Plumb-O-Matic Plumbing & Restoration
Emergency Situation Guides

What to Do Right Now

Step-by-step guides for every plumbing, sewer, gas, and water damage emergency. Know what to do before the plumber arrives — and when to call immediately.

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Water EmergencyCALL NOW

Burst or Ruptured Pipe

A burst pipe can dump hundreds of gallons into your home in minutes. Every second counts.

Warning signs: Water spraying from walls, ceiling, or under floors; sudden loss of water pressure throughout the house.

Immediate Steps

  1. 1Locate your main water shutoff and turn it off immediately — it's usually near the water meter or where the main line enters the house
  2. 2Turn off electricity to any rooms with standing water at the breaker panel
  3. 3Open faucets to drain remaining pressure from the pipes
  4. 4Move valuables, electronics, and furniture out of the affected area
  5. 5Document the damage with photos before cleanup begins
  6. 6Call Plumb-O-Matic — we dispatch immediately, 24/7

Why call Plumb-O-Matic: Burst pipes require immediate repair and water extraction. Mold begins growing within 24–48 hours of water intrusion.

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Sewer & DrainCALL NOW

Sewer Backup

Raw sewage backing up into your home is a health hazard and a plumbing emergency. Stop using water immediately.

Warning signs: Multiple drains backing up simultaneously, gurgling sounds from toilets when other fixtures are used, sewage smell from drains.

Immediate Steps

  1. 1Stop using all water in the house immediately — every flush and drain adds to the backup
  2. 2Do not use toilets, sinks, showers, or run the dishwasher or washing machine
  3. 3Keep people and pets away from the affected area — sewage contains harmful bacteria
  4. 4Do not attempt to use chemical drain cleaners — they won't clear a main line backup and can damage pipes
  5. 5Locate your main cleanout (usually a white or black cap near the foundation) — do not open it yourself
  6. 6Call Plumb-O-Matic — we camera-inspect the main line and clear the blockage

Why call Plumb-O-Matic: Main line backups require camera inspection to identify the cause — roots, grease, collapsed pipe, or foreign objects. We diagnose and clear in one visit.

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Gas EmergencyCALL NOW

Gas Smell in the House

A gas smell is a life-safety emergency. Do not hesitate — get everyone out and call from outside.

Warning signs: Rotten egg or sulfur smell, hissing sound near gas appliances or pipes, dead vegetation in a line across the yard (outdoor leak), pilot lights that won't stay lit.

Immediate Steps

  1. 1Do not turn any lights or switches on or off — electrical sparks can ignite gas
  2. 2Do not use your phone inside the house — go outside first
  3. 3Leave all doors open as you exit to ventilate the space
  4. 4Do not start your car in the garage if the smell is strong
  5. 5Once outside, call 911 and your gas utility (Consumers Energy: 800-477-5050 / DTE: 800-477-4747)
  6. 6Call Plumb-O-Matic after emergency services clear the scene — we repair gas lines and restore service

Why call Plumb-O-Matic: Gas line repair requires a licensed plumber and a permit. We locate leaks, make repairs, pressure-test the system, and coordinate with the utility for reconnection.

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Water DamageCALL NOW

Water Damage & Flooding

Whether from a burst pipe, appliance failure, or storm, standing water in your home requires immediate action to prevent structural damage and mold.

Warning signs: Standing water, wet drywall, buckled flooring, water stains on ceilings, musty smell developing within 24–48 hours.

Immediate Steps

  1. 1Shut off the water source if it's a plumbing failure — main shutoff is near the meter
  2. 2Turn off electricity to flooded areas at the breaker panel before entering
  3. 3Do not use a standard vacuum to remove water — use a wet/dry vac only
  4. 4Remove rugs, furniture, and valuables from the wet area
  5. 5Open windows and run fans to begin drying — but don't run the HVAC if ducts may be wet
  6. 6Document everything with photos and video for your insurance claim before cleanup

Why call Plumb-O-Matic: We handle the plumbing side — stopping the source, repairing the damage, and coordinating with restoration crews for drying and remediation.

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Water HeaterURGENT

Water Heater Failure

No hot water, strange noises, or water pooling around the unit — your water heater is telling you something.

Warning signs: Rusty or discolored hot water, rumbling or popping sounds from the tank, water pooling at the base, no hot water at all.

Immediate Steps

  1. 1Check the pilot light on gas units — if it's out, follow the relight instructions on the label
  2. 2Check the circuit breaker for electric units — a tripped breaker is a common cause
  3. 3Look for water pooling around the base — this indicates a tank leak and requires immediate replacement
  4. 4Check the temperature setting — it should be at 120°F for safety and efficiency
  5. 5If you smell gas near the unit, do not attempt to relight — leave the house and call us immediately
  6. 6If the unit is over 12 years old and failing, replacement is almost always more cost-effective than repair

Why call Plumb-O-Matic: We carry replacement units on every truck. Same-day water heater replacement is available across all 7 Metro Detroit locations.

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Sewer & DrainURGENT

Tree Roots in Sewer Line

Root intrusion is the most common cause of main sewer line failure in Metro Detroit. Clay tile pipes are especially vulnerable.

Warning signs: Recurring slow drains, gurgling toilets, occasional backups that clear on their own, sewage smell in the basement.

Immediate Steps

  1. 1Reduce water usage in the house to minimize backup risk while you wait for service
  2. 2Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper — wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products worsen root blockages
  3. 3Do not use chemical root killers — they provide temporary relief but don't address the underlying problem
  4. 4Note which drains are slowest — this helps us locate the blockage faster
  5. 5If you have a basement floor drain, watch it for signs of backup
  6. 6Schedule a camera inspection — this is the only way to confirm root intrusion and assess pipe condition

Why call Plumb-O-Matic: We camera-inspect every main line before recommending a repair. Depending on pipe condition, we may recommend hydro-jetting, pipe lining, or excavation.

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Water DamageURGENT

Sump Pump Failure

A failed sump pump during a Michigan rainstorm means a flooded basement. Know the warning signs before the water rises.

Warning signs: Pump running constantly, pump not running during heavy rain, water in the pit not going down, burning smell from the motor.

Immediate Steps

  1. 1Check if the pump is plugged in and the outlet has power — GFCI outlets near water can trip
  2. 2Check the float switch — it can get stuck against the pit wall; gently lift it to test
  3. 3Listen for the motor — if it hums but doesn't pump, the impeller may be jammed
  4. 4Check the discharge line outside — it may be frozen or blocked in winter
  5. 5If the pump is running but water is rising, the pump may be undersized for the current inflow
  6. 6If rain is forecast and the pump is failing, call us immediately — we carry replacement units

Why call Plumb-O-Matic: We install and replace sump pumps same-day in most cases. We also install battery backup systems so you're protected during power outages.

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Seasonal EmergencyURGENT

Frozen or Burst Pipes (Winter)

Michigan winters freeze pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, and unheated garages. A frozen pipe can burst without warning.

Warning signs: No water at one or more fixtures during cold weather, frost visible on exposed pipes, bulging or cracked pipe sections.

Immediate Steps

  1. 1If you have no water at a fixture, locate the likely frozen section — exterior walls, under sinks on outside walls, crawl spaces
  2. 2Apply gentle heat with a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels — never use an open flame
  3. 3Keep the faucet open as you thaw — water flow helps melt the ice
  4. 4Know where your main shutoff is in case the pipe bursts when it thaws
  5. 5If you can't locate the frozen section or the pipe has already burst, call us immediately
  6. 6Prevention: keep cabinet doors under sinks open in cold weather, let faucets drip on very cold nights

Why call Plumb-O-Matic: We locate frozen sections, thaw pipes safely, and repair any that have burst. We also assess your home for future freeze risk and recommend insulation solutions.

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Water SupplyURGENT

Water Meter Leak or Coupling Failure

A leaking water meter or meter coupling is a point-of-entry failure — water is escaping before it even reaches your home's plumbing. Left unaddressed, it causes foundation damage, inflated water bills, and potential meter pit flooding.

Warning signs: Water in the meter pit, wet ground around the meter box, unexplained water bill increase, low water pressure throughout the house, visible corrosion on meter fittings.

Immediate Steps

  1. 1Locate your meter pit — it's typically a small concrete or plastic box near the street or sidewalk, covered by a lid
  2. 2If you see standing water in the meter pit, do not reach in — call us and your water utility immediately
  3. 3Check your water bill for unexplained spikes — a leaking coupling can waste thousands of gallons before it's visible
  4. 4Turn off your main house shutoff (inside the home, near where the supply line enters) to stop flow while you wait for service
  5. 5Do not attempt to tighten or adjust the meter fittings yourself — meter connections are utility property and require licensed work
  6. 6Note whether the leak is at the meter body, the coupling fitting, or the supply line entering the house — this helps us bring the right parts

Why call Plumb-O-Matic: Meter coupling replacement requires shutting off the curb stop (the utility shutoff at the street). We coordinate with your water utility, replace the coupling with compression or push-fit fittings rated for the application, and restore service same day in most cases.

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Water SupplyURGENT

Stuck, Leaking, or Broken Shut-Off Valve

A shut-off valve that won't close is a liability waiting to become a disaster. When a pipe bursts or an appliance fails, you need every valve in your home to work — immediately.

Warning signs: Valve handle that spins without stopping flow, dripping at the valve stem or body, handle that won't move at all, visible corrosion or mineral buildup on the valve body.

Immediate Steps

  1. 1If a valve is leaking at the stem (the part you turn), try gently tightening the packing nut — a quarter turn clockwise may stop the drip without replacing the valve
  2. 2If a gate valve (older style, round handle) won't fully close, do not force it — the gate can break off inside the valve body and make it impossible to close at all
  3. 3If a ball valve (lever handle) is stuck, do not use a wrench for leverage — the valve body can crack
  4. 4Locate your main shutoff and test it now — before an emergency. Turn it fully off and confirm water stops at all fixtures, then reopen
  5. 5If your main shutoff is a gate valve over 20 years old and hasn't been operated recently, schedule replacement before it fails
  6. 6For a leaking fixture stop valve (under a sink or behind a toilet), turn off the main shutoff and call us — these are inexpensive to replace and critical to have working

Why call Plumb-O-Matic: We replace main shutoff valves, fixture stop valves, appliance supply valves, and ball valves throughout the home. We verify full-turn operation before we leave. If your main shutoff requires a curb stop shutoff, we coordinate with the utility.

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Drain & SewerURGENT

Collapsed or Severely Damaged Sewer Line

A collapsed sewer line is a health hazard and a plumbing emergency. Sewage has nowhere to go — it backs up into the lowest fixtures in the house. This requires immediate camera inspection and, in most cases, excavation.

Warning signs: All drains backing up simultaneously, sewage smell inside the house, sewage backing up into floor drains or tubs, wet or sunken areas in the yard above the sewer line, unusually green or lush grass over the sewer line path.

Immediate Steps

  1. 1Stop using all plumbing immediately — flushing toilets or running water will push sewage further into the house
  2. 2If sewage is backing up into floor drains, tubs, or toilets, keep people and pets away from the affected areas
  3. 3Do not attempt to snake or jet a collapsed line — it won't work and can make the situation worse
  4. 4Note when the problem started and whether it followed heavy rain, a large tree removal, or unusual ground movement — this information helps us locate the failure
  5. 5If you smell sewage gas inside the house, open windows and call us immediately — sewer gas contains methane and hydrogen sulfide

Why call Plumb-O-Matic: We camera-inspect the line to locate and assess the failure, then recommend the right repair — pipe lining if the pipe is structurally intact, excavation and replacement if it's collapsed, bellied, or made of Orangeburg. We handle permits, excavation, new pipe, backfill, and surface restoration.

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Drain & SewerSAME DAY

Severe Drain Clog

A drain that won't clear with a plunger or has been slow for weeks needs professional attention before it becomes a backup.

Warning signs: Standing water in sinks or tubs, toilet that won't flush completely, gurgling sounds after draining.

Immediate Steps

  1. 1Try a plunger first — use a cup plunger for sinks and a flange plunger for toilets
  2. 2Do not use chemical drain cleaners — they damage pipes and create hazardous conditions for our technicians
  3. 3Check if multiple drains are slow — if so, it's a main line issue, not a fixture clog
  4. 4For kitchen drains, avoid running the garbage disposal — it can worsen a grease clog
  5. 5For bathroom drains, check the pop-up stopper — hair buildup on the stopper is a common cause
  6. 6If the clog doesn't clear with a plunger in 5 minutes, call us — we have the right tools

Why call Plumb-O-Matic: We use professional-grade snakes and hydro-jetting equipment to clear clogs that consumer tools can't reach. Camera inspection available if the cause is unclear.

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Safety SystemSAME DAY

Smoke & Fire Alarm Issues

A chirping, malfunctioning, or missing smoke detector is a life-safety issue. Michigan law requires working detectors on every level.

Warning signs: Chirping every 30–60 seconds (low battery), alarm that won't silence, detector over 10 years old, yellow or discolored detector housing.

Immediate Steps

  1. 1A chirping alarm usually means a low battery — replace it with a fresh 9V or AA battery depending on the model
  2. 2If the alarm sounds continuously with no smoke present, check for steam from a shower or cooking fumes near the unit
  3. 3Test every detector monthly by pressing the test button — it should sound within a few seconds
  4. 4Replace detectors every 10 years — the sensor degrades over time even if the alarm still sounds
  5. 5Combination smoke/CO detectors should be replaced every 5–7 years
  6. 6If any detector fails the test or won't reset, replace it immediately

Why call Plumb-O-Matic: We install and replace smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and combination units. We ensure proper placement and interconnection throughout your home.

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Drain & SewerSAME DAY

Drain That Keeps Backing Up After Snaking

A drain that backs up repeatedly after snaking has a buildup problem the snake isn't addressing. Grease, scale, or root intrusion on the pipe walls will keep catching debris until the pipe is properly cleaned.

Warning signs: Drain backed up within weeks of being snaked, slow drains throughout the house, gurgling sounds in toilets or other fixtures when running water, kitchen drain that has been snaked multiple times.

Immediate Steps

  1. 1Stop using the affected drain until it's been properly cleaned — repeated backups can push sewage into other fixtures
  2. 2Note how quickly the drain backs up after snaking — if it's within days or weeks, the pipe walls are coated and need hydro jetting
  3. 3For kitchen drains: avoid pouring grease, oil, or fat down the drain — these are the primary cause of recurring kitchen line backups
  4. 4If multiple drains are slow at the same time, the problem is in the main sewer line, not a branch line
  5. 5Check for gurgling sounds in other fixtures when you run water — gurgling means air is being displaced by a partial blockage downstream

Why call Plumb-O-Matic: Hydro jetting at up to 4,000 PSI scours the pipe walls clean — removing grease, scale, and debris that snaking leaves behind. We camera-inspect before we jet to confirm the pipe can handle the pressure and to identify any structural issues.

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