The Essential Home Plumbing Emergency Kit (Montgomery County, MD)

Tired of scrambling when a pipe leaks or a toilet overflows? With the right home plumbing emergency kit, you can protect your floors, stop the damage, and buy time until a pro arrives. Below is the kit I recommend for homeowners in Gaithersburg, Rockville, Germantown, North Potomac, Darnestown, Montgomery Village, Potomac (north), Derwood, Kentlands, and Washington Grove—plus exactly how to use it and when to call Quince Orchard Plumbing.

The 5-Minute Protocol (Tape This Inside Your Kit Lid)

1. Shut off: Turn the fixture shutoff first. If that fails, close the main water shutoff.
   
2. Contain: Place bucket, towels, and leak-seal (tape/putty) to stop spread.
   
3. Clear: If it’s a clog, try plunger → drain snake in that order.
   
4. Clean & dry: Mop up, run fans; prevent mold.
   
5. Document: Photos/video of the damage and the steps you took.
   
6. Escalate: If you suspect a failed water line, a sewer backup, or water-heater issues, call us and reference the notes below for the right service link.
   

The Core Kit (Everything that actually helps)

Shutoff & Basic Tools

• Main-valve shutoff key or multi-tool (if your main is street-side).
  
• Two adjustable wrenches (6″ and 10″).
  
• Plumber’s tape (PTFE): at least ½” × 520″, 2 rolls.
  
• Silicone self-fusing tape (temporary leak wrap) + a small epoxy putty stick for pinhole leaks.
  
• Hex/Allen set (garbage disposals, faucets).
  
• Flashlight or headlamp, spare batteries.
  

Leak Control & Cleanup

• Buckets (2), microfiber towels, and a heavy-duty absorbent pad.
  
• Gloves (nitrile), safety glasses.
  
• Plastic sheeting + painter’s tape to protect cabinets/floors.
  
• Zip ties and hose clamps (assorted).
  

If you find recurring leaks or corrosion on the supply piping, schedule Water Line Repair—we service all the neighborhoods listed above.

Clog & Overflow Kit

• Cup plunger (sinks/tubs) + flange plunger (toilets).
  
• Handheld drain snake (¼” × 15–25 ft) for sinks and tubs.
  
• Enzyme-based cleaner (maintenance, not for active emergencies).
  

For slow drains you can’t clear or suspected root intrusion, book a Video Camera Sewer Inspection; if we find a break or belly, we’ll outline Sewer Line Repair & Replacement options.

Water Heater Triage

• Water heater pan tablets (leak detection dye) or a simple moisture alarm.
  
• Thermometer and small adjustable wrench for fittings.
  
• Printed shutoff diagram for your tank or tankless (gas/electric, valve locations).
  

No hot water? Pilot won’t stay lit? Odd noises or leaks? See Water Heater Services for repair, tune-ups, and replacements sized for Montgomery County homes.

Backflow & Safety

• Non-contact voltage tester (safety near electric water heaters).
  
• Anti-siphon caps / knowledge of your check valve location.
  
• Quick reference on what not to do (no chemical drain openers in disposals; don’t heat PVC; don’t overtighten compression fittings).
  

For cross-connection concerns or code compliance, ask about our Backflow Prevention Services.

Documentation & Comfort

• Zippered document pouch with your utility account numbers, shutoff photos, and warranty info.
  
• Permanent marker, painter’s tape (to label valves), and a phone charger power bank.
  

Mini “Go-Bag” (Store Near the Most Frequent Problem Area)

• Flange plunger + microfiber towel
  
• Silicone tape roll + epoxy putty
  
• Headlamp + nitrile gloves
  
• Painter’s tape + plastic sheeting
  
• Handheld snake
  Keep the full kit where you can access the main shutoff quickly (basement/mechanical room).
  

When to DIY vs. When to Call Us (Local Guidance)

DIY first:

• Slow sink/tub drain → plunger → handheld snake.
  
• Pinhole leak on copper or braided hose → silicone tape + clamp (temporary).
  
• Running toilet → shut water under the tank, check flapper/chain.
  

Call Quince Orchard Plumbing if:

• No hot water, recurring lukewarm showers, or tank/tankless alarms → Water Heater Services.
  
• Rusty water, sudden pressure drops, or visible corrosion on supply lines → Water Line Repair.
  
• Gurgling fixtures, sewage smell, multiple drains backing up → Video Camera Sewer Inspection and possibly Sewer Line Repair & Replacement.
  
• Repeated cross-flows or hose-bib backfeeding → Backflow Prevention Services.
  

We prioritize fast response across Gaithersburg (20878), Rockville, Germantown, North Potomac, Darnestown, Montgomery Village, Potomac (north), Derwood, Kentlands, Washington Grove.

Pro Tips That Save Money (and Headaches)

• Label your valves: Use painter’s tape + marker (kitchen sink hot/cold, each toilet, water heater cold in/out, main shutoff).
  
• Test your main shutoff twice a year; if it sticks, note it and tell us during your next visit.
  
• Insulate visible hot lines to reduce condensation and heat loss around the water heater.
  
• Keep chemicals out of disposals and older galvanized drains—mechanical clearing is safer.
  

Printable Checklist (Copy/Paste)

• Shutoff key or multi-tool
  
• 6″ & 10″ adjustable wrenches
  
• PTFE tape (½” × 520″) ×2
  
• Silicone self-fusing tape + epoxy putty
  
• Flange plunger (toilet) + cup plunger (sink/tub)
  
• Handheld drain snake (¼” × 15–25 ft)
  
• Buckets (2), microfiber towels, absorbent pad
  
• Plastic sheeting + painter’s tape
  
• Nitrile gloves, safety glasses
  
• Headlamp/flashlight + batteries
  
• Hose clamps (assorted), zip ties
  
• Moisture alarm (near water heater)
  
• Thermometer, permanent marker
  
• Document pouch (warranties, shutoff photos)