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Plumbing emergency · Billings, MT

Emergency Plumbing in Billings, MT

For a burst pipe, major leak or sewage backup in Billings, shut off the water first, then call. Problems on the street side of the meter go to City of Billings; anything on your side goes to a licensed plumber, and we connect you with one.

By calling, you agree to be connected with an independent plumbing contractor serving your area. Calls may be recorded for quality and training. The call and referral are free, and you are never obligated to hire.
  • Licensed local plumbers
  • Free call and referral
  • You approve the quote first

Call now for

  • Burst pipes
  • Major leaks
  • Sewage backups
  • Overflowing toilets
  • Leaking water heaters

Emergency plumbing services in Billings

Emergencies we connect you with help for

  • Burst or split pipes
  • Water leaking through a ceiling
  • Sewage backing up into drains
  • An overflowing toilet that won't stop
  • A water heater leaking from the tank
  • No water in the house

Emergencies most likely in Billings homes

  • Billings sees long, hard freezes. Burst pipes usually show up when the pipe thaws, so check exposed lines, garages and crawlspaces after a hard freeze.
  • 52% of Billings's homes were built before 1980 (median year built 1979). Aging galvanized supply pipe and cast iron or clay sewer lines are behind many sudden leaks and backups in homes of that age.
  • Cold snaps and chinook temperature swings freeze and stress exposed pipes.
Typical home built
1979
Homes before 1980
52%
Winter freezes
Long, hard freezes

The first five minutes

  1. 1Shut off the waterMain shutoff, or the fixture's own valve.
  2. 2Cut power near waterOnly from a dry spot.
  3. 3Gas smell: leave firstCall the gas utility or 911 from outside.
  4. 4Call and describe itSay what failed and when.

What affects the price

The plumbing company sets the price after seeing the job; ask for it in writing before work starts.

  • Time of day, weekends and holidays
  • What failed and how much water got out
  • Access to the pipe or fixture
  • Whether a temporary fix or a full repair is done first
  • Parts the plumber has to source

Plumbing work we connect Billings homeowners with

Emergency Plumbing in Billings: questions

Is there an after-hours number for a water emergency in Billings?

Yes. Billings Public Works lists a dedicated after-hours emergencies line at 406-371-6897 for water leaks and sewer back-ups. During weekday business hours, 8 AM to 5 PM, call 406-657-8315 instead.

Where is the main water shutoff in a typical Billings house?

Billings says the meter and shut-off valve are usually together in the utility room or basement. If that valve will not close, call 406-657-8315 and the city can shut off the curb valve while a plumber repairs it.

Who fixes a water main break on my street in Billings?

City of Billings handles mains and the service line up to the meter. A plumber handles the line from the meter to the house and everything inside.

What should I do if a pipe bursts during a Billings freeze?

Close the main shutoff, open the faucets to drain the lines, and keep heat on. In Billings, check garages, crawlspaces and exterior walls first.

Are older Billings homes more likely to have plumbing emergencies?

Age matters: the median Billings home was built in 1979 and 52% predate 1980. Homes of that era typically have copper supply, early plastic (ABS or PVC) drains, some cast iron.

Is frozen pipe repair a common emergency in Billings?

Cold snaps and chinook temperature swings freeze and stress exposed pipes.

More plumbing services in Billings

Local rules and details for Billings

Who to call in Billings

Leaks on the street side of the water meter, a broken main or no water on the whole street are for the water utility: in Billings that is City of Billings. Check its website or your water bill for its emergency line.

Leaks, backups and failures on your side of the meter, inside the house or in your sewer lateral, are a plumber's job. Call us and we connect you with an independent, licensed plumbing company that handles emergency calls in Billings; when they can arrive depends on that company and the time of day.

Reporting a water emergency in Billings

  • The City of Billings Public Works FAQ says residents should report a water leak or sewer back-up by calling 406-657-8315, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, for immediate assistance. Outside those hours, the city lists a dedicated After Hours Emergencies line at 406-371-6897, which does not handle billing questions. [3]
  • According to the City of Billings FAQ, a home's water meter and shut-off valve are typically together, usually in the utility room or basement. If that valve is inoperable, the city must shut off service at the property's curb valve so the owner can repair the shut-off valve; residents can call 406-657-8315 to have water turned off during repairs. [3]

Other common plumbing calls in Billings

  • Repiping: about half of homes predate 1980, many with galvanized supply lines.
  • Sewer Line Repair: older laterals crack and let roots in.

Billings facts behind this page

  • Billings is the largest community on the Yellowstone River and draws its drinking water from the river; the city's water plant was affected during the 2022 Yellowstone River flooding. [1]
  • The median home in Billings was built in 1979. [2]
  • About 52% of Billings's housing units were built before 1980, the era of galvanized steel supply pipe, cast iron drains and clay sewer laterals. [2]
  • The City of Billings Public Works FAQ says residents should report a water leak or sewer back-up by calling 406-657-8315, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, for immediate assistance. Outside those hours, the city lists a dedicated After Hours Emergencies line at 406-371-6897, which does not handle billing questions. [3]
  • According to the City of Billings FAQ, a home's water meter and shut-off valve are typically together, usually in the utility room or basement. If that valve is inoperable, the city must shut off service at the property's curb valve so the owner can repair the shut-off valve; residents can call 406-657-8315 to have water turned off during repairs. [3]
Sources (3)
  1. City of Billings, Yellowstone River flooding impact on City of Billings water plant · checked 2026-10-01
  2. U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035) · checked 2026-10-01
  3. City of Billings Public Works, FAQs: Water or Sewer Service Emergency · checked 2026-10-20
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