Plumbing emergencies can strike at any time—and often at the worst time. Whether it’s a burst pipe, overflowing toilet, or a sudden leak flooding your kitchen, knowing how to respond can be the difference between minor damage and a major disaster. For homeowners in Tampa, Florida, here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on what to do when a plumbing emergency hits—brought to you by the trusted professionals at Cass Plumbing.
Step 1: Shut Off the 
The first and most crucial step is to stop the flow of water:
- For leaks or burst pipes, locate the main shut-off valve to your home and turn it off.
- For specific fixtures, like toilets or sinks, you can shut off the water directly at the valve beneath or behind the unit. This quick action can dramatically reduce the extent of water damage.
Step 2: Turn Off Water Heaters
If you’re facing a major leak or water line rupture, turn off your water heater to avoid damage or overheating. For electric water heaters, turn off the power at the breaker. For gas heaters, switch the valve to “pilot.”
Step 3: Open Faucets to Drain Remaining Water
Once the water supply is shut off, open up faucets throughout the house to help drain any water still in the lines. This can minimize further leaking and relieve pressure from damaged pipes.
Step 4: Contain the Water
Use towels, buckets, or wet/dry vacuums to contain the spread of water. Try to protect valuables, furniture, and electrical appliances from getting wet.
Step 5: Assess the Severity
Check the source of the problem if it’s visible, but don’t attempt DIY fixes if you’re unsure of the cause. A small mistake can make matters worse.
Step 6: Call Cass Plumbing Immediately
This is where Tampa homeowners have a major advantage: you have Cass Plumbing on your side. With over 20 years of experience, Cass Plumbing is the go-to plumbing emergency team in the region. Here’s why calling Cass Plumbing should be your next move:
- Rapid Response Times: Our team understands the urgency of plumbing emergencies and arrives quickly, fully equipped to handle any crisis.
- Trusted and Experienced: Cass Plumbing has been serving Tampa with expert plumbing services for over two decades. We are the Recommended Plumber for the Tampa region by Best Plumbers, the #1 plumbing directory on the Internet.
- Family-Owned, Tampa-Based: As a local, family-run business, we take pride in treating your home like our own.
- Thousands of 5-Star Reviews: We’re proud to have earned over 1,000 5-star reviews from satisfied customers throughout the Tampa Bay area.
- BBB A+ Rating: Our commitment to honesty, quality, and professionalism has earned us an A+ rating from the Tampa Bay Better Business Bureau.
Step 7: Take Notes and Photos
If possible, document the damage with photos and notes. This can be helpful when filing insurance claims or working with your plumber.
Step 8: Don’t Wait to Fix the Problem Permanently
Emergency repairs often need follow-up work to ensure your plumbing is fully restored and future issues are prevented. Cass Plumbing offers complete plumbing repair services with long-term solutions, not just temporary fixes.
When Disaster Strikes, Cass Plumbing Is Your Lifeline
Whether you’re dealing with a broken water heater, a sewer line backup, or flooding from a burst pipe, Tampa homeowners can rest easy knowing Cass Plumbing is just a phone call away. We’re your first call in a crisis and your long-term partner in plumbing peace of mind.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Save our number, and when a plumbing emergency strikes, call Cass Plumbing—Tampa’s most trusted name in plumbing.
