Service · Chicago area

Emergency plumbing: what to do right now

Water where it shouldn’t be, no water at all, or sewage coming up. Here are the safe first steps while you call.

Calls are answered by a referral service that connects you with a local plumbing provider. How this works

First five minutes

Safety first Stay out of water that may reach outlets, appliances or the electrical panel. If you smell gas, leave the building and call your gas utility or 911 from outside — this service does not handle gas emergencies.

Stop the water. Close the valve under the fixture, or the main shutoff (usually where the water line enters the basement, near the meter).
Stop using drains if sewage or dirty water is backing up anywhere in the building.
Protect people first, then belongings: move valuables up, keep children and pets away from sewage.
In a multi-unit building, tell neighbors and building management — the source may be in another unit.
Take photos for insurance before cleanup.

What usually counts as an emergency

Common plumbing emergencies
Situation	Why it is urgent	Guide
Burst or split pipe	Continuous water damage; often after a freeze	Frozen pipes
Sewage backing up from a floor drain or toilet	Contamination; can affect the whole building	Sewer backup
Basement flooding	Electrical risk, property damage	Basement flooding
Water heater leaking heavily	Hot water and gas or electric connections	Water heater
No water to the building	Could be a frozen or broken service line	Service lines
Sump pump failed during heavy rain	Groundwater rising fast	Sump pump problems

Find your shutoffs before you need them

Diagram The parts of a water service line. In Chicago, many service lines are known or suspected to contain lead.

Service line — material may be lead, galvanized, copper or other; check the City inventory.
Curb stop / buffalo box — a valve typically in the parkway, operated by the utility.
Inside shutoff valve — know where yours is before an emergency.
Water meter. Where City and owner responsibilities split varies — confirm with your water utility (311 in Chicago).

Simplified schematic, not to scale. Actual layouts vary by building.

In most Chicago-area homes the main shutoff is inside, where the water service enters through the foundation wall, just before or after the meter. The curb stop in the parkway is a utility valve — call your water utility (311 in Chicago) rather than operating it yourself.

When to call the City or utility instead

Water bubbling up in the street or parkway, or a break on the public side: Chicago 311 or your municipality’s public works.
A leaking or broken service line in Chicago: report it to 311 — the City has described replacing lead lines at no cost when they break or leak.
Street flooding or sewer surcharge: report to your municipality (311 in Chicago).
Gas odor: gas utility or 911, from outside.

What affects the cost

We do not publish prices. Providers typically consider: the time of day and urgency, what failed, access (finished ceilings or walls), whether parts are on hand, follow-up repairs, and any permits. Ask how the price is calculated before work starts.

Licensing and permits

In Chicago, most plumbing work must be done by a licensed and bonded plumbing contractor holding a City of Chicago license in addition to State licensing. In the suburbs, plumbers are licensed by the State and each municipality runs its own permits. Chicago permits · Illinois licensing

Emergency repairs can still require permits afterward, for example when drain or water piping is replaced.

Frequently asked questions

Where is my main water shutoff?

Usually in the basement or utility room where the water line comes through the foundation wall, near the meter. Turn it clockwise to close. If it will not move, do not force it — old valves can break.

Should I turn off the water heater too?

If you close the main for a long period or the heater itself is leaking, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for turning it off. With gas units, if you are unsure, leave it to a professional.

Can I keep using the toilet if the floor drain is backing up?

No. Every drain in the building leads to the same building sewer; using any fixture can push more water out of the lowest opening.

Sources

City of Chicago Department of Water Management Official / primary
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District — Understanding Your Sewer Official / primary
City of Chicago — Does my project require a licensed plumbing contractor? Official / primary

Information can change; official sources control.