Plumbing Emergency Tips and Guides

Practical guides for plumbing emergencies in Augusta-area homes: what to do first, how to stay safe and when to call a plumber. Each guide links to the emergency service it relates to.

Latest guides

Plumber showing an older couple the main valve and pressure regulator on their water line
Sewer, Drains & Toilets

Who Fixes a Water or Sewer Line Leak in Augusta and Columbia County?

In general, the utility owns the water main and the meter, and the homeowner owns the water line from the…

Plumber disconnecting a garden hose from an outdoor faucet before a freeze
Burst & Frozen Pipes

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Augusta’s freezes are short, but a single hard freeze can split pipes in crawl spaces, outside walls and attics. Before…

Plumber on the phone writing notes at a desk for a burst pipe insurance claim
Burst & Frozen Pipes

Burst Pipes and Home Insurance: What to Know

Most standard homeowners policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from a burst pipe, but not the cost of a…

Homeowner on the phone kneeling beside the meter at the side of his house
Emergency Basics, Safety & Costs

Emergency Plumber vs Regular Plumber

Call an emergency plumber when water, sewage or gas is a danger right now or you have no water. Call…

Two plumbers reviewing an estimate on a clipboard outside a brick home beside a service van
Emergency Basics, Safety & Costs

How Much Does an Emergency Plumber Cost in Augusta?

The cost of an emergency plumber in Augusta depends on the problem, how easy it is to reach, the parts…

Plumber using a moisture meter on a stained wall near the floor with a drying fan nearby
Water Heaters & Hidden Leaks

Signs of a Hidden Water Leak

The clearest sign of a hidden water leak is a water meter that keeps moving when every fixture is off.…

Plumber adjusting the fill valve inside a toilet tank in a bright bathroom
Sewer, Drains & Toilets

Toilet Overflowing? What to Do First

To stop an overflowing toilet, lift the tank lid and push the flapper down, then close the supply valve behind…

Older homeowner with a flashlight inspecting a water heater leaking onto the floor
Water Heaters & Hidden Leaks

Water Heater Leaking? What to Do Right Now

If your water heater is leaking, turn off its power (electric) or gas, close the cold water valve on top,…

Homeowner kneeling by an outdoor sewer cleanout overflowing onto the lawn
Sewer, Drains & Toilets

Sewer Backup: Causes and What to Do First

Most sewer backups are caused by a blocked main line: tree roots, grease, wipes or a broken or sagging pipe.…

Older homeowner on the phone kneeling by a water heater leaking onto the hallway floor
Emergency Basics, Safety & Costs

Is It a Plumbing Emergency?

A plumbing problem is an emergency when water or sewage is coming out and you cannot stop it, when you…

Homeowner turning the red main water shut-off valve on a pipe by a brick wall near the water heater
Burst & Frozen Pipes

How to Shut Off Your Main Water Valve

Your main water shut-off valve is where the water line enters your house: usually in the garage, near the water…

Plumber turning a red valve on a water line beside a blue pressure tank by a basement window
Burst & Frozen Pipes

What to Do When a Pipe Bursts

When a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve first, then cut power to any wet area if you…