Burst pipe at midnight, sewage backing into the tub, no water at all — plumbing emergencies don't respect business hours, and the first five minutes matter more than the next five hours. Emergency plumber visits run $150–$500+ for the callout, often 1.5–2x normal rates. This section covers exactly what to do first for each emergency (main shutoff locations, damage control), what emergency service really costs, and how to avoid the predatory pricing that emergencies attract.
The first-five-minutes drill
Know where your main water shutoff is before you need it — our guide shows the common locations and how to test the valve yearly so it actually turns when it counts. Water off first, phone second, photos third (for insurance).
What's actually an emergency
Active flooding, sewage backup, gas smell, and no water in winter are emergencies. A dripping faucet, slow drain, or running toilet can wait for morning rates — our triage guide sorts them honestly.