What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency (Chattanooga Homeowner's Guide)

It’s 2 AM on a freezing January night.

You wake up to the sound of rushing water. A pipe has burst in your basement, and water is spreading fast.

What you do in the next 10 minutes will determine whether you’re dealing with a minor inconvenience or a $20,000 disaster.

This guide will teach you exactly what to do in any plumbing emergency—from burst pipes to sewage backups to gas leaks. Bookmark it now, because when disaster strikes, you won’t have time to search.

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The 60-Second Emergency Response

When water is actively flooding your home, every second counts.

Here’s what to do immediately:

1. Locate the main water shut-off valve and turn it clockwise to stop water flow
2. Turn off electricity to affected areas if water is near outlets or appliances
3. Open faucets to drain remaining water from pipes
4. Move valuables away from the water
5. Call a plumber with 24/7 emergency service

That’s the quick version. Now let’s go deeper.

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Know Your Shut-Off Valves Before an Emergency

The single most important thing you can do to prepare for a plumbing emergency is to locate your shut-off valves before you need them.

During an active emergency, you don’t have time to search.

Main Water Shut-Off Valve

This valve controls all water entering your home. When you turn it off, every faucet, toilet, and appliance loses water supply.

Common locations in Chattanooga homes:

Home Type	Typical Location
Homes with basements	Near the front foundation wall, where the water line enters
Slab foundations	Near the water heater, in a utility closet, or near the front of the house
Crawl space homes	Inside the crawl space near the front foundation, or in a utility area
Older homes	May be in the basement, near the street, or in an unusual location

How to turn it off: Most valves turn clockwise (“righty-tighty”). Gate valves require multiple turns; ball valves only need a quarter turn.

Pro tip: Test your main shut-off valve annually. Valves that sit unused for years can seize up and become impossible to turn during an emergency.

Street-Side Shut-Off Valve

If your main valve fails or you can’t find it, there’s a backup: the street-side shut-off located near your water meter.

This valve is usually in a covered box near the street or sidewalk. You may need a special “meter key” tool to operate it (available at hardware stores for under $15).

Important: In Chattanooga, the street-side valve is technically utility property. In a true emergency, use it—but know that the water utility should be notified.

Fixture Shut-Off Valves

For localized problems, you can often shut off water to just one fixture:

Fixture	Valve Location
Toilet	Wall or floor behind the toilet
Sink	Under the sink (usually two valves—hot and cold)
Washing machine	Behind the machine (two valves)
Dishwasher	Under the kitchen sink
Water heater	On the cold water inlet pipe above the unit
Refrigerator ice maker	Behind the refrigerator or under the kitchen sink

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Emergency Response by Situation

Different emergencies require different responses. Here’s exactly what to do for each scenario.

Burst Pipe

Recognizing the problem:

• Sudden loss of water pressure
• Sound of rushing or spraying water
• Water stains appearing on walls or ceilings
• Visible water spray from a pipe
• Unexplained puddles or flooding

Immediate steps:

1. Shut off the main water valve immediately
2. Turn off electricity to affected areas at the breaker box
3. Open all faucets to drain remaining water and relieve pressure
4. Turn off the water heater to prevent damage to an empty tank
5. Locate the burst if possible (for the plumber)
6. Document damage with photos before cleanup
7. Remove standing water with towels, mops, or wet/dry vacuum
8. Call a plumber with emergency service

What NOT to do:

• Don’t use electrical appliances near standing water
• Don’t attempt to repair the pipe yourself during an active leak
• Don’t ignore “minor” leaks—they can cause hidden damage

Estimated damage timeline:

Time	Potential Damage
0-5 minutes	Flooring damage begins
5-30 minutes	Drywall absorbs water, furniture damaged
30-60 minutes	Subfloor saturation, mold conditions begin
1-24 hours	Structural damage, extensive mold growth
24+ hours	Major structural damage, complete remediation needed

Overflowing Toilet

Recognizing the problem:

• Water rising in the bowl after flushing
• Water spilling over the rim onto the floor
• Gurgling sounds from the toilet

Immediate steps:

1. Remove the tank lid and push down on the flapper to stop water from entering the bowl
2. Turn off the supply valve behind the toilet (turn clockwise)
3. Don’t flush again—this will make the overflow worse
4. Contain the water with towels
5. Try a plunger if the clog seems minor
6. Call a plumber if plunging doesn’t work or if this is a recurring problem

When it’s more serious:

If multiple fixtures are backing up simultaneously, the problem is likely in your main sewer line, not just the toilet. This requires professional attention.

Sewage Backup

Recognizing the problem:

• Foul sewage odor in the home
• Multiple drains backing up at once
• Water or sewage coming up through floor drains
• Gurgling sounds from multiple fixtures
• Toilet bubbles when you run the sink

Immediate steps:

1. Stop using all water in the house immediately
2. Don’t flush any toilets
3. Keep everyone away from contaminated areas
4. Open windows for ventilation
5. Turn off HVAC to prevent spreading contaminated air
6. Call a plumber immediately—this is a health hazard
7. Document damage with photos from a safe distance

Health warning: Raw sewage contains dangerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Do not attempt to clean up sewage yourself. Professional remediation is required.

What causes sewage backups:

• Tree root intrusion in sewer lines
• Collapsed or broken sewer pipe
• Severe main line clog
• Municipal sewer system backup (rare but possible)

Water Heater Failure

Recognizing the problem:

• Water pooling around the base of the unit
• Rust-colored water from hot water taps
• No hot water or inconsistent temperature
• Strange noises (popping, rumbling, banging)
• Visible rust or corrosion on the tank

Immediate steps:

1. Turn off the power:
   • Gas water heater: Turn the gas valve to “off” or “pilot”
   • Electric water heater: Turn off the breaker in your electrical panel
2. Turn off the cold water supply to the unit (valve on top of the heater)
3. Attach a hose to the drain valve if actively leaking (direct water outside or to a drain)
4. Don’t use hot water anywhere in the house
5. Call a plumber for repair or replacement

Emergency vs. non-emergency:

• Active leak with flooding = Emergency
• No hot water but no leak = Can wait for regular business hours
• Minor drip from pressure relief valve = Schedule service soon but not an emergency

Frozen Pipes

Recognizing the problem:

• No water from faucets (or very reduced flow)
• Frost visible on exposed pipes
• Strange sounds when turning on water
• Bulging or cracked pipes (if visible)

Immediate steps:

1. Keep faucets open to allow water to flow when the pipe thaws
2. Apply gentle heat to the frozen section:
   • Hair dryer
   • Heat lamp
   • Portable space heater (keep away from flammables)
   • Towels soaked in hot water
3. Never use open flame (torch, lighter, candle)—fire risk
4. Start heating from the faucet end and work toward the frozen section
5. Check for cracks as the pipe thaws—frozen pipes often burst
6. Call a plumber if you can’t locate the frozen section or if the pipe has burst

Prevention for Chattanooga winters:

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas (crawl spaces, attics, exterior walls)
• Let faucets drip during extreme cold
• Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach pipes
• Keep thermostat at consistent temperature day and night

Gas Leak

Recognizing the problem:

• Rotten egg or sulfur smell
• Hissing sound near gas lines or appliances
• Dead vegetation near gas lines outside
• Bubbles in standing water near gas lines

Immediate steps:

1. Do NOT turn on or off any electrical switches—sparks can ignite gas
2. Do NOT use your phone inside—it can create a spark
3. Do NOT light matches, candles, or cigarettes
4. Open windows and doors if you can do so quickly
5. Evacuate everyone from the building immediately
6. Call 911 from outside or a neighbor’s house
7. Call Chattanooga Gas emergency line: (423) 756-2222
8. Do NOT re-enter until cleared by emergency responders

This is a life-threatening emergency. Gas leaks can cause explosions, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Always err on the side of caution.

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Electrical Safety During Water Emergencies

Water and electricity are a deadly combination.

Follow these rules during any water emergency:

If Water Is Near Electrical Components:

• Do not touch any electrical devices, outlets, or switches while standing in water
• Do not walk through standing water if you don’t know whether electricity is present
• Turn off power at the main breaker if you can reach it safely without crossing water
• Call an electrician if you’re unsure whether it’s safe

After the Emergency:

• Have an electrician inspect any outlets, wiring, or appliances that were exposed to water before using them
• Water-damaged electrical components can cause fires or electrocution even after they appear dry

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Documenting Damage for Insurance

Proper documentation can mean the difference between a covered claim and a denied one.

Before cleanup, document:

1. Photos and video of all affected areas
2. The source of the water (if visible)
3. Time and date the emergency occurred
4. What you did to mitigate damage
5. Damaged items with descriptions and approximate values
6. Receipts for any emergency supplies or services

Keep records of:

• Plumber invoices and repair descriptions
• Water extraction and remediation costs
• Temporary housing expenses (if applicable)
• Replacement costs for damaged items

Contact your insurance company as soon as the immediate emergency is handled. Most policies require prompt notification.

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When to Call 911 vs. a Plumber

Knowing who to call saves critical time.

Call 911 for:

• Gas leaks or suspected gas leaks
• Risk of electrical shock
• Flooding that threatens structural collapse
• Any situation where someone is injured
• Fire risk

Call a Plumber for:

• Burst pipes (after water is shut off)
• Sewage backups
• Water heater failures
• Severe clogs
• Frozen pipes
• Any plumbing issue beyond your ability to handle safely

Call Your Utility Company for:

• Water main breaks in the street
• Sewer backups affecting multiple homes
• Issues with the meter or street-side connections

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Preventing Plumbing Emergencies

The best emergency is one that never happens.

Annual Maintenance Checklist:

• Test shut-off valves to ensure they work
• Inspect visible pipes for corrosion, leaks, or damage
• Flush water heater to remove sediment
• Check washing machine hoses for bulges or cracks
• Clear slow drains before they become clogs
• Inspect toilet components for wear
• Have sewer line inspected if you have large trees nearby

Seasonal Preparations:

Before winter:

• Insulate exposed pipes
• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses
• Know how to shut off outdoor faucets
• Service your water heater

Before vacation:

• Turn off the main water supply
• Turn off the water heater
• Have someone check your home periodically

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Building Your Emergency Contact List

Create this list now and post it somewhere visible:

• Main water shut-off location: _______________
• Electrical panel location: _______________
• Gas shut-off location: _______________
• 24/7 Emergency plumber: _______________
• Electrician: _______________
• Insurance company: _______________
• Chattanooga Gas emergency: (423) 756-2222
• EPB (electric) emergency: (423) 648-1372

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Key Takeaways

• Know your shut-off valves before an emergency—test them annually
• Act fast during active flooding—every minute increases damage
• Safety first—never risk electrocution or gas exposure
• Document everything for insurance before cleanup
• Call professionals for sewage, gas leaks, and major repairs
• Prevent emergencies with regular maintenance

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