Plumbing Emergency? Here's Exactly What to Do (and What It Costs)

When Plumbing Goes Wrong

Water damage is the second most common home insurance claim in the United States, costing an average of $11,098 per incident. Knowing how to respond to a plumbing emergency can be the difference between a simple repair and a catastrophic flood.

The 5 Most Common Plumbing Emergencies

1. Burst or Leaking Pipes

Immediate steps:

Shut off the water supply — Find your main shut-off valve (usually near the meter or where the line enters your home)

Open faucets to drain remaining water from the pipes

Turn off the water heater to prevent damage

Mop up standing water and place buckets under leaks

Call a licensed plumber

Average repair cost: $150-$350 for a simple pipe repair; $1,000-$4,000 for extensive damage

Tip: Know where your main shut-off valve is BEFORE an emergency. Label it clearly.

2. Clogged or Overflowing Toilet

Immediate steps:

Remove the tank lid and push the flapper valve down to stop water flow

Turn the water supply valve behind the toilet clockwise to shut it off

Use a plunger (flange-style works best for toilets)

If plunging doesn't work, try a toilet auger

For recurring clogs, call a plumber — there may be a deeper blockage

Average repair cost: $100-$275 for professional unclogging; $300-$600 for main line issues

3. No Hot Water

For gas water heaters:

Check if the pilot light is lit (follow manufacturer instructions to relight)

Verify the gas supply is on

Check the thermostat setting (should be 120°F)

For electric water heaters:

Check the circuit breaker

Press the reset button on the heater

The heating element may need replacement ($150-$300)

Average replacement cost: $1,200-$3,500 for a new water heater including installation

4. Sewer Line Backup

Signs of a sewer line problem:

Multiple drains backing up simultaneously

Gurgling sounds from drains

Sewage odors in the home

Wet spots in the yard

Do NOT use chemical drain cleaners — they can damage pipes and are ineffective on sewer line blockages.

Average repair cost: $200-$800 for snaking; $3,000-$25,000 for line replacement

5. Leaking Water Heater

A leaking water heater is both a flood risk and a safety concern:

Turn off the power (gas valve or circuit breaker)

Turn off the cold water supply to the heater

Attach a hose to the drain valve to reduce water level

Call a plumber immediately

Average cost: $150-$500 for a repair; $1,200-$3,500 for replacement

When to DIY vs. Call a Professional

Safe to DIY:

Plunging a clogged drain

Replacing a faucet aerator

Tightening a loose faucet handle

Replacing a toilet flapper

Basic shut-off valve operation

Always Call a Professional:

Anything involving the main water or sewer line

Gas line work (requires licensing)

Water heater installation

Pipe replacement or rerouting

Slab leaks

Permits and inspections

How to Find a Reliable Emergency Plumber

In an emergency, you need a plumber fast — but don't sacrifice quality for speed:

Ask about emergency rates — After-hours calls typically cost 1.5-2x regular rates

Verify licensing — Every state requires plumbers to be licensed

Get a cost estimate before work begins

Check reviews — Even in an emergency, a quick Google search is worth the 2 minutes

Get Connected with Local Plumbers

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