What Qualifies as a Plumbing Emergency?

August 7, 2023

woman kneeling near wall with bucket in hand and in distress on phone

*Updated March 21st, 2025

Plumbing emergencies have a way of showing up at the worst possible times—whether it’s a burst pipe flooding your kitchen in the middle of the night or a toilet that won’t stop overflowing right before guests arrive. These situations can be stressful, messy, and downright chaotic. When water starts spilling where it shouldn’t, it’s easy to hit the panic button and assume the worst.

But here’s the thing—not every plumbing issue is a full-blown emergency. Some problems, while annoying, can wait for regular business hours or a scheduled repair. The tricky part is figuring out when to spring into action and when it’s okay to take a deep breath and wait.

In this article, we’ll break down what actually qualifies as a plumbing emergency, what warning signs to look out for, and how to handle these high-pressure moments when they arise. Knowing the difference can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.

1. Burst or Leaking Pipes

A burst pipe is one of the most urgent plumbing emergencies you can face. When a pipe ruptures, gallons of water can pour into your home in minutes—damaging walls, ceilings, flooring, and furniture. Even a slow leak, if left unchecked, can lead to mold, rot, and structural problems.

What to do:
Shut off your main water supply immediately to stop the flow of water. Then, call an emergency plumber. While you wait, try to contain the leak using buckets, towels, or a temporary patch if possible.

2. Clogged or Overflowing Toilet

An overflowing toilet isn’t just gross—it can also cause water damage and pose health risks due to unsanitary conditions. If it’s a one-time clog and you’ve got another bathroom in the house, it might not be an emergency. But if the blockage is severe, ongoing, or you only have one working toilet, it’s time to take swift action.

What to do:
Try plunging first. If that doesn’t work, turn off the water valve near the base of the toilet to prevent further overflow. If the toilet continues to back up, or you can’t locate the blockage, call a plumber right away.

3. Sewage Backup

Sewage backups are a plumbing nightmare—and a serious health hazard. You’ll usually notice a strong, foul odor in your home and water backing up into sinks, tubs, or toilets. If you see dirty water coming out of your drains or toilets when using other plumbing fixtures, it’s likely your sewer line is blocked or damaged.

What to do:
Stop using all plumbing immediately and get out of the affected area. Call an emergency plumber, as this problem requires professional help. Avoid trying to clean it yourself—sewage contains harmful bacteria and pathogens.

4. Water Heater Malfunction

A malfunctioning water heater can range from inconvenient (cold showers) to dangerous (gas leaks, flooding, or even explosions in extreme cases). If your water heater is leaking or making strange noises, or if you smell gas, don’t ignore it.

What to do:
Turn off the water heater and, if applicable, the gas supply. If there’s active leaking, contain the water and contact a plumber. For potential gas leaks, leave the home immediately and contact your gas provider or fire department before calling a plumber.

5. Sudden Loss of Water Supply

If you suddenly have no water at all—no taps, no toilets, nothing—that’s a major red flag. It could indicate a burst pipe, frozen line, broken shut-off valve, or a municipal water main issue. Either way, you’ll need to investigate quickly.

What to do:
Check with neighbors to see if they’re experiencing the same issue (which could indicate a city-side problem). If it’s just your home, check the main shut-off valve to ensure it wasn’t accidentally closed. If that’s not the cause, contact a plumber right away.

When It’s Not an Emergency

Not every plumbing hiccup means you need to call for help in the middle of the night. Some issues might feel annoying or even a little concerning, but they’re usually safe to put on hold until regular business hours. Here are a few common examples:

Dripping faucets

That plink plink plink sound can definitely test your patience, especially when you’re trying to sleep. But unless the drip suddenly turns into a stream, this one can wait. Still, don’t ignore it for too long—those little drips can waste a surprising amount of water over time and might indicate a worn-out washer or valve that needs replacing.

Slow drains

If your sink or shower is draining slower than usual, it’s probably a clog starting to build up. It’s annoying, yes, but it’s usually not an emergency. Try a plunger or a drain snake if you’re feeling DIY-inclined, and schedule a plumber if it doesn’t improve.

Minor leaks under sinks

A small drip under the kitchen or bathroom sink might look scary at first, but if you can catch the water in a bucket or towel and it’s not gushing, you’re okay to wait a bit. Just keep the area dry to prevent cabinet damage or mold growth.

Running toilets

That constant running sound is annoying and wastes water, but it’s rarely urgent. Usually, it’s just a flapper issue or a problem with the fill valve inside the tank—easy fixes for a plumber or even a handy homeowner.

Low water pressure

If your water pressure dips a bit, it could be a clogged aerator, buildup in the pipes, or a local utility issue. As long as water is still flowing and there’s no sign of a bigger problem like a burst pipe, you can probably wait to get it checked out. However, if the pressure suddenly drops to nothing, that could signal a bigger issue—and it might be time to make that emergency call.

The bottom line? These problems should definitely be fixed—but they don’t usually justify waking up your plumber in the middle of the night or paying for emergency service. Make a note, monitor the situation, and schedule a regular visit. You’ll save some cash and probably get a better night’s sleep.

In Conclusion

At the end of the day, understanding what actually qualifies as a plumbing emergency can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress. While some problems—like burst pipes, sewage backups, or a total loss of water—demand immediate attention, others might look dramatic but can wait until morning.

The key is being able to recognize the difference. When you know what signs to watch for, you can take quick, confident action in a true emergency—and avoid unnecessary panic (or a pricey after-hours plumbing bill) when it’s not.

And here’s a good rule of thumb: if a plumbing issue is causing active damage to your home, poses a health risk, or makes your home unlivable, it’s an emergency. Otherwise, take a deep breath, jot it down, and call your plumber during regular hours.

Finally, if you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and ask a pro. Most plumbers are happy to give you guidance over the phone and let you know whether it’s something that can wait—or something that needs fixing ASAP.

FAQs

Are all leaks considered plumbing emergencies?

Not all leaks are emergencies, but some can be if they are severe, causing significant water damage or if they are related to pressurized pipes or gas lines.

How do I find the main water shut-off valve?

The main shut-off valve is usually located near the water meter or where the main water supply enters your property. It can be indoors, such as in the basement or utility room, or outdoors in a valve box.

How much do emergency plumbers cost?

Emergency plumbing services, available 24/7, often come with higher costs compared to services provided during regular business hours. Some providers may even charge double their standard rates for emergency call-outs. Generally, plumbers charge hourly fees ranging from approximately $40 to $150. For plumbing emergencies, the overall cost can range from around $100 to $500 or even more, depending on the nature and severity of the issue.

Additional Plumbing Resources