When to Call an Emergency Plumber: 5 Situations That Can't Wait
Published December 20, 2025 • by ABC Plumbing
It's 2 AM and something's wrong with your plumbing. Do you call for emergency service or wait until morning? Making the right call can save you hundreds—or prevent thousands in damage. Here's how to know when you have a true plumbing emergency.
Quick Rule of Thumb
If you can't stop the water, if there's sewage involved, or if waiting could cause significant property damage—it's an emergency. Call immediately.
5 True Plumbing Emergencies
1Burst or Broken Pipes
A burst pipe can release gallons of water per minute. This is always an emergency.
What to do right now:
- • Shut off the main water valve immediately
- • Turn off electricity if water is near outlets
- • Call an emergency plumber
- • Start removing water to minimize damage
2Sewage Backup
Raw sewage in your home is a health hazard. Don't try to clean it yourself—it contains dangerous bacteria.
What to do right now:
- • Stop using all water in the house
- • Keep family and pets away from affected areas
- • Open windows for ventilation
- • Call an emergency plumber immediately
3No Water at All
If you suddenly have no water and your neighbors do, you may have a serious main line issue or leak.
What to do right now:
- • Check if neighbors have water (could be a city issue)
- • Look for wet spots in your yard (main line leak)
- • Check your water meter—if it's spinning with all fixtures off, you have a leak
- • Call for emergency service if it's your line
4Gas Line Leak
If you smell rotten eggs or hear hissing near gas lines, leave immediately. This is life-threatening.
What to do right now:
- • Don't turn on any lights or electronics
- • Don't use your phone inside the house
- • Get everyone out immediately
- • Call 911 and your gas company from outside
5Overflowing Toilet (That Won't Stop)
If the shutoff valve doesn't work and water keeps flowing, you need emergency help to prevent flooding.
What to do right now:
- • Try the shutoff valve behind the toilet
- • If that fails, shut off main water supply
- • Remove water with towels and a wet vac
- • Call for emergency service
Issues That Can Usually Wait
Not every plumbing problem needs a 2 AM service call. These issues are annoying but can typically wait for regular business hours:
- Dripping faucets: Wasteful but not urgent
- Slow drains: Unless completely blocked
- Running toilet: Unless it won't stop overflowing
- Small leaks under sinks: Put a bucket under it and call in the morning
- No hot water: Inconvenient but not damaging
- Low water pressure: Usually not an emergency unless sudden
Save Money Tip
Emergency service rates are typically 1.5-2x regular rates. If you can safely contain the problem (shutoff valve + bucket), waiting until morning can save significant money. But never wait if there's risk of major damage or health hazards.
Be Prepared Before Emergencies Happen
The best time to prepare for a plumbing emergency is before it happens:
- Know where your main water shutoff is (and make sure it works)
- Keep a plumber's number saved in your phone
- Have basic supplies: bucket, towels, flashlight, adjustable wrench
- Know the location of shutoffs for individual fixtures
24/7 Emergency Plumbing
ABC Plumbing offers round-the-clock emergency service in North Richland Hills and surrounding areas. When you have a true emergency, we'll be there fast.
Call Now: (817) 555-0192