Emergency Plumbing in Hamilton: What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency Before the Plumber Arrives

What Counts as a Plumbing Emergency?

Not every plumbing issue needs an immediate call, but some situations should never be delayed. You should contact an emergency plumber right away if you experience:

• A burst pipe is causing an uncontrolled water flow
• A sewer backup is pushing wastewater into floor drains or fixtures
• An overflowing toilet that will not stop with the shutoff valve
• Water leaking near electrical outlets, panels, or appliances
• Multiple drains are backing up at the same time

These issues can damage your home’s structure, pose health risks, and increase restoration costs if not addressed promptly.

What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency Before the Plumber Arrives

If it is safe to do so, the steps below can help reduce damage while you wait for emergency plumbing service.

1) Shut Off the Main Water Valve

Locate and shut off your home’s main water supply as soon as possible. In many Hamilton homes, this valve is located near the water meter in the basement, crawl space, or utility room.

If you are unsure where your shutoff is, identifying and labelling it in advance can save valuable time during an emergency. Shutting off the water supply helps prevent ongoing flooding from burst pipes or failed supply lines.

2) Turn Off the Water Heater (If Applicable)

If flooding involves hot-water lines or is occurring near the water heater, turn off the unit per the manufacturer’s guidance. This helps reduce pressure in the system and prevents further damage during plumbing repairs.

3) Contain Water Where Possible

Use buckets, towels, or absorbent materials to control spreading water. Move furniture, rugs, electronics, and stored belongings away from the affected area when possible. In Hamilton homes with finished basements, acting quickly can help reduce damage to drywall, flooring, and personal items.

4) Open a Faucet or Outdoor Spigot Away From the House (Clean-Water Issues Only)

If the issue involves clean water only, such as a burst supply pipe, opening a faucet or outdoor spigot away from the affected area may help relieve pressure in the plumbing system. Do not open drains or fixtures during a sewer backup, as this can worsen contamination and flooding.

5) Take Photos for Insurance Documentation

Once the situation is stabilized, take photos of visible damage, water sources, and affected areas. Clear documentation can be helpful when speaking with your insurance provider and during the restoration process.

When to Call an Emergency Plumber

If shutting off the water does not resolve the issue, or if wastewater is involved, call an emergency plumber immediately. Sewer backups, burst pipes, and active flooding require professional tools and training to resolve safely.

Knowing when to call an emergency plumber can prevent minor damage from escalating into a major restoration project.

What Not to Do During a Plumbing Emergency

During an emergency plumbing situation, avoid:

• Using chemical drain cleaners
• Attempting to disassemble pipes or fixtures
• Running water “to test” the problem
• Entering flooded areas where water is near electrical components

Health Canada warns that improper use or mixing of household chemical products can pose safety risks. In emergencies, waiting for professional assistance is safer than attempting aggressive DIY fixes.

Hamilton-Specific Considerations for Plumbing Emergencies

Many Hamilton homes are located in older neighbourhoods where original plumbing stacks and shared sewer laterals are still in use. Combined with finished basements and homes built below street level, these conditions can increase the risk of sewer backups or sudden pipe failures during heavy rainfall or winter freeze-thaw cycles. If flooding occurs, prioritize moving soft furnishings and electronics to higher ground when it is safe, and avoid contact with standing water until the source is identified.

Professional Help Matters

Emergency plumbing situations require licensed professionals with the proper equipment and experience. A trained plumber can safely diagnose the issue, restore service, and recommend steps to reduce future risk.

Boonstra provides emergency plumbing services to help Hamilton homeowners respond confidently when unexpected plumbing issues occur.