Emergency Plumbing in Magnolia and Nearby Seattle
In a plumbing emergency the first few minutes matter more than anything else: stop the water, protect people from sewage and electricity, and then get help. This page covers the steps for the most common emergencies, and who to call for what.
To reach Magnolia Plumbing & Sewer, call 206-593-3737. We’re available 6 AM–10 PM, every day (Pacific Time), and urgent calls are welcome during those hours.
Based in Magnolia at 4027 W Bertona St, Seattle
Sewer backup: what to do first
Seattle Public Utilities’ steps for a sewer backup:
- Protect people from exposure. Turn off power to eliminate electrical hazards.
- Call a plumber.
- If your contractor thinks the blockage may be in the sewer mainline or the connection, call SPU at (206) 386-1800. SPU may come check the public sewer.
- Document the damage and keep copies of cleanup invoices. If an SPU sewer issue caused the backup, you can file a claim with the City.
- Clean up as soon as possible, especially to protect small children from bacteria and viruses.
- Before attempting to clear the side sewer, call Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773 to avoid damaging a gas line.
Source: SPU: Sewer backups.
While you wait: sewage safety
SPU’s cleanup guidance says to avoid flushing toilets or running water appliances, and not to try to stop sewage coming up through a floor drain. Discard items exposed to sewage. Wear long sleeves, rubber boots, gloves and eye protection. Never mix bleach and ammonia; the fumes are dangerous. Keep children and pets out of contaminated areas.
Source: SPU: Sewer backups.
Burst pipe or major leak
- Close the main water shutoff. It’s typically near where the water line enters the house: a basement, crawl space or utility area. Find it before you need it.
- If water is near outlets, fixtures or the electrical panel, turn off power to that area from the panel only if you can reach it safely and dry.
- Open a low faucet to drain the pressure, and move belongings out of the way.
- Turn off the water heater (power off, or gas to “off” or “vacation”) if the house will be without water for a while.
- Photograph everything for insurance, then call.
Talk to us about emergency plumbing
Call 206-593-3737, or send us a request online and we’ll get back to you.
Water heater leaking
Close the cold water valve on top of the heater. Turn the power off at the breaker (electric) or set the gas control to “off” (gas). If water is spreading, attach a hose to the drain valve and run it to a floor drain or outside. A leaking tank body can’t be repaired; see water heater replacement. Replacements in Seattle now need a Public Health permit.
Storms and backups
SPU explains that winter storms can overload the sewer system when stormwater and groundwater enter sewer pipes, and that any blockage in your side sewer adds to the risk of a backup. Some Seattle homes have backwater valves; if yours does, keeping it maintained is the owner's job (SPU defects and issues; SPU maintenance).
If you’ve had a backup during heavy rain before, a camera inspection in the dry season is the best way to find out why.
Who to call for what
| Situation | Call |
|---|---|
| Plumbing emergency at your home | Magnolia Plumbing & Sewer, 206-593-3737 |
| Suspected problem in the City sewer main or connection | Seattle Public Utilities, (206) 386-1800 |
| Before clearing a side sewer blockage (gas line safety) | Puget Sound Energy, 1-888-225-5773 |
| Gas smell, fire, or anyone in danger | 911 (from outside the building) |
Source: SPU: Sewer backups.
How a job works
- Call or send a request. Tell us what’s happening. If water or sewage is coming up, we’ll walk you through stopping it first.
- Find the cause. Clear the line or open the access, then look: a camera for sewers, a test for leaks and water heaters.
- Options in plain English. What we found, where it is, and the repair choices. You decide before work starts.
- Permit, work, inspection. Where Seattle requires a permit (SPU for side sewers, Public Health for plumbing), the work is permitted and inspected.
Emergency Plumbing: common questions
Who do I call if sewage is backing up into my house in Seattle?
Call a plumber first. If the plumber suspects the problem is in the public sewer main or the connection, call Seattle Public Utilities at (206) 386-1800.
Will the City pay for my sewer backup cleanup?
Only if an SPU sewer issue caused it. SPU says to document the damage and keep invoices; if its sewer caused the backup, you can file a claim with the City.
Should I try to clear a blocked sewer line myself?
SPU advises calling Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773 before clearing a side sewer blockage, to avoid damaging a gas line. With sewage involved, it’s usually safer to have it done professionally.
When can I call about an urgent problem?
We’re available 6 AM–10 PM, every day (Pacific Time), and urgent calls are welcome during those hours. Call 206-593-3737.
Where we offer emergency plumbing
- Magnolia: our home neighborhood (98199).
- Queen Anne: backups and leaks in older Queen Anne homes
- Interbay: homes and small businesses near 15th Ave W
- Ballard: sewer backups and burst pipes
- Fremont: backups and leaks in 98103 homes
Related services
- Drain Cleaning: Kitchen, bath, laundry and main-line clogs cleared, with a camera when the clog keeps coming back.
- Sewer Repair: Broken, sagging, root-filled or backed-up sewer lines, diagnosed on camera before any digging.
- Leak Repair: Find and fix leaking supply pipes, drain lines, valves and fittings before they damage the house.
- Water Heater Repair: No hot water, not enough hot water, leaks, relief-valve drips and pilot problems on gas and electric tanks.
Get help with emergency plumbing
Call 206-593-3737, or send us a request online and we’ll get back to you.