Quick Answer: When Should I Call a 24/7 Emergency Plumber?
Call an emergency plumber immediately if: water is actively flooding your home, sewage is backing up, you have a burst or frozen pipe, there's no water at all in freezing temperatures, or you smell gas near water fixtures. These situations cause damage that compounds by the minute. For slow drains, dripping faucets, or minor leaks you can contain with a bucket, you can usually wait for regular business hours and save 50-100% on service fees.
Key Decision Points
- Active flooding? Call now - damage multiplies hourly
- Sewage backup? Call now - health hazard requires immediate response
- Can you stop the water? If yes, you may be able to wait
- Freezing temperatures + no water? Pipes may burst - call now
- Gas smell with water issue? Leave immediately, call emergency services
- After-hours premium: 50-100% more, but often worth it for true emergencies
I've been responding to emergency plumbing calls across Toronto for 28 years. And I'll tell you a secret: about 40% of the "emergency" calls I get could have waited until morning. That's money homeowners didn't need to spend on premium service fees.
But the flip side is just as true—I've seen situations where people should have called immediately but waited, turning a $400 repair into $15,000 of water damage. This guide will help you know the difference. If you're in an emergency right now, call (647) 554-4356 for immediate assistance.
Situations Where You MUST Call Immediately
These situations require a 24/7 emergency plumber regardless of time or day. The cost of waiting far exceeds any service premium.
1. Active Flooding / Burst Pipe
CALL NOWDamage compounds at $10-$50 per minute
Water flowing uncontrolled through your home causes damage that doubles every 4-6 hours. A burst pipe releases 8-10 gallons per minute. Even at 2am on Christmas morning, call immediately.
Why You Can't Wait:
- - Flooring, drywall, and insulation saturate within hours
- - Mold begins growing within 24-48 hours
- - Electrical systems become dangerous when wet
- - Insurance may deny claims if you delayed unreasonably
2. Sewage Backup Into Home
CALL NOWHealth hazard - Category 3 contamination
Sewage backing up through floor drains, toilets, or bathtubs contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This is classified as "black water" - the most dangerous type of water damage.
Why You Can't Wait:
- - Exposure to E. coli, hepatitis, and other pathogens
- - Contaminated materials often require complete removal
- - Lingering odor if not addressed quickly
- - May indicate main sewer line blockage affecting entire home
3. No Water + Freezing Temperatures
CALL NOWFrozen pipes can burst at any moment
If it's below 0°C and you suddenly have no water, your pipes are likely frozen. Frozen pipes are time bombs - they can burst when they thaw, causing catastrophic flooding.
Why You Can't Wait:
- - Ice expands, creating extreme pressure in pipes
- - Burst can happen when you're away or asleep
- - Professional thawing prevents bursting
- - Toronto winters regularly see -15°C to -25°C cold snaps
4. Gas Smell Near Water Heater/Pipes
EVACUATE + CALLLife-threatening emergency
If you smell rotten eggs (gas) near your water heater or any plumbing, leave immediately. Don't turn on lights, use phones inside, or start any appliances.
Immediate Steps:
- 1. Evacuate everyone from the home
- 2. Call Enbridge Gas: 1-866-763-5427
- 3. Call 911 if you feel unwell
- 4. Once cleared by gas company, call plumber for water heater service
5. Complete Drain Backup - Only Bathroom
CALL NOWEssential function - can't wait days
If your only bathroom is completely unusable (toilet won't flush, shower backs up), you need service regardless of timing. You can't go 48-72 hours without a working toilet.
Consider Your Options:
- - If it's Saturday morning, a same-day call is justified
- - If it's 2am and you have a second bathroom, wait until morning
- - If you have no alternative, call regardless of time
Situations Where You CAN Wait (And Save Money)
These situations are annoying but not emergencies. Waiting for regular business hours can save you 50-100% on service fees.
Slow Drains (Water Still Going Down)
CAN WAITIf water is draining, just slowly, you can wait. A drain that takes 30 seconds instead of 5 seconds is not an emergency - it's an inconvenience.
Exception: If multiple drains are slow simultaneously, this may indicate a main line issue that could become a backup - consider calling sooner rather than later.
Leaks You Can Contain
CAN WAITIf you can put a bucket under the leak and it's not overflowing, you can usually wait for regular hours. Shut off the water to that fixture if possible.
Exception: If the leak is near electrical outlets, in the ceiling above expensive items, or you can't stop it from spreading, call sooner.
Dripping Faucet
NOT URGENTA dripping faucet wastes about 1-2 gallons per day - annoying and wasteful, but not an emergency. This can wait days or even weeks.
Exception: If the drip becomes a steady stream you can't stop, that's a broken valve and needs faster attention.
Running Toilet
NOT URGENTA toilet that runs constantly is wasting water, but it's not an emergency. You can lift the tank lid and hold the flapper down temporarily if it's annoying you.
Pro tip: If you know how to turn off the toilet's supply valve (behind it), do that and you can wait comfortably until Monday.
No Hot Water (You Have Cold)
NOT URGENTIf you have cold water but no hot water, this is likely a water heater issue. Uncomfortable, yes, but not a plumbing emergency. Wait for regular hours.
Exception: If you smell gas near your gas water heater, follow the gas emergency protocol above.
The 60-Second Emergency Decision Flowchart
Use this quick flowchart to decide if you need emergency service:
Is water actively flooding your home?
YES → CALL NOW | NO → Continue
Is sewage backing up into your home?
YES → CALL NOW | NO → Continue
Do you smell gas?
YES → EVACUATE, CALL GAS COMPANY | NO → Continue
Is it below freezing with no water at all?
YES → CALL NOW (frozen pipes) | NO → Continue
Can you shut off the water and contain any leaks?
NO → Consider calling | YES → You can probably wait
Do you have access to an alternative bathroom?
NO → Call for same-day service | YES → You can wait until regular hours
The True Cost of Waiting vs. Calling Now
Emergency plumber rates are higher - typically 50-100% more than regular hours. But that's not the only cost to consider. Here's how to calculate the real cost:
Cost Comparison Calculator
Regular Hours Service Call
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
After-Hours Emergency Call
Nights, weekends, holidays
Emergency Premium
Extra cost for immediate response
BUT... Water Damage Per Hour of Flooding
Flooring, drywall, contents
Bottom Line: If active flooding or sewage is involved, the $75-$150 emergency premium is a bargain compared to potential damage costs.
What to Do While Waiting for the Plumber
If you've called and the plumber is on the way, use this time wisely to minimize damage:
Emergency Response Checklist
Shut Off the Main Water Valve
Usually located near the water meter in your basement or utility room. Turn clockwise to stop all water flow. This is the single most important step.
Turn Off the Water Heater
If you've shut off the main water, turn off your water heater to prevent it from overheating with no water flowing through. For gas heaters, set to "pilot" or "off."
Open Faucets to Drain Remaining Water
Open the lowest faucets in your home (usually basement laundry sink) to drain water still in the pipes and reduce pressure.
Remove Valuables from Affected Areas
Move electronics, documents, photos, and irreplaceable items away from water. Lift furniture legs onto blocks or aluminum foil to prevent staining.
Document the Damage
Take photos and videos before cleaning up. Your insurance company will need documentation. Include wide shots and close-ups of affected areas.
Mop Up Standing Water
Use towels, mops, and wet-dry vacuums to remove as much water as possible. The faster you remove water, the less damage occurs.
Pro Tip: Know Your Main Shutoff Location
Right now, before any emergency happens, locate your main water shutoff valve. In most Toronto homes, it's in the basement near the front wall where the water line enters. Practice turning it off and on. When you're standing in 2 inches of water at 3am is NOT the time to search for it.
Questions to Ask Before the Plumber Arrives
When you call an emergency plumber, ask these questions to protect yourself:
"What is your service call fee?"
Know the minimum charge before they arrive. Emergency rates should be disclosed upfront.
"Are you licensed and insured?"
In Ontario, plumbers must hold a valid license. Ask for the license number and verify if you have concerns.
"How quickly can you arrive?"
Reputable emergency plumbers should arrive within 30-90 minutes in the GTA. If they say 4+ hours, keep calling.
"Will you provide a written estimate before starting work?"
Even in emergencies, you should see pricing before authorizing repairs beyond initial diagnosis.
"Do you guarantee your work?"
Professional plumbers should offer a warranty. Water Pro offers a 90-day guarantee on all emergency work.
Red Flags to Watch For
- - Won't give any price estimate over the phone
- - Demands large cash payment upfront
- - Can't provide a license number
- - Pressures you to make immediate decisions on major repairs
- - Unmarked van with no company identification
Toronto-Specific Emergency Resources
Living in the GTA, you have several emergency resources available. Know these numbers before you need them:
Emergency Contact Numbers
Gas Emergencies
1-866-763-5427
Enbridge Gas - 24/7
City Water Main Breaks
311
City of Toronto - 24/7
24/7 Emergency Plumber
(647) 554-4356
Water Pro - GTA-wide
Electrical Emergency
1-800-434-1235
Toronto Hydro - 24/7
City vs. Your Responsibility
In Toronto, the City is responsible for the water main and sewer line from the street to your property line. Everything from your property line to your house - and inside it - is YOUR responsibility. If you're unsure where the problem is, call both 311 and a plumber. The City will check their side for free; a plumber will diagnose your side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Call a 24/7 emergency plumber at 2am if you have active flooding, a burst pipe, complete sewage backup, no water in freezing conditions, or gas smell with water issues. These problems cause damage that compounds by the hour. For slow drains or minor leaks you can contain, wait until morning to save 50-100% on service fees.
Emergency plumber rates are typically 50-100% higher than regular business hours. A service call that costs $150 during the day might be $225-$300 at night or on weekends. However, waiting can cost more in water damage than the premium fee. Calculate potential damage costs vs. service premium when deciding.
Ask: 1) What's your service call fee? 2) Are you licensed and insured? 3) How quickly can you arrive? 4) Do you provide upfront pricing before starting work? 5) Is there a diagnostic fee? A reputable emergency plumber will answer these clearly without pressure.
You can wait until Monday if: you can completely stop the water flow, no sewage is involved, you have alternative bathroom/water access, and no risk of pipe freezing. You should NOT wait if water is actively flowing, sewage is backing up, you have no water at all, or frozen pipes could burst.
While waiting: 1) Shut off the main water valve to stop flooding, 2) Turn off the water heater to prevent damage, 3) Open faucets to drain remaining water, 4) Remove valuables from affected areas, 5) Document damage with photos for insurance, 6) Mop up standing water to prevent floor damage.
A dripping faucet is NOT a plumbing emergency. It can wait for regular business hours or even a few days. The water loss is minimal (1-2 gallons per day) and causes no immediate damage. However, if the drip becomes a steady stream you can't stop, or if water is spraying uncontrollably, that becomes an emergency.
The Bottom Line: Trust Your Instincts
Here's what I've learned after 28 years of emergency calls: if you're genuinely worried, call. The peace of mind is worth the phone call. Any reputable emergency plumber will help you assess the situation over the phone and tell you honestly if it can wait.
The $75-$150 premium for emergency service is cheap insurance against catastrophic water damage. But that same premium is wasted money if your issue is truly non-urgent.
Use the flowchart in this guide. Ask yourself the key questions. And when in doubt, pick up the phone. A quick conversation can save you both money and sleepless nights of worry.
Need to Talk to a Plumber Right Now?
We're available 24/7 and can help you assess your situation over the phone - no charge for the call.
Call (647) 554-4356Licensed • Insured • 30-60 min response • 90-day guarantee
Related Emergency Guides
About Mike Thompson
Master Plumber - License #MP-2847 - 28 Years Experience
Mike has been responding to emergency plumbing calls across the GTA since 1996. He specializes in rapid diagnosis and repair of burst pipes, sewage backups, and frozen pipe emergencies. Member of the Ontario Plumbing Inspectors Association (OPIA).
View Full Profile →