Some plumbing problems can wait until morning. Others cannot. A burst pipe, a sewage backup or a leaking water heater can cause serious damage within hours, and knowing what to do while you wait makes a real difference.
Sifixit is a free referral service. Call the number on this page and you will be connected with an independent plumbing provider where one serves your area. Calling costs nothing and you are never obliged to hire anyone.
What counts as a plumbing emergency
Call for help right away if any of these are happening.
- A burst or leaking pipe you cannot stop
- Sewage coming up through a drain, shower or toilet
- No water at all in the home
- A water heater leaking from the tank
- Water leaking near outlets, lights or the electrical panel
- An overflowing toilet that will not stop
What to do right now
If you smell gas, leave the home right away and call 911 or your gas company from outside. If water is near electrics, do not touch switches or stand in the water.
- Shut off the main water valve, or the valve under the fixture
- Turn off the water heater if the leak is there
- Open low taps to drain water left in the pipes
- Stop using drains if sewage is backing up
- Move belongings away and take photos
- Call an emergency plumber
The most common plumbing emergencies
Burst pipes
Often caused by freezing, corrosion or high water pressure. They can release a lot of water fast.
Sewer backups
Blockages, tree roots or heavy rain can push sewage back into the home.
Water heater failures
An old tank can rust through and leak, or a faulty valve can release water.
Overflowing toilets
Usually caused by a blockage in the toilet or the drain line beyond it.
What an emergency plumber does
- The plumber stops the water or the backup to prevent more damage.
- The cause is found, such as a split pipe, a blockage or a failed valve.
- A repair is made, or a temporary fix is put in until a full repair can be done.
- The plumber explains what else needs to be done and gives a quote.
- If there is water damage, a restoration provider can dry the home.
Be ready before an emergency
- Learn where your main water shut off valve is and test it
- Label the valves under sinks and toilets
- Keep a plunger and a flashlight where you can find them
- Know whether your water heater is gas or electric and how to turn it off
- Save a plumber’s number before you need it
Questions to ask before you hire
- Do you charge extra for nights, weekends or holidays?
- Is there a call out fee, and is it taken off the repair?
- Are you licensed as a plumber in my state?
- Is today’s fix permanent or temporary?
- What warranty do you give on the repair?
Frequently asked questions
Do emergency plumbers cost more?
Often, yes. Calls at night, on weekends and on holidays usually cost more. Ask about charges when you call.
Should I call a plumber or a restoration company?
Call a plumber to stop and fix the leak. If water has soaked floors, walls or ceilings, a restoration provider can dry the home to prevent mold.
Can I wait until morning?
If you can stop the water at the valve and nothing is getting worse, a normal appointment may be fine. If water or sewage is still coming in, call now.
Does insurance cover emergency plumbing?
Water damage from a sudden burst pipe is commonly covered. The repair to the pipe itself often is not.
Learn more
Our main plumbing guide covers the wider picture, including what affects the cost and when to call a professional.
Sifixit is a free referral service and does not provide home services. Calls may be answered by a partner call center or connected directly to independent local providers, who are solely responsible for their work, pricing, licensing and insurance.