24/7 Emergency Plumber
A plumbing emergency is any problem that is actively causing damage or making the home unsafe. Water spraying from a pipe, sewage coming up through a floor drain, a water heater leaking from the tank or a toilet that will not stop overflowing all qualify. The priority is to stop the water, limit the damage and get a local professional to the property.
What is included
- Burst or split pipes
- Major supply-line leaks
- Sewage backups and overflowing drains
- Water heater tank leaks
- Toilets that will not stop running or overflowing
- Frozen pipes and suspected splits
- Sump pump failure and basement flooding
- No water or a sudden loss of pressure
Call the dispatch line and describe what you see. A dispatcher will take your city, the type of problem and whether water is still escaping, then route the request to an independent plumbing provider who covers your area. If you can safely reach the main shutoff valve, turn the water off before the call.
What to do before help arrives
- Shut off the water. Turn the main valve clockwise until it stops. If the leak is above a fixture, close the fixture supply valve instead.
- Cut the power if water is near outlets. Only do this from a dry location. Never stand in water to reach a breaker panel.
- Contain what you can. Buckets, towels and a wet/dry vacuum help, but do not block access to the shutoff or the work area.
- Move valuables. Lift rugs, furniture and electronics away from the water.
- Call. Give the dispatcher your address and describe the leak. Mention if water is near electrical panels or outlets.
For a suspected gas leak, leave the building immediately and call your gas utility or 911. Do not use switches, phones or flames inside the building.
What counts as an emergency
Not every plumbing problem needs an after-hours call. A single slow drain or a dripping faucet can usually be scheduled. These situations should be treated as urgent:
- Water is actively escaping and the shutoff will not stop it.
- Sewage is backing up into the house.
- There is no water at all, or pressure dropped suddenly across the whole house.
- A ceiling, wall or floor is bulging or sagging from water.
- A water heater is leaking from the tank itself, not a fitting.
- A pipe has burst or is visibly split.
If you are unsure, call and describe the situation. The dispatcher can help you decide whether to wait for a scheduled appointment.
How after-hours dispatch works
The phone line is answered 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. After-hours calls are routed to independent providers who accept emergency work. Response times depend on your location, the time of day and how many providers are available.
When a provider calls back, confirm the arrival window, the diagnostic charge and what the estimate will cover before authorizing work. If the terms do not work for you, you can decline.
What emergency calls cover
- Burst or split pipes
- Major supply-line leaks
- Sewage backups and overflowing drains
- Water heater tank leaks
- Toilets that will not stop running or overflowing
- Frozen pipes and suspected splits
- Sump pump failure and basement flooding
- No water or a sudden loss of pressure
Emergency Plumbing questions
What to expect before, during and after the visit.
How quickly can an emergency plumber arrive?
Arrival times vary by location, time of day and provider availability. The dispatcher gives an estimated window before you commit. Active flooding and sewage backups are usually prioritized.
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water valve, cut power to any wet electrical areas from a dry location, and call the dispatch line. Move valuables away from the water and do not use open flames to thaw a frozen pipe.
Do you charge extra at night or on weekends?
Pricing is set by the independent contractor. Ask about after-hours rates and the diagnostic charge when the provider calls back, and get the estimate in writing before work begins.
Can I call for a sewage backup?
Yes. Sewage backups are treated as urgent because of contamination and health risk. Keep people and pets away from the affected area and call the dispatch line.
What if I rent the property?
Contact your landlord or property manager first if you are a tenant. If they cannot be reached and water is causing damage, call the dispatch line and explain the situation.
Ready to get this fixed?
Call the dispatch line and a local plumbing professional will be matched to your request.