Plumbing emergency guide: what counts and what to do
A plumbing problem is an emergency when water cannot be stopped, sewage is coming back into the building, water is reaching electrical equipment, you smell gas, or the property has no usable water or toilet. Most other problems can wait for a scheduled visit. For urgent cases, call 833-877-1717 to request an independent plumber.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 13, 2026 · Review standards
Is it an emergency? A quick checklist
Treat it as urgent if any of these are true:
- Water is spraying, pouring or spreading, and closing the nearest valve does not stop it.
- Sewage or dirty water is coming up through a floor drain, tub, shower or toilet.
- Water is reaching outlets, cords, appliances, light fixtures or the electrical panel.
- You smell gas near a water heater, dryer, range or gas line.
- The property has no running water or no working toilet, and people live there.
- A water heater is leaking from the tank body, or the relief valve is discharging continuously.
- A commercial kitchen, medical office or rental unit cannot operate safely.
A slow drip, a single slow drain, a running toilet or low pressure at one fixture is usually not an emergency. Shut off that fixture if needed and schedule a repair.
Active leaks and burst pipes
- Close the closest valve. If that does not work, close the main shutoff.
- Stay out of water that is touching electrical equipment. Turn off power at the panel only if you can reach it from a dry floor.
- Open a low faucet to drain the lines.
- Photograph the damage and move valuables.
Step-by-step details are in our burst pipe guide and our shutoff guide.
Sewage and drain backups
- Stop using every sink, tub, toilet, dishwasher and washer in the building. Each gallon you drain can come back out at the lowest fixture.
- Keep people and pets away from the contaminated water, and do not try to plunge a main-line backup.
- If only one fixture is slow and nothing else is affected, it is likely a branch clog and less urgent.
- Water rising in the basement floor drain or lowest tub usually points to a main sewer line problem.
See our sewage backup guide for safety and cleanup.
Water heater failures
- Leaking tank: close the cold-water inlet valve at the top of the heater. Turn off the gas valve or the breaker. Water from a corroded tank does not stop on its own.
- Relief valve discharging: the temperature and pressure relief valve is releasing water because the tank is too hot or pressure is too high. Turn off the heat source and call a plumber. Never cap or plug this valve.
- No hot water: usually inconvenient rather than dangerous, unless it affects a care setting or a business. Check the breaker or pilot first.
- Gas smell or a rotten-egg odor near the heater: leave the building and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
No water at all
Before calling a plumber, check:
- Whether neighbors also have no water. If so, it is likely a utility outage or main break, and the utility is the first call.
- Whether the main valve or curb stop was closed during recent work.
- For well systems: whether the well pump breaker tripped, and whether the pressure tank gauge reads zero.
- In freezing weather: a frozen supply line. Warm the area gently and never use an open flame.
What to tell the plumber when you call
Clear details help a provider decide whether they can help and what to bring:
- What is happening and when it started.
- Whether the water is off and which valve you closed.
- Property type (house, condo, rental, business) and whether it has a basement, crawl space or slab.
- Any electrical, gas or sewage concerns.
- The ZIP code and the best callback number.
When you call 833-877-1717, RepairNowUSA looks for a participating independent plumber for your area. The plumber confirms price and timing directly with you.
How RepairNowUSA can help
Call 833-877-1717 and describe what is happening and the property ZIP code. RepairNowUSA looks for a participating independent provider for that kind of work in your area and connects you if one is available. The provider confirms timing, scope and price with you and does the work. Availability and response times vary and are not guaranteed.
Call 833-877-1717Common questions
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
Water you cannot stop, sewage backing up, water reaching electrical equipment, a gas odor, a leaking water heater tank, or no usable water or toilet in an occupied building. These need attention right away.
Is a clogged toilet an emergency?
Usually not if another toilet works. It becomes urgent if it is the only toilet, if it is overflowing and will not stop, or if other drains are also backing up, which can mean a main sewer line clog.
Do emergency plumbers charge more at night?
Many independent providers charge more for after-hours, weekend or holiday calls. Ask for the call-out fee and how the work is priced before you approve the visit.
Should I call the water utility or a plumber?
Call the utility if the whole street has no water, if water is leaking near the meter or curb, or if you need the curb valve closed. Pipes and fixtures on your side of the meter are usually a plumber's job.
Can I call any time?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.