Emergency Plumbing 101: Essential Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

April 1, 2025

Knowing how to respond to a plumbing emergency quickly before a professional plumber arrives can help minimise property damage and save you money.


Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, causing stress, damage, and costly repairs if not handled quickly.


At Assett Plumbing, we’re here to assist you 24/7 with emergency plumbing services without callout fees.

Common Plumbing Emergencies and What to Do


Burst Pipes


A burst pipe can quickly flood your home, causing structural damage and water waste that can be a major job to clean up.


What to do:

  • Turn off the main water supply immediately (usually found under a sink, often under the kitchen sink or near the water meter).
  • Open all taps to drain the system and reduce pressure.
  • Use towels and buckets to contain the water and prevent further damage.
  • Call Assett Plumbing on 01604 372395 for emergency plumbing assistance.


burst water pipe turn off water under sink


Overflowing Toilet


An overflowing toilet or a toilet that keeps running can create a messy and unsanitary situation, and can cause serious water damage to your home if not dealt with quickly.


What to do:

  • Locate the toilet’s isolation valve (usually behind or beneath the toilet) and turn it off.
  • If the valve isn’t accessible, remove the cistern lid and lift the float to stop water flow.
  • Avoid flushing - it will only make the problem worse.
  • Call Assett Plumbing, your emergency plumber who aim to be with you within 60 minutes.


toilet overflowing plumbing emergency


Blocked Drains

A slow or completely blocked drain can cause water to back up into sinks, bathtubs, showers and may even overflow into the room.


What to do:

  • Try using a plunger to loosen the blockage.
  • Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage pipes.
  • If the problem persists, contact Assett Plumbing.


Learn How to Fix & Prevent Blocked Drains

No Hot Water



Losing hot water can be frustrating, especially in colder months.


What to do:

  • Check if your boiler or water heater is switched on.
  • If you have a gas boiler, make sure the pilot light is on and that your gas supply is working.
  • If you have an electric water heater, check for tripped circuits.
  • If there are no obvious issues, call Assett Plumbing to repair or replace your boiler.



Things to Consider If You Have No Hot Water

Leaking Taps or Pipes


A leaking tap may seem minor, but it can waste water and lead to bigger problems.


What to do:

  • If possible, turn off the water supply to the affected tap or appliance.
  • Place a bucket under the leak to catch drips and reduce water damage.
  • Tighten any loose fittings carefully (but don’t overtighten).
  • Contact Assett Plumbing for emergency plumbing services.


Read our previous blog about how to repair a dripping tap when it's an emergency, as this may help whilst you wait for the plumber to arrive.


Fix a dripping tap when its an emergency


Choose Assett Plumbing for Emergency Plumbing


Assett Plumbing is your go-to emergency plumbing service in Northampton, Kettering, Corby and the surrounding areas.


If you have a plumbing emergency we aim to be with you within 60 minutes and have no callout fee.


Contact us today on  01604 372395.


Book a Local Plumber - Call 01604 372395

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