What to Do Before the Emergency Plumber Arrives

A plumbing emergency can happen at any time in your Benton, Bryant, or Little Rock home. Burst pipes, sewer backups, gas leaks, and overflowing toilets do not wait for convenient business hours. Knowing what to do in the first critical minutes can prevent thousands of dollars in water damage and keep your family safe.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply

The single most important thing you can do during a water-related plumbing emergency is shut off the water supply. Every Central Arkansas homeowner should know where their main water shutoff valve is located before an emergency happens.

In most Benton and Bryant homes, the main shutoff valve is located near the street at the water meter, or where the main water line enters the house, often in the garage, utility room, or near the foundation. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off all water flow to the house.

For emergencies isolated to a single fixture, use the local shutoff valve. Toilets have a valve on the wall behind the base. Sinks have valves under the cabinet. Water heaters have a cold water supply valve on top of the unit.

Step 2: Assess the Situation

For Burst Pipes

After shutting off the water, open faucets to drain remaining water from the pipes. Move valuables away from the affected area. Use towels or a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water. If the leak is near electrical outlets or the breaker panel, turn off electricity to that area.

For Sewer Backups

Stop using all water fixtures in the house immediately. Do not flush toilets, run sinks, or use the washing machine. If sewage is backing up through floor drains or toilet drains, the blockage is in the main sewer line. Avoid contact with sewage water as it contains harmful bacteria.

For Gas Leaks

If you smell natural gas (a rotten egg odor), leave the house immediately. Do not turn on or off any electrical switches, lights, or appliances as these can create sparks. Do not use your phone inside the house. Once outside and at a safe distance, call Cogan Plumbing at (501) 317-0637 and your gas utility company.

For Water Heater Failures

If your water heater is leaking, turn off the gas valve or electrical breaker for the unit. Close the cold water supply valve on top of the water heater. If the leak is significant, connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom and route water outside or to a floor drain.

Step 3: Call Cogan Plumbing

Cogan Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency plumbing service throughout Central Arkansas. When you call (501) 317-0637, be ready to describe the situation, location of the problem, and what steps you have already taken. This helps our master plumber arrive prepared with the right tools and parts.

Common Plumbing Emergencies in Central Arkansas

Frozen and Burst Pipes (Winter)

Central Arkansas winters regularly bring temperatures below freezing, and Arctic cold fronts can push temperatures below zero. Pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, attics, and garages are most vulnerable. Prevention includes insulating exposed pipes, letting faucets drip during extreme cold, and opening cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls.

Storm-Related Sewer Backups (Spring)

Arkansas storm season brings heavy rainfall that can overwhelm aging sewer systems. Combined with tree root intrusion common in Saline County, spring storms frequently cause sewer backups in Benton and Bryant homes. Annual sewer camera inspections can identify vulnerabilities before storm season.

Water Heater Failures (Year-Round)

Water heaters fail without warning at any time of year. The most common emergency is a ruptured tank, which can release 40 to 80 gallons of water into your home. Annual water heater maintenance including flushing and anode rod inspection can help prevent catastrophic failure.

Prevention: The Best Emergency Plan

Schedule annual plumbing inspections with Cogan Plumbing to catch problems before they become emergencies. Know the location of all shutoff valves in your home. Keep our emergency number saved in your phone: (501) 317-0637. A few minutes of preparation can save hours of cleanup and thousands of dollars in damage.