Emergency Plumbing Checklist
Immediate safety
- Keep people away from sewage and standing water near electricity
- If you smell gas, leave and call the utility/emergency services first
- Shut off the main water valve if you can do so safely
Document and contain
Move valuables, photograph damage for insurance, and use towels/buckets only if safe. Avoid chemical drain bombs during active backups.
Call for help
Contact an emergency plumber for private plumbing failures. City main issues may belong to Virginia Beach Public Utilities.
Use the city vs private emergency guide if you are unsure. Shutoff help: how to shut off the main water valve.
What usually counts as urgent
- Burst pipes or active flooding
- Sewage backing up into living space
- A major leak you cannot stop at a fixture
- A water heater tank dumping water on the floor
A slow drain or a dripping faucet can usually wait for scheduled service. If water is damaging the home, call (703) 703-7855. We are open 24/7.
Related pages
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