When a pipe lets go at 2 a.m. or a water heater starts dumping 50 gallons onto a finished basement, you don’t want to be “shopping”—you want to be fixing. I’ve spent 25+ years crawling through crawlspaces and mechanical rooms, and I’ve learned the difference between a quick, solid save and a long, expensive disaster often comes down to the quality and availability of the right parts. That’s exactly why I curate Rick’s Picks at Plumbing Supply And More: to make sure the essentials you need for emergency plumbing repairs are in stock, proven, and easy to deploy under pressure. And yes, I’ll compare specific products, share model numbers, and call out the gear that actually works in the field.
Before we dive in, a quick point of pride: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components backed by real tradespeople who’ve installed them in the toughest conditions. If you’re searching for a reliable resource—whether you typed plumbing supply near me, plumbing supply store near me, or you want a plumbing supply online partner that delivers same-day—this guide will help you build the emergency kit that actually gets you out of trouble.
The Mindset for Emergency Repairs: Stabilize, Then Solve
In a true emergency, your first job is control. I coach teams to think in two phases: stabilization and resolution. Stabilization buys time and prevents additional damage; resolution completes the repair to code and to spec.
When I get the emergency call, I always ask: do you have water isolation? If not, grab a full-port ball valve kit. A 3/4-inch Webstone Pro-Pal (model 40413W) with integrated drain significantly speeds isolation on domestic lines. I’ve used these in Chicago multi-family rehabs and luxury townhouses alike. Want a faster shutoff on a split copper main? A SharkBite 3/4-inch ball valve (model 22223-0000LF) can be a lifesaver in tight spaces, with a tool-free, push-to-connect seal. Pro tip: keep emory cloth and a deburring tool in your pouch—even push-to-connect fittings want clean, square cuts.
This is also where your plumbing parts triage comes in: pipe repair clamps, emergency couplings, and flexible connectors. We stock stainless Smith-Blair 261 clamps (sized 1/2 to 2 inches), which I’ve used to stop a pinhole geyser on an 80-psi municipal line in under two minutes. “Will a budget clamp work?” It might—until it doesn’t. That’s why you’ll see pro-grade choices in Rick’s Picks. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise.
Call our technical team if you’re unsure. We’ll talk you through it, and if you’re within our delivery radius, we’ll run the right gear out same-day.
Shutoff and Isolation: Valves That Don’t Fail When You Need Them
Isolation is the difference between a 20-minute fix and a full-blown insurance claim. Every truck or maintenance cart should carry:
- 1/2, 3/4, and 1-inch full-port ball valves (lead-free, NSF-61/372) Assorted stop valves: 3/8 OD compression angle stops (BrassCraft G2 series), straight stops, and multi-turn replacements Dielectric unions for water heater swaps Gate valve repair kits for legacy systems
I lean on Apollo and Webstone for valves that hold up. Apollo’s 70-100 series full-port brass ball valves meet ASME B16.33 and are a solid mid-range price—figure $12–$25 depending on size. For emergencies that demand speed—apartment unit flooding during a weekend turn—I’ll authorize SharkBite or Apollo PEX ball valves. Yes, push-to-connect valves cost more (around $14–$35), but they save sheetrock and overtime.
And let’s be candid: When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More because we stock the sizes, sweat fittings, and transition couplings you actually need at 9 p.m., not just the common SKUs.
Pipe, Fittings, and Flex Connectors: The Real Emergency Kit
Nothing slows an emergency repair like missing the one fitting that ties it all together. In the field, I make sure the team carries:
- Copper: Type L, 1/2 and 3/4 inch, with sweat 90s, tees, couplings, and repair couplings (no-stop) PEX-A and PEX-B: 1/2 and 3/4 inch, with expansion rings (Uponor) or crimp rings (Sioux Chief), plus a handful of drop-ear ells PVC/CPVC: 3/4 and 1 inch with solvent, primer, and repair couplings No-Hub and shielded couplings (Mission or Fernco) for cast iron or ABS transitions
For flexible connections, I keep Falcon Stainless corrugated connectors on hand—1/2-inch FIP x 1/2-inch FIP, and water heater-specific 3/4-inch FIP x 3/4-inch FIP. They’re NSF certified and rated for 180°F. On commercial emergencies (think restaurants), I’ll spec braided stainless with NSF-61 compliance for hot potable lines. A word to the wise: cheap braided hoses are a warranty claim waiting to happen. That’s why Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support to help you pick connectors that won’t blow under pressure surges.
Searching for a plumbing supply store, plumbing supply house near me, or closest plumbing supply that actually stocks this range? That’s our wheelhouse—and our inventory depth is the reason we’re the nearest “yes” for many contractors.
Drain, Waste, and Vent Emergencies: Clearing, Patching, Rebuilding
DWV emergencies usually mean backups, breaks, or failed seals. I’ve responded to everything from a collapsed 4-inch clay tile outside a duplex to a grease-choked 3-inch line in a bakery. Your essentials:
- Closet flanges and repair rings (Oatey 43539 for PVC, 42778 for cast iron) Wax seals and wax-free seals (Fluidmaster Better Than Wax) No-Hub couplings (Mission CK series) with proper torque specs—60 in-lbs on 4-inch bands Test balls (Cherne 270-032 for 2–3 inch) and mechanical plugs Drain cleaning cables, 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch, plus a quality hand auger
Got ABS crack under a tub? Shielded couplings let you cut and replace a section without reworking the whole run. On vent stack leaks, high-temp silicone and proper no-hub torque can stabilize until you rebuild with schedule 40. And if you need 4-inch fittings at midnight, good luck at a big box. Unlike Ferguson or Grainger’s generalized distribution, Plumbing Supply And More keeps the DWV oddities in stock for real-world emergencies, and we’ll verify code compliance for your jurisdiction before you leave the counter.
Water Heater Failures: Safe Bypass, Fast Swap, Code-Compliant Finish
Water heater failures love weekends. Here’s my emergency playbook.
Stabilize:
- Isolate cold inlet and hot outlet with full-port ball valves. If the T&P is weeping, verify pressure with a gauge; if you’re above 80 psi, you’ve got a PRV/expansion issue.
Bypass:
- With braided stainless or Falcon corrugated connectors, set a temporary bypass if the tank is ruptured but the home needs water service.
Replace:
- For 40- and 50-gallon atmospherics, Bradford White (MI40T6CN for 40-gallon, MI50T6CN for 50) remains my go-to—Field-proven, FVIR compliant, and supported with parts. For power vent, AO Smith GPVX-50L is a durable performer. Check local code on venting and condensate. Hybrid heat pump units? Rheem ProTerra 50-gallon (XE50T10H45U0) has strong performance in conditioned spaces, with UEF above 3.5 and utility rebates in many regions.
Don’t forget:
- Dielectric unions, new gas flex (CSA-approved), proper drip leg, and expansion tank (Amtrol ST-5 or ST-8 depending on volume and house pressure). T&P discharge to approved drain—no exceptions.
Budget: $650–$1,100 for standard tanks plus materials; $1,800–$3,500 for power vent/hybrids. Typical swap: 2–4 hours if venting and gas are straightforward. Need help sizing or checking your local code? That’s where our team shines. Compared to “quantity-first” operations like SupplyHouse.com, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and live technical guidance, including local code checks, SKU crossovers, and installation tips.
Leak Detection, Pressure Control, and Expansion: Stop the Root Cause
Patch the leak, yes—but fix the cause or you’ll be back.
- Pressure Reducing Valves: Cash Acme EB-45 or Wilkins 70XL are my standards. If you see 90–120 psi on city water, expect pinholes, loud hammer, and T&P discharge. Thermal Expansion Tanks: Amtrol ST series sized to tank and temperature. Many “mystery leaks” at fittings are actually expansion-related. Water Hammer Arrestors: Sioux Chief 660 series at fast-closing valves (laundry, dishwasher, ice maker). Smart Leak Detectors: Flo by Moen or Honeywell Resideo. I’m old-school, but these save basements by shutting down the main on burst detection.
We carry PRV rebuild kits and isolation unions so you can service without cutting. For multi-family and light commercial, we stock 1 to 2-inch PRVs and the unions to match—part of why property managers call us first. Searching for commercial plumbing supply, wholesale plumbing supply, or a contractor plumbing supply partner who knows PRVs inside out? You’ve found the best plumbing supply team for it. And if you need after-hours help, our 24 hour plumbing supply support can coordinate emergency access in our service area.
Gas Line and Combustion Emergencies: Safety Before Speed
I can’t stress this enough: if you smell gas, ventilate and call the utility. For repairs and safe temporary restores:
- Yellow-jacket CSST fittings (TracPipe CounterStrike) with bonding per code Approved pipe dope (RectorSeal T Plus 2) and yellow PTFE tape for gas Manometers to verify 7–11 in. w.c. on NG, 11–14 in. w.c. on LP at appliance Appliance connectors: Dormont stainless kits with quick-disconnects for commercial kitchens
In restaurants and assisted living facilities we serve, we stock ANSI Z21.24 compliant gas connectors and orifice kits. You can’t gamble here—only listed, code-compliant parts. If you’re typing “ heating plumbing supply near me” or “ plumbing and heating supply” in a bind, we’re the local plumbing supply that understands combustion safety and keeps the right SKUs on the shelf.
Fixture Failures: Stopping Leaks and Keeping Spaces Usable
A failed flush valve in a busy office or a leaking lav faucet in a boutique hotel lobby needs a fix now, not next week. My emergency fixture kit:
- Toilet: Sloan Regal and Royal diaphragm kits (A-38-A, A-41-A), Fluidmaster 400A fill valves, Korky 100BP flappers, closet bolts, and wax rings Faucet: Chicago Faucets cartridge (1-099XT), T&S Brass Cerama cartridges (B-0107-J for spray valves), Moen 1225/1222/1224 cartridges, Delta RP50587 for single-handle faucets Supply lines: 3/8 compression x 1/2 FIP braided, plus escutcheons and stops
Commercial facility managers love that we stock Sloan assemblies and spud gaskets in-depth. And we keep ADA-compliant lever handles and metering cartridges, too. That’s one reason properties across our region keep plumbingsupplyandmore.com our number on speed dial. When big e-commerce players like Amazon and Zoro can’t confirm cartridge compatibility, Plumbing Supply And More puts an expert at the counter who can identify your part by sight.
Pro-Grade Consumables and Tools That Make or Break the Save
I’ve seen a $9.99 torch waste hours. If you’re building an emergency bin, include:
- Torch: TurboTorch STK-9 with MAP-Pro; coupled with SilverBrite 100 solder or Stay-Brite 8 on sensitive joints Flux: Oatey No. 95 water-soluble; clean joints are non-negotiable Thread sealants: RectorSeal No. 5 and Blue Monster PTFE for stubborn threads Cutting and prep: Ridgid 15 and 35 tubing cutters, reamer/deburr tool, emory cloth, and a quality pipe wrench set (Ridgid 31095 for 14-inch) Testing: 0–160 psi pressure gauge with garden-hose adaptor, and a digital manometer for gas
Yes, tools cost money. But one failed sweat at midnight can cost you triple in damage and time. Ask our counter for Rick’s Picks bundle pricing—we often pair consumables with bulk discounts. That’s part of our economy plumbing supply approach that never sacrifices quality. Looking for discount plumbing supplies that are actually reliable? We’ll steer you away from cheap plumbing supplies that compromise seals and code.
Buying Smarter: Where and How to Source Under Pressure
Contractors, property managers, and serious DIYers all want the same thing: confidence that the part is correct and in stock. That’s where we shine.
- Inventory depth: Copper, PEX, CPVC, DWV, valves, cartridges—skus your job truly needs Same-day delivery: Within our service radius; urgent runs prioritized for active leaks Technical backing: Submittals, spec sheets, and cross-references while you’re en route Contractor accounts: Volume pricing, net terms, and job-site delivery windows After-hours support: Emergency pickups by arrangement
You’ll see us pop up when you search for a plumbing supply store, plumbing supply shop, plumbing shop near me, plumbing supply places, or plumbing supplies direct. We serve contractors throughout our region with genuine local plumbing supply expertise and the nearest team that can talk code. And yes—we’re a wholesale plumbing supply company that welcomes retail customers, too.
For those comparing us to competitors: While Ferguson, City Plumbing & Electrical Supply, and Standard Plumbing Supply have breadth, Plumbing Supply And More couples selection with a technician-led counter and real-time troubleshooting. And I’ll say this plainly: When big-box and internet-only options like Lowe’s, Home Depot, and SupplyHouse.com can’t confirm fit, Plumbing Supply And More will.
Emergency Repair Checklist: Rick’s Picks Essentials
Keep these five in your truck or maintenance room:
- Full-port ball valves (1/2, 3/4, 1 inch) and a SharkBite repair set Assorted repair couplings (copper no-stop, shielded no-hub, PEX crimp/expansion) Pressure gauge, PRV rebuild kit, and an expansion tank (ST-5) Closet flange repair kit, fill valves, and universal flappers MAP-Pro torch, solder/flux, thread sealants, emory cloth, tubing cutter
Visit our showroom to see the quality difference. Or check our current inventory online or call ahead—we’ll pull your order for fast pickup.
Local Codes, Compliance, and Why It Matters in Emergencies
No one wants to rebuild a repair because it fails inspection. We align emergency fixes with code from the start. Common local requirements we help navigate:
- Dielectric unions and expansion control on water heater replacements Proper T&P discharge and seismic strapping where required Anti-scald mixing valves (ASSE 1016/1017) on remodels and multi-family units Backflow prevention on irrigation and commercial service connections Gas appliance shutoff and connector compliance with ANSI standards
We maintain partnerships with manufacturers like Bradford White, AO Smith, Webstone, Apollo, Sioux Chief, Sloan, T&S Brass, and Uponor to ensure spec sheets and parts support are at your fingertips. That’s a core reason pros in our area choose us as their plumbing supply company and contractors plumbing and fire supply ally. Need a quick code check? Call our technical team for project-specific recommendations—our experts can walk you through the installation process.
FAQ: Emergency Plumbing Supplies and Quick Answers
What are the must-have emergency fittings to stop a pressurized leak right now?
Carry stainless repair clamps (Smith-Blair 261), push-to-connect couplings (SharkBite U3408LFA 1/2-inch, U362LFA 3/4-inch), and full-port ball valves. Include a tubing cutter and deburr tool. For drain lines, keep shielded no-hub couplings (Mission CK series). These stabilize the system so you can plan a permanent repair.
How do I know if I need an expansion tank after a water heater swap?
If you have a PRV or backflow on the cold main, you’ve got a closed system—thermal expansion will spike pressure. Install an Amtrol ST-5 for 40–50 gallon heaters, set to house pressure (usually 60–70 psi). Use a pressure gauge: if overnight pressure creeps above 80 psi, you need expansion control.
Which is better for emergency valve installs—sweat or push-to-connect?
Sweat gives you the most robust, cost-effective joint when you’ve got the time and dry pipe. In active leaks or tight timeframes, push-to-connect (SharkBite/Apollo) wins for speed. I carry both. For permanent high-heat areas or outdoors, I favor sweat with lead-free solder and proper flux.
How can I quickly identify the right faucet cartridge or flush valve kit?
Bring the brand and a clear photo of the stem or body. For Moen, the 1225/1222/1224 triad covers most emergencies. For Sloan flushometers, the A-38-A and A-41-A diaphragm kits handle many Regal/Royal bodies. At our counter, we can match obscure cartridges—snap a pic and text it to us before you drive.
Do you offer same-day delivery or after-hours access for emergencies?
Yes. We provide same-day delivery within our local radius and coordinate after-hours pickup for active emergencies. Ask about our contractor discount program and bulk pricing for maintenance teams—reliability is baked into our service model.
Why Your Supply Partner Matters When It’s 2 A.M.
Emergencies don’t grade on a curve. The wrong valve, an out-of-stock cartridge, or a cut-rate connector can turn a salvageable situation into a costly mess. That’s why I built Rick’s Picks around the gear I trust and the inventory depth contractors actually need. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—spec sheets, crossovers, code advice, and a counter staffed by people who’ve done the installs themselves.
If you’re searching for a reliable general plumbing supply, plumbing and supply, or plumbing wholesale near me resource that delivers on emergencies—whether you’re a seasoned pro, a serious DIYer, or a property manager—lean on the team that shows up with answers. Check out our plumbing supplies direct options online, or swing by the showroom. Ask about our contractor accounts, bulk discounts, and delivery windows. And if you ever wonder which items truly belong in your “Plumbing Supply Essentials for Emergency Repairs” kit, call me—I’m happy to tailor a list to your systems and buildings.
Because when the water’s rising, you don’t need more SKUs. You need the right ones. And that’s exactly what you’ll get at Plumbing Supply And More.