When water’s coming out of somewhere, it shouldn’t; every second feels longer than the last. You do not need to panic, but you do need to act fast. The right steps in the first few minutes can protect your home and keep everyone safe until a plumber gets there.
At Gilmore, we handle plumbing emergencies across Sacramento, Folsom, Elk Grove, and Roseville every day. Here is how we explain it to our customers: what counts as a true emergency, what to do right away, and when it is okay to wait for a regular visit. Here are some tips to keep in mind before calling an emergency plumber in Sacramento.
What a True Plumbing Emergency Looks Like
Not every leak or drip is an emergency, but some things can’t wait. If water is spreading quickly, if you smell gas, or if sewage is coming up through your drains, it is time to call for help right now.
You are dealing with an emergency if:
- A pipe bursts or water is flooding your home
- A drain or toilet is backing up and bringing sewage inside
- You smell gas or suspect your water heater is leaking
- Water is coming through the ceiling or walls
- You have no running water at all
- Water is near electrical outlets or cords
Flooding, sewage, and electrical contact are all serious safety hazards. If you are not sure, it is better to call. We can talk through what’s happening and tell you if you need a plumber immediately.
What to Do Right Away
When something bursts or starts flooding, every minute counts. Here is what we tell homeowners to do before our team arrives.
1. Shut off the main water valve.
Most Sacramento homes have it by the front of the house, in the garage, or near the water meter at the curb. Turn it clockwise until it stops. If you can’t find it, check your city meter box or give us a call, and we’ll guide you.
2. Turn off the electricity in that area.
If water has reached outlets or the breaker box, shut off power to that part of the house. Never unplug anything that’s already wet.
3. Open faucets to drain pressure.
Once the water is off, open a few faucets to let any leftover water flow out of the pipes. That takes pressure off the damaged section.
4. Catch and contain the water.
Use towels, buckets, or a wet/dry vacuum if you have one. Try to keep the water from reaching carpet, wood floors, or outlets.
5. Move valuables and furniture.
Slide furniture out of the way and move electronics to a dry spot.
6. Call Gilmore.
Once the water is contained and the power is safe, give us a call. Tell us what you’ve done so far and where the problem started. We’ll walk you through the rest while we send a tech your way.
Avoid doing this:
- Don’t try to patch or glue broken pipes yourself.
- Don’t turn the water back on until a plumber checks it.
- Don’t ignore small leaks that you think will “hold for now.” They rarely do.
When It Can Wait for a Regular Appointment
Some plumbing issues look bad but aren’t emergencies. If the problem is small and under control, you can usually schedule it for the next day.
You can wait if:
- A faucet is dripping slowly
- A single drain is running slowly
- A toilet is clogged but not overflowing
- The water heater is heating unevenly, but not leaking
Even if it is not an emergency, it is still a good idea to call. We can help you decide whether to shut off the water to a fixture or just keep an eye on it until we get there.
How Gilmore Handles Emergency Calls
When you call Gilmore for an emergency, you reach a real person here in Sacramento, not a call center. We ask a few quick questions to understand what’s happening and then send the right plumber for the job.
Here’s what happens next:
- We walk you through shutting off water or power if you haven’t already.
- Our emergency plumber heads straight to your home with the tools and parts to stop the leak or clear the blockage.
- Once the situation is under control, we check for hidden damage and explain what needs repair or replacement.
We treat every call like a first response. The goal is simple: stop the problem, keep your home safe, and get things back to normal as fast as possible.
How to Be Ready Next Time
A plumbing emergency is stressful, but being prepared makes a big difference.
Here are a few quick tips that can save time and damage later:
- Find your main shutoff valve now and make sure it turns easily.
- Label it so everyone in the house knows where it is.
- Check under sinks and around your water heater every month for moisture or corrosion.
- Keep a small kit handy with towels, a flashlight, a wrench, and plumber’s tape.
- Have Gilmore’s number saved in your phone.
If your shutoff valve is stiff or rusty, consider getting it repaired or replaced before winter. A working valve can stop a major leak in seconds.
Why Sacramento Homeowners Trust Gilmore
We’ve been helping homeowners in Sacramento, Folsom, Elk Grove, and Roseville for decades. When you call us, you get a calm, experienced technician who knows what to do and takes the time to explain what’s happening. We show up ready to work and don’t leave until your system is safe and the water is under control.
Our customers know they can rely on us during emergencies because we treat every home like our own.
Call Gilmore for Fast, Professional Emergency Plumbing Service in Sacramento
If you have a plumbing emergency, do not wait or try to handle it alone. Turn off the water, make things safe, and call the local team you can count on.
Call Gilmore for fast, professional emergency plumbing service in Sacramento.