Katy Plumbing Emergencies: What to Do Before Your Plumber Arrives
From burst pipes to overflowing toilets — the first 10 minutes determine whether you'll spend $200 or $20,000.
Most Katy plumbing emergencies start small and explode within minutes. The right early action saves your floors, walls, and budget.
Burst pipe? Kill the main
Find your home's main shutoff (often at the front exterior or in the garage). Turn clockwise until tight. This stops water reaching the burst — even if the pipe is still leaking from internal pressure.
Overflowing toilet?
Lift the tank lid, push the rubber flapper down, and turn the angle stop behind the toilet clockwise. That stops the fill while you call a plumber.
Sewage backup?
Don't run any water — washing machines, dishwashers, showers — until the main line is cleared. Call a Katy plumber immediately. A backed-up main line under pressure can flood multiple drains.