Emergency Plumbing Checklist: What to Do Before Griffin Arrives

If water is where it should not be, every minute counts. Use this emergency plumbing checklist to keep your Shawnee, KS home safe and limit damage before a pro arrives. You will not fix the problem here, but you will help protect your home and make the visit faster and smoother.

If the situation is urgent, call 913-408-0115 now. For service details and what our technicians bring to your door, see our plumbing repairs overview.

Find and Use Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

Stopping the flow of water is the single most helpful action you can take. In many Shawnee homes, the main shut-off is where the water line enters the house, often in the basement along an exterior wall, near the water heater, or in a utility room. In slab homes, it may be in a closet or garage; in some neighborhoods it may also be at a curbside meter box.

Turn the handle or knob clockwise until it stops. If you have a lever, turn it so it is perpendicular to the pipe. Do not force a stuck valve, and do not use tools if it resists. If the main valve cannot be operated, use individual fixture valves to reduce flow until help arrives.

Toilets: look for a small valve on the wall behind the toilet and turn clockwise.
Under-sink lines: find the hot and cold valves and turn both clockwise.
Outside hose bibs: use the handle on the spigot to stop flow if a hose line is involved.

Never remove valve parts or take anything apart. Shutting water off is safe. Repairs and replacements belong to a licensed tech.

Immediate Steps To Minimize Water Damage

After reducing water flow, your goal is to protect people and property. Keep these actions simple and safe.

Move rugs, boxes, and electronics out of the wet area, especially from basements and lower levels.
Place towels or a bucket to catch drips, and open a cabinet door if moisture is trapped inside.
Shut doors to isolate the affected room and keep kids and pets away.
If water is near outlets or cords, keep your distance. Do not step into standing water that could contact electricity.
Snap a few photos of the affected area for your records.

In heavy Shawnee rains, sump pumps can run constantly. If the pump is working, let it continue. If it is not running or is making unusual noises, leave it alone and wait for a technician to inspect it.

What To Do For Specific Emergencies

Burst or Frozen Pipe

Cold snaps in Johnson County can freeze pipes, especially along outer walls or in garages. Once the main is off, open a faucet on a lower level to relieve pressure. Keep doors to the area closed, and do not apply heat or cut into walls. If you see bulging drywall or a ceiling sag, stay clear of that area.

Overflowing Toilet

Use the supply valve behind the toilet to stop water. Close the bathroom door and place towels to contain water. Do not flush again, and avoid using other fixtures that might feed the same drain line until a technician checks for a blockage.

Water Heater Leak

Turn off the cold-water valve at the top of the heater to stop fresh water from entering the tank. If you can easily reach the thermostat, set it to “off.” Do not relight pilots or adjust gas controls. If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave the home and contact your utility or emergency services.

Backed-Up Kitchen or Main Drain

Stop running water at sinks and appliances. Do not use chemical drain cleaners. Close off the area and wait for professional equipment to clear the line safely.

Quick Prep Before The Plumber Arrives

Small preparations help us diagnose faster and reduce clean-up time.

Clear a path to the problem area. Move small items off floors near sinks, toilets, or the water heater.
Make a simple timeline: when you first noticed the problem, which fixtures were in use, and any recent changes like new appliances.
Locate visible shut-offs and appliance manuals if handy. No need to search long.
Secure pets in another room so the work area stays safe and calm.
Keep one working faucet open slightly to relieve residual pressure if the main is off.

If you live near the Kansas River or in low-lying parts of western Shawnee, note any recent sump pump activity or outdoor drainage issues. That context helps us spot patterns quickly.

Local Tips For Shawnee, KS Homes

Shawnee neighborhoods like Monticello, Woodland Park, and areas along Shawnee Mission Parkway include a mix of older bungalows, split-levels, and newer builds. That means shut-off valves and plumbing layouts vary. In older homes, valves may sit lower to the floor or be tucked behind access panels. In newer basements, you may find a labeled manifold.

Winter cold fronts can follow warm days, which stresses pipes during quick freeze-thaw cycles. If temperatures drop into the teens, keep an eye on unheated spaces like garages and crawlspaces. In spring storm season, check that downspouts are directing water away from the foundation to ease load on sump systems. If you hear your pump cycling nonstop, do not unplug it.

During subfreezing nights in Shawnee, disconnect garden hoses and close garage doors to help protect exposed plumbing. A closed door can keep the garage several degrees warmer, which sometimes makes the difference for pipes near the wall.

How Griffin Plumbing Services Handles Emergency Calls

When you call 913-408-0115, our dispatcher logs your location, problem type, and any shut-off steps you completed. A trained technician heads your way with the parts and tools commonly used for leaks, clogs, and valve issues. We arrive ready to assess, protect the area, and communicate clear next steps.

You can expect shoe covers, floor protection, and careful testing before any repair plan is finalized. We focus on the source of the problem, not just the symptom. For a fuller look at what we service during urgent visits, review our page on plumbing repairs and installations.

Safety Situations That Need Immediate Attention

Some situations go beyond a home emergency. Call 911 or your utility if you notice a strong gas odor, sparking or live electrical hazards, or rapidly collapsing ceilings. If sewage has backed up into living areas and anyone feels ill, seek medical advice. Your safety comes first in every decision.

Document and Communicate Clearly

Jot down a short list: where water appeared, which fixtures were in use, and anything unusual you heard like clanking or a sudden whoosh. Photos help, especially if the area starts drying before we arrive. Place any wet items in a safe, ventilated spot and keep receipts for items you may discard after the visit.

Keep This Emergency Plumbing Checklist Handy

Bookmark this page and save our number in your phone under Griffin Plumbing Services. You can also keep a printed copy near the main valve or electrical panel. For a quick reference later, our emergency plumbing checklist for service in Shawnee is easy to find from the home page.

Ready for Fast Help in Shawnee, KS?

Call 913-408-0115 and we will get you on the schedule right away. Our team serves Shawnee and nearby communities with prompt plumbing repair service and clear communication. When you need reliable help, trust Griffin Plumbing Services to restore order and protect your home. Start here to request plumbing repairs now.

Providing You With The Best Plumbing Services in Shawnee & Surrounding Areas