A plumbing emergency is stressful. When water is spraying, a toilet is overflowing, or you have no water at all, it's easy to panic. But the actions you take in the first few minutes can make the difference between a manageable repair and thousands of dollars in water damage. Here's your action plan.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water — Immediately
This is the most important step. Every second water flows, damage accumulates. For a localized problem (a burst pipe under a sink, an overflowing toilet), turn off the shutoff valve directly behind or under the fixture. For a major leak or burst pipe, shut off the main water supply to your entire home.
Know where your main shutoff is before an emergency happens. In most Poinciana homes, it's near the water meter at the front of the property, in a box in the ground. There may also be a shutoff inside the home near the water heater.
Step 2: Call Poinciana Plumbing Pros
Call us immediately at (407) 305-2069. We answer 24/7 — a real person, not a voicemail. We'll assess the situation over the phone, give you immediate guidance, and dispatch a licensed technician to your home as fast as possible. For Poinciana and the surrounding area, we aim to arrive within 60 minutes for emergencies.
Step 3: Minimize Damage While You Wait
While waiting for our technician to arrive: move valuables, electronics, and furniture away from water. Place towels, buckets, or plastic sheeting to contain water flow. If there's significant flooding, avoid electrical outlets and appliances — water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Turn off the electricity to affected areas at the breaker box if necessary.
Step 4: Document the Damage
Take photos and videos of the damage before any cleanup begins. This documentation is essential for homeowner's insurance claims. Note when the emergency started and what you observed.
Step 5: Don't Try to DIY a Major Emergency
Temporary fixes on burst pipes or sewage backups can make the situation worse. Sewage backups are a health hazard — don't attempt to clean them up without proper protective equipment. Wait for our licensed technician to arrive and make a proper, code-compliant repair.
Common Plumbing Emergencies and What to Do
Burst pipe: Shut off main water supply. Call us immediately.
Overflowing toilet: Turn off the shutoff valve behind the toilet. If it won't stop, shut off the main supply. Call us.
Sewage backup: Stop using all water in the house. Don't flush toilets. Call us immediately — sewage backup is a health emergency.
No water: Check if neighbors have water (to rule out a municipal issue). Check that your main shutoff is fully open. Call us if the problem is in your home.
Gas smell near plumbing: Leave the house immediately. Call your gas company and 911 first. Then call us.
Poinciana Plumbing Pros is available 24/7 for plumbing emergencies throughout Poinciana, Kissimmee, Davenport, and the surrounding area. Call (407) 305-2069 any time.