Emergency Plumbing in Indianapolis: A Calm, Step-by-Step Playbook

Plumbing emergencies rarely happen at a convenient hour. The good news is that the first few minutes are mostly about two things: stopping the water and staying safe. Here's the plan we walk homeowners through on the phone, followed by what to do for the emergencies we see most around Indianapolis and Hamilton County.

The first five minutes

1. Shut off the water. Turn the main shutoff valve clockwise until it stops. If it's a lever, turn it so it sits across the pipe.

2. Stay clear of electricity. Don't walk through standing water near outlets, appliances or extension cords. If you can reach the breaker panel safely, shut off power to the wet area.

3. Protect your things. Move rugs, electronics and boxes out of the water's path and put down towels.

4. Take photos. A few pictures of the damage and the source help with any insurance claim later.

5. Call or text us. Texts to (317) 731-3028 are answered 24/7. If water is actively leaking and you can't stop it, call so we can talk you through it.

If you smell gas, skip everything above. Leave the house, don't flip switches, and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.

Where is the main shutoff?

Most Central Indiana homes with a basement have the main valve on the front wall, where the water line comes in from the street. In slab and crawl space homes, look in the utility closet near the water heater, in the garage, or in the crawl space by the entry. Homes on well water usually have a valve near the pressure tank. Find yours now, while nothing is wrong, and tag it so anyone in the house can find it.

The emergencies we see most

Burst washing machine hose

Rubber washer hoses get brittle with age and can let go without warning. Shut the valves behind the washer or the main, then unplug the machine. We replace failed hoses with braided stainless lines and can add a leak sensor so you hear about the next problem right away.

Frozen or burst pipes

Indiana's freeze-thaw swings are hard on hose bibs and pipes in outside walls, garages and crawl spaces. If a pipe is frozen but not leaking, open the faucet and gently warm the pipe with a hair dryer. Never use an open flame. If it has split, shut off the main and call us.

Sewer backup

Water coming up through a basement floor drain or several fixtures backing up at once points to the main sewer line. Stop running water, don't flush, and keep people away from the wastewater. We clear the line, run a camera to find the cause and walk you through your options.

Leaking water heater

Shut the cold water valve above the heater. Turn the gas control knob to off for a gas unit, or switch off the breaker for an electric one. Water from the tank itself usually means the tank has failed. Same-day replacement is often available.

Sump pump failure during a storm

Check that the pump is plugged in and the breaker hasn't tripped, and look for a stuck float. If water is rising and the pump won't run, call us. A battery backup pump is the best protection for the next storm.

After the fix

Once the water is stopped and the repair is done, we test our work before we leave. Then we'll suggest a few simple upgrades that keep the next surprise small:

• Label your main shutoff and water heater valves

• Replace rubber supply lines with braided stainless

• Check water pressure and add a pressure-reducing valve if it runs high

• Install leak alarms near the water heater, washer and sump pit

• Add a battery backup to your sump pump

• Ask about a backwater valve if your basement has backed up during big storms

When to call us

If water is going where it shouldn't, you can't stop it, or you're unsure whether it can wait, reach out. Our emergency plumbing team covers Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Zionsville, Brownsburg and nearby Hamilton and Boone County homes. For hidden leaks, like a damp wall or a warm spot on the floor, see our leak detection and repair service. Your plumber gives you options and a price before any work starts, even at night.

FAQ

How do I know if it's a real emergency?

If water is actively leaking and you can't stop it, sewage is backing up, you have no water at all, or you smell gas, treat it as an emergency. A slow drip or one slow drain can usually wait for a regular appointment.

Can I keep using water while the sewer is backing up?

No. Every flush, shower or load of laundry adds to the backup. Stop using water until the line is cleared.

Should I call my insurance company or a plumber first?

Stop the water first, then take photos. Call a plumber to fix the source, then contact your insurance company. Keep any invoices and photos for the claim.

My main shutoff won't turn. What now?

Don't force it with a wrench, since old valves can break. Call us and we'll help you find another way to shut the water off, such as the valve at the curb or meter.

Will I know the price before you start after hours?

Yes. Your plumber explains what they found and gives you options with a price before any work begins, day or night.

Water where it shouldn't be? Call or text (317) 731-3028, or visit our emergency plumber page.