Emergency plumbing
Emergency plumber
Short answer
Call an emergency plumber when water or sewage is actively damaging the home and you can't stop it, when you have no water at all, or when a water heater is leaking heavily. First shut off the main water valve. Many other problems, like a single slow drain or a dripping faucet, can safely wait for a regular appointment.
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Emergency Plumber at a glance
- First action
- Shut off the main water valve.
- Emergencies
- Burst pipes, sewage backups, overflowing fixtures you can't stop, no water, major water heater leaks.
- Usually can wait
- One slow drain, a running toilet, a dripping faucet, low hot water with a working unit.
- Gas smell
- Not a plumber call first. Leave and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
Is it an emergency?
| Situation | Call now? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pipe burst, water spraying | Yes | Damage grows by the minute; burst pipe repair |
| Sewage coming up in a drain | Yes | Health hazard; stop all water use; see sewer backup |
| No water anywhere in the house | Usually | Check with your water utility first for outages |
| Water heater leaking from the tank | Soon | Shut off its water and fuel; the leak may grow |
| Toilet overflowing, stops when valve closed | Can often wait | Use another toilet until it's cleared |
| One drain slow | No | Schedule drain cleaning |
Before the plumber arrives
- Close the main water valve, or the fixture valve if the problem is at one fixture.
- Switch off electricity to wet areas if you can reach the panel safely.
- Turn off the water heater (gas to pilot or off; electric at the breaker) if the house water is off for long.
- Move valuables and photograph the damage for insurance.
- Clear a path to the problem area and the main shutoff.
What to tell the plumber on the phone
- What's happening, where, and whether you've been able to stop the water.
- Whether the home has a basement, crawl space or slab.
- The age of the home and anything you know about the pipes.
- Your address and a good callback number.
Ask for the trip or diagnostic fee and the after-hours rate before they set out, and ask whether it's applied to the repair.
Why emergency visits cost more
Nights, weekends and holidays mean paying a plumber outside normal hours, and many companies charge a higher trip fee or hourly rate for them. If the water is off and the damage has stopped, ask whether a temporary fix tonight and the full repair during regular hours would cost less.
We don't publish prices; they vary by market. Get a written quote first.
Problems that lead to emergency plumber
- Smell gas in the houseWhat to do if you smell natural gas or propane at home: get out, what not to touch, who to call, and who repairs the leak once the utility makes it safe.
- Toilet overflowingHow to stop an overflowing toilet right now, how to clear the clog safely, and the signs that the blockage is in the main sewer line instead.
- Water leaking from the ceilingWhat to do when water drips through a ceiling, how to tell a plumbing leak from a roof leak, and the bathroom sources most often behind it.
Common questions
What does an emergency plumber do first?
They make the situation safe and stop the damage, which may mean a temporary repair or isolating part of the system, and then explain the permanent fix and its price.
Should I call a plumber or my insurance company first?
Stop the water and call a plumber first to limit damage. Take photos, keep receipts, and contact your insurer as soon as practical.