When to Call an Emergency Plumber (And When to Wait)

At 11pm on a Tuesday, something starts dripping. Or gurgling. Or you notice the toilet is running constantly. Is it an emergency? Do you call someone now, or wait until morning?

The right answer depends on the actual risk involved: to your home, your health, and your wallet. Here's a straightforward guide.

Call Immediately: These Are Real Emergencies

Burst or actively spraying pipes. Shut off your main water supply first (the shutoff is usually near your water meter or where the main line enters your home). Then call immediately. Every minute of water flow is damage to floors, walls, and ceilings.

Sewage backup into the home. If sewage is coming up through drains or toilets, stop using all water and call right away. Sewage carries harmful bacteria and the situation will only worsen if you continue using fixtures.

Gas smell combined with plumbing work. If you smell gas and you or a contractor has recently worked on any lines, leave the house immediately and call your gas company from outside. Don't use light switches or create any spark.

No water at all. If you've lost water completely and you know your bill is paid, you may have a main line break or serious internal failure. This needs same-day attention.

Schedule Soon, But It Can Wait Until Morning

Slow or clogged drains. Frustrating, but not urgent unless every drain in the house is backing up at once (which suggests a main sewer line issue).

Running toilet. Wastes water and money, but not an emergency. Schedule within a day or two.

Dripping faucet. Annoying and wasteful, but not an emergency.

Water heater making noise. Rumbling or popping means sediment buildup. Worth addressing soon, but not at 2am.

When in Doubt

If there's any active water flow you can't control, shut off the water supply and call. Shutting off water costs nothing. Water damage is expensive. Most plumbers would rather get a call that turns out to be minor than have you wait on something that becomes a flood.