Quick answer
A plumbing problem is an emergency when water or sewage is coming into the house and you cannot stop it, when a water heater tank is leaking, when there is no water, or when the only toilet will not clear. Close the main water shutoff first. A dripping faucet, a slow drain or a running toilet can usually wait: Angi puts after-hours rates around $150 an hour plus a $100–$350 trip fee, against about $100 an hour during regular hours. Call (888) 217-6781 to reach a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
A plumbing problem is an emergency when water or sewage is coming into the house and you cannot stop it, or when there is no water or no safe way to use the bathroom. Most other problems can wait for regular hours, which matters because after-hours visits cost more.
Call Now
- A burst or leaking pipe you cannot stop by closing a fixture valve. Close the main water shutoff first. See burst pipe: what to do.
- Sewage backing up into a tub, shower or floor drain. Stop using water. See main sewer line clog.
- A leaking water heater tank, or one with water spreading toward walls or flooring.
- No water in the house with no utility notice; see no water coming out of the faucets.
- The only toilet is clogged and will not clear with a plunger.
- A gas smell near a gas water heater: leave the house and call the gas utility from outside first.
- Frozen pipes in a cold snap, before they split; see frozen pipe repair.
Can Usually Wait
| Problem | Why it can wait |
|---|---|
| Dripping faucet | Close the shutoff under the sink |
| One slow drain | Other fixtures still work |
| Running toilet | Close the supply valve behind it |
| Weak pressure in one shower | Usually the showerhead |
| Noisy pipes | Not leaking; see water pipes banging |
Talk to a plumber about this
One call reaches a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
What After-Hours Costs
Angi puts emergency plumber rates around $150 an hour plus a flat trip fee of $100–$350, against about $100 an hour during regular hours. Closing the main shutoff and waiting until morning is often the cheaper choice when the water is stopped. See emergency plumbing.
Before You Call
Find the main shutoff: usually where the water line enters the house, near the water meter, or in a basement, crawlspace or garage. Close it clockwise. (888) 217-6781 connects you to a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more, because the companies taking calls change minute to minute.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
A burst or leaking pipe you cannot stop, sewage backing up, a leaking water heater tank, no water in the house, or the only toilet clogged.
Can a leaking faucet wait until morning?
Usually yesClose the shutoff valves under the sink and call during regular hours.
How much more does an emergency plumber cost?
Angi puts emergency rates around $150 an hour plus a flat trip fee of $100–$350, against about $100 an hour for regular hours.
Sources
Methodology: How we source and verify data · Report an error
Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.