When to Call an Emergency Plumber
Practical guide to which plumbing problems are true emergencies that need an immediate call, and which can wait until business hours. Save money without taking unnecessary risk.
Emergency plumber rates run 1.5-2x normal rates plus an after-hours call fee. That makes the question 'is this an actual emergency or can I wait?' worth thinking about clearly. Here's our practical guide for Greater Boston homeowners — what genuinely needs an immediate call, and what can safely wait until normal business hours.
CALL NOW — Active water leak you can't shut off
Pipe burst, supply line failure, water heater rupture, anything where water is actively flowing into your house and you can't stop it. Even if you can shut off the main water supply, you'll be without water until repair is done. Call immediately. Limit damage by shutting off the main water valve first, then call. (If you don't know where your main shutoff is, find it now and put a tag on it — every household member should know.)
CALL NOW — Sewer backing up into the house
Toilets overflowing with sewage, basement floor drain backing up with wastewater, multiple drains running backward. This is a health hazard and gets worse fast as more water tries to drain. Stop using all water in the house immediately. Call.
CALL NOW — Suspected gas leak
Smell of gas (rotten egg smell) anywhere near gas appliances. Get out of the house, then call National Grid or Eversource emergency line (NOT us — gas utilities handle the line itself). After they certify the gas is off, we can deal with the appliance side.
CALL NOW — No heat in winter when it's below freezing outside
Boiler failure when outdoor temps are below 25°F creates real risk of frozen pipes in the house. Even if you're comfortable in the cold, the pipes may not be. Call. We prioritize no-heat emergency calls for existing customers and Greater Boston neighbors.
CAN WAIT — Slow drain that's still draining
Annoying but not damaging. Pour a kettle of boiling water down it as a stopgap, then call in the morning.
CAN WAIT — Running toilet (but turn off the supply)
Wastes water and runs up the water bill but isn't damaging anything immediately. Reach behind the toilet, turn off the supply valve (clockwise), then call in the morning. You can also fix most running toilets yourself with a $20 flapper and fill valve from any hardware store.
CAN WAIT — Dripping faucet
Frustrating but not urgent. Catch the drip in a container if it's a lot. Call in the morning.
CAN WAIT — Water heater is making weird sounds but still working
Even if it's making noise, if you have hot water it can wait a day or two. Just don't ignore it — eventually 'weird sounds' precede failure.
CAN WAIT — Low water pressure
Annoying but rarely indicates an emergency unless it was sudden and dramatic. Schedule a normal-hours diagnostic visit.
CAN WAIT — Stained, smelly, or weird-tasting water
Get a sample, but no immediate action needed. Call in the morning.
THE GRAY ZONE
Some situations sit between emergency and 'can wait.' A small leak that you can put a bucket under: not technically an emergency but you'll be emptying that bucket every hour. A boiler that's working but cycling weirdly: not yet broken but might be by morning. Use judgment based on how much damage worsens by waiting and how disrupted your household is right now. If in doubt for an existing customer, we'd rather you call and we can advise whether to wait.
How to limit damage before we arrive
Know where your main water shutoff is. Know where each appliance's supply shutoff is. Have a few towels and a bucket ready. Take photos for insurance purposes if there's water damage. Move valuables out of the affected area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much more does an emergency plumber cost?
Typically 1.5-2x normal rates plus a flat after-hours call fee ($150-300). Real cost varies; ask before authorizing work if possible.
Do you do 24/7 emergency calls?
Existing customers and immediate Greater Boston neighbors get priority response. Call (781) 879-2922 — if it's after hours and you reach voicemail, leave your address and the issue and we'll respond fast.
What should I do while waiting for the plumber to arrive?
Shut off relevant water supplies. Move belongings out of water's path. Take pictures. Don't use any drains if the issue is sewer-related. Don't try to fix the problem yourself if it involves anything you're not 100% sure about.
Will my insurance cover plumbing emergencies?
Homeowner's insurance usually covers sudden, accidental damage from plumbing (like a burst pipe) but NOT the plumbing repair itself. They cover the floor, drywall, ceiling, etc. Document everything for the claim.
What's the most common 'emergency' that wasn't actually an emergency?
Running toilets where the homeowner couldn't find the shutoff valve. Pull off the tank lid and lift the float — that stops the water. Then deal with it in the morning.
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