When Crisis Hits, Clarity Matters Most
Emergencies don’t wait for convenience, and plumbing problems are no exception.
Maybe you wake up to the sound of running water… and realize it’s pouring from the ceiling. Or maybe it’s a slow drip from your water heater that turns into a soaked garage floor. Whatever the case, when plumbing emergencies strike, they move fast, and so should you.
At Stars and Stripes Plumbing, the first few minutes of a plumbing emergency are the most critical. That’s why we’ve created this detailed guide to the five most common emergencies we respond to in Snohomish County, complete with what to look for, what to do, and what not to touch.
If you’re dealing with a plumbing emergency right now, don’t panic. Scroll to the situation that matches yours, follow the steps, and then call our team. We’re veteran-owned, locally operated, and trained to act with urgency, integrity, and discipline.
Burst Pipe or Major Leak
Signs:
- Sudden flooding in your home
- Bulging walls, ceiling stains, or floor warping
- Drastic drop in water pressure
- Hissing, banging, or rushing water sounds in the walls
What To Do:
Step 1: Shut off the main water valve. This is priority #1. Every second counts. Your main shut-off is usually located:
- In the garage
- Near the water heater
- Where the water line enters your home
Step 2: Turn off the electricity if water is near outlets. Use your breaker box — water and electricity do not mix.
Step 3: Open cold taps to relieve pressure. Don’t use hot water yet, just cold taps to drain standing pressure.
Step 4: Remove valuables and mop standing water. Use towels, wet vacs, or buckets to protect your home from further damage.
Step 5: Call Stars and Stripes Plumbing. Let us know it’s a burst pipe. We’ll prioritize your call for immediate dispatch.
What We Do:
- Use moisture detection and thermal imaging to find the rupture
- Contain and isolate the damage
- Replace the broken section with long-lasting copper or PEX
- Document damage for insurance if needed
- Help coordinate with restoration partners if needed
Water Heater Leak or Failure
Signs:
- No hot water
- Rust-colored water from taps
- Water pooling around the base of your water heater
- Clicking, hissing, or burning smells from the tank
What To Do:
Step 1: Shut off the water heater.
- Gas: Turn the dial to “OFF” and shut the gas supply valve
- Electric: Flip the breaker in your panel to “OFF”
Step 2: Shut off the cold-water inlet to the heater. This is usually the top right valve when facing the heater.
Step 3: Contain the leak if possible. Place a pan, bucket, or towels under the leak source. Avoid contact with rusted or discolored water.
Step 4: Don’t relight the pilot unless you’re trained. A misstep here could cause a gas leak or flame hazard.
Step 5: Call Stars and Stripes Plumbing. Let us know the symptoms — we’ll determine if it’s repairable or needs replacement.
What We Do:
- Diagnose the issue: burner, thermostat, valve, anode rod, or tank failure
- If safe, attempt repair and test functionality
- If replacement is needed, provide a flat-rate estimate
- Install a high-efficiency unit with proper sizing
- Dispose of the old unit and handle pressure testing
Overflowing Toilet or Critical Clog
Signs:
- The bowl fills, but won’t flush
- Gurgling in nearby drains
- Water spills onto the floor
- Toilet bubbling after using the sink or tub
What To Do:
Step 1: Shut off the toilet valve. It’s the knob behind the toilet near the floor. Turn clockwise.
Step 2: Don’t flush again. Each flush risks overflow. Let the bowl settle.
Step 3: If the bowl isn’t full, use a plunger. Try 6–10 firm plunges with a flange plunger; avoid wire hangers or augers if you’re unsure.
Step 4: Check other drains. If water backs up in tubs or sinks, the issue may be in the mainline.
Step 5: Call Stars and Stripes. We’ll determine whether the clog is local or a deeper issue.
What We Do:
- Use commercial-grade augers or snaking tools to remove blockage
- Inspect drain lines with a video camera if needed.
- Recommend hydro jetting for severe or recurring clogs
- Assess whether tree roots or collapsed pipes are involved
Sewer Backup
Signs:
- Multiple drains clog at once
- Wastewater appears in the basement or lower level.
- Strong sewage odor from sinks or tubs
- Gurgling in toilets when running water
What To Do:
Step 1: Stop all water use. Running a dishwasher, washing machine, or even flushing a toilet can worsen the backup.
Step 2: Keep children and pets away. Sewage is a health hazard. Avoid touching contaminated surfaces.
Step 3: Do not use chemical drain cleaners. They will not help with mainline issues and may cause pipe damage or toxic fumes.
Step 4: Call us immediately. This is a high-priority situation and we’re equipped to handle it safely.
What We Do:
- Perform camera inspection to locate blockage
- Use hydro jetting or professional snaking to clear the line
- Identify root cause (tree intrusion, grease, collapsed pipe)
- Provide sewer repair or replacement plan if necessary
- Sanitize affected areas and advise on remediation
Leaking Fixtures or Valves
Signs:
- Persistent drip under sink
- Valve that won’t fully close
- Water stains under cabinets or toilets
- High water bills without explanation
What To Do:
Step 1: Shut off the fixture valve. Look beneath the sink or behind the toilet and turn the valve clockwise.
Step 2: Contain dripping water. Use a towel or bowl under the valve or pipe joint.
Step 3: Avoid tightening aggressively. Over-tightening can damage threads or seals.
Step 4: Document the leak. Take a photo for reference when you call.
Step 5: Call Stars and Stripes. We can often repair these quickly, but delaying could lead to wood rot or mold.
What We Do:
- Replace faulty shut-off valves or angle stops
- Reseal fixtures with proper materials (no shortcuts)
- Inspect for secondary moisture damage
- Offer recommendations for pressure regulation if needed
The Stars and Stripes Response Standard
When we show up to an emergency, we don’t just fix the issue; we fix the fear that comes with it.
Our founder, a Navy Seabee, built this company with one principle: Mission First. No shortcuts. No upsells. No nonsense. That’s why emergency calls are treated with the same clarity and precision as a critical mission.
With Stars and Stripes, you get:
- Fast dispatch with real-time communication
- Clean, uniformed technicians who respect your home
- Honest estimates and solution-focused service
- Veteran-grade discipline, professionalism, and follow-through
We serve all of Snohomish County, including Lake Stevens, Snohomish, Monroe, Granite Falls, and Everett.
Final Tip: Prepare Before It Happens
Emergencies are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be.
Download our Emergency Plumbing Checklist to keep your household ready:
- Know your shut-off valve location
- Store a plumber’s emergency number
- Have towels, buckets, and PPE nearby
- Prepare kids or caregivers to act fast
Dealing with a Plumbing Emergency Right Now?
Call Stars and Stripes Plumbing at [Insert Number] or use our 24/7 request form.
We’ll guide you over the phone while our technician is en route.
FAQs
What if I can’t find my main shut-off valve?
Call us immediately, we can help you locate it or shut it off at the street in urgent situations.
How do I know if it’s a water heater leak or just condensation?
Check if water is pooling below the drain valve or temperature relief valve, those are signs of an actual leak. Our techs can confirm in minutes.
Do you offer same-day repairs for burst pipes?
Yes, in most cases, we can stop the leak, replace the damaged section, and dry out affected areas on the same visit.