- HEP Plumbing
- Emergency Shut-off

Emergency Shut-off
Emergency Shut-off | Emergency Plumbing | Plumbing | Farragut
When a pipe bursts at midnight or a water heater valve refuses to close, every second counts. HEP’s emergency shut-off specialists arrive fast, isolate the problem, and stop the flow before major damage spreads through your Farragut home or business. Armed with advanced leak-detection tools and fully stocked trucks, our licensed pros can repair, replace, or reroute lines on the spot so you can breathe easy and get back to normal.
From frozen pipes in winter to slab leaks in July, our team is on call around the clock for true emergency plumbing situations. We not only fix the crisis but also show you how to locate and operate your main shut-off valve, giving you confidence long after we’ve left. For rapid response, transparent pricing, and workmanship guaranteed by one of East Tennessee’s most trusted names, choose HEP when every drop matters.
FAQs
How do I locate the main water shut-off valve in my Farragut home?
Most single-family homes in Farragut have a main shut-off where the service line enters the house—often on an exterior wall facing the street, in a crawl space, basement, or utility closet. Look for a wheel-style or lever handle on a 3⁄4" or 1" pipe. If you live in a newer subdivision, the valve may be inside a plastic or metal box recessed in the garage. For townhomes or condos, the shut-off could be in a common mechanical room or behind an access panel. If you cannot find it, check the curb stop (meter box) near the street; our emergency plumbers can turn it off for you if necessary.
When should I use the emergency shut-off valve instead of calling a plumber?
Any time water is escaping uncontrollably—such as a burst pipe, failed water heater, leaking washing-machine hose, or overflowing toilet that will not stop—you should close the valve first. Shutting the water quickly limits structural damage, mold growth, and high utility bills. After flow is stopped, call our 24⁄7 Farragut emergency plumbing team to repair the cause and restore service. If you cannot locate or operate the valve, call immediately and we can dispatch a technician to shut it off at the meter.
What steps should I follow after shutting off the water during a burst pipe?
1. Open the lowest faucet in the house (often an outdoor spigot or basement sink) to drain remaining water and relieve pressure. 2. Turn off the water heater’s fuel supply (electric breaker or gas valve) to prevent damage to the unit. 3. Mop up standing water and set up fans or a wet/dry vacuum to reduce moisture. 4. Photograph the damage for insurance documentation. 5. Call our licensed emergency plumbers—available 24⁄7 in Farragut—to locate the break, replace damaged pipe, and sanitize the area before turning water back on.
Can I shut off water to one fixture without affecting the entire house?
Yes. Most sinks, toilets, and appliances have dedicated angle-stop valves on the supply lines. Turn the handle clockwise until snug to isolate that fixture. This allows the rest of your home to stay in service while repairs are made. If a fixture lacks its own shut-off, consider having our plumber install one during the repair; they are inexpensive and invaluable during future emergencies.
Why is my emergency shut-off valve hard to turn and how can I maintain it?
Mineral deposits and corrosion common in Knox County’s water supply can seize a valve over time. Exercise the valve twice a year: turn it fully off, then back on, to keep parts moving. Spray a penetrating lubricant on the stem if it feels stiff. If the wheel or handle is rusted, do not force it—you could snap the stem and create a bigger leak. Instead, call our Farragut technicians; we can replace the valve with a corrosion-resistant quarter-turn ball valve that requires minimal effort.
Does your Farragut emergency plumbing team respond 24⁄7 and what information should I provide when I call?
Yes. We have technicians on call day and night, including holidays, for shut-off emergencies, leaks, sewer backups, and water-heater failures. When you call, have this information ready: • Your address and closest cross street in Farragut • Type of emergency (burst pipe, overflowing toilet, etc.) • Whether you have already shut off the main valve • Any special access instructions (gate codes, pets, alarms) • A call-back number in case our dispatcher needs more details. The clearer the information, the faster we can arrive—often within 60 minutes—and resolve the issue.