No homeowner wants to pay an after-hours dispatch fee if they don't have to. But waiting too long to address a serious plumbing issue can result in thousands of dollars in water damage. So, how do you know when to pick up the phone at 3 AM?
The Three Criteria for a Plumbing Emergency
A true plumbing emergency generally meets one or more of the following criteria:
- Risk of Property Damage: Is water actively flowing where it shouldn't be (e.g., a burst pipe or a leaking water heater tank)?
- Risk to Health and Safety: Is there raw sewage backing up into your home, or do you smell natural gas?
- Loss of Essential Function: Are all toilets in the home completely blocked, rendering the house uninhabitable?
Examples of True Emergencies
- Burst Pipes: This is the #1 emergency. Shut off your main water valve and call immediately.
- Gas Leaks: Evacuate the home, call 911, and then call a licensed gas plumber.
- Main Sewer Line Backups: If sewage is coming up through your shower drains, stop using water and call for emergency hydro jetting.
- Overflowing Toilets: If the flapper is stuck and water is pouring over the bowl onto the bathroom floor.
Can It Wait Until Tomorrow?
If you experience any of the following, you can likely save money by scheduling a standard appointment during business hours:
- A dripping faucet (even a fast drip).
- A clogged sink or shower drain (as long as you can avoid using that specific fixture).
- No hot water (provided the tank isn't leaking onto the floor).
- A running toilet that drains properly into the bowl without overflowing.