Maryland Licensed Master Plumber & Gas Fitter · License #98433 · Plumbing Manager & Lead Technician
Terry Foster Jr. is a Maryland Licensed Master Plumber and Gas Fitter with over 20 years of hands-on experience in well systems, water treatment, drain & sewer, water heaters, and emergency plumbing throughout Calvert and Anne Arundel County. He is the Plumbing Manager and lead technician at Deep Dive Plumbing Maryland, founded by his wife Priscilla Foster. Every article on this site is written or reviewed by Terry based on real field experience — not generic internet research.
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Real Google reviews from homeowners we've helped across Calvert & Anne Arundel County.
Savannah Foster
Southern Maryland
May 2026
"Absolutely blown away by the service from Deep Dive Plumbing Maryland! We had ongoing issues with our well water for years — bad smell, staining, and constant problems with pressure — and nobody ever took the time to truly figure out the root cause. Terry and the team came out, performed a full water analysis, explained everything in detail, and designed a system specifically for our home instead of just trying to sell us random equipment. You can really tell they care about doing things the right way. The install was extremely clean and professional, they walked us through how everything works, and our water has never looked or tasted better. The difference is unbelievable."
Tim A.
Southern Maryland
June 2026
"We had our water heater leak and flood our basement. Deep Dive Plumbing Maryland came out Saturday morning and got us a new heater same day for a very reasonable price, and also replaced the shutoff valve that was old and wouldn't stop dripping."
Joshua Scheper
Local Guide
Southern Maryland
May 2026
"I've worked with Deep Dive Plumbing Maryland several times and always come away amazed at how thorough they are. I would definitely recommend them."
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