Proudly Canadian
What Counts as a Plumbing Emergency
Not every drip needs a plumber at midnight. A slow faucet drip or a toilet that runs now and then can wait for a regular appointment. The line gets crossed when water keeps moving after you've done what you can, when wastewater is involved, or when the problem threatens the structure of the house.
A good test is to ask what happens if you wait until tomorrow. If the answer is a soaked subfloor, a ruined finished basement or a family without a working toilet, it's urgent. If you've closed a valve and the situation is stable, you have more time to compare options, though it's still worth booking quickly.
Burst Pipes and Major Leaks
Burst pipes are the classic Canadian winter call. Water expands as it freezes, and copper, PEX and older galvanized lines can all split, often in exterior walls, crawl spaces, garages and under kitchen sinks on outside walls. The leak frequently doesn't appear until the pipe thaws, which is why a sudden flood on a milder afternoon after a deep freeze is so common.
Once the main is off, a plumber will find the break, cut out the damaged section and replace it. They'll usually check nearby runs too, because one frozen section often means the whole stretch was exposed. Ask what caused the freeze so you can fix insulation or air leaks before the next cold spell.
Sewer Backups and Basement Flooding
A backup through a basement floor drain is unpleasant and a health concern. It can come from a blockage in your own sewer lateral, tree roots, a collapsed pipe, or heavy rain overwhelming the municipal system. Stop using water in the house, since every flush and shower adds to what's coming back up.
A plumber can clear the line and often run a camera to see what caused it. If it keeps happening, ask about a backwater valve or sump pump. Many Canadian municipalities offer flood-protection subsidies for these upgrades, so check your city's website before the work is done, because most programs require approval first.
- Keep children and pets away from sewage water
- Wear gloves and boots if you must go near it
- Don't run a shop vac on sewage without proper filtration
- Call your insurer early; many policies need sewer backup coverage added
Need someone today? Describe the problem and we'll put it in front of local pros.
Post my jobWater Heater Failures
A water heater leaking from the bottom of the tank usually means the tank has corroded through, and it won't seal itself. Turn off the cold water supply on top of the tank, then turn off the gas valve or the breaker for an electric unit. A leak from a fitting or the pressure relief valve can sometimes be repaired, so describe exactly where the water is coming from.
If the relief valve is releasing hot water or steam, the tank may be overheating. Don't try to cap it. Shut off the energy source and get a professional to look at it. For gas units, if you smell gas at any point, leave and call your gas utility from outside.
What to Expect When the Plumber Arrives
Expect questions about when it started, what you've shut off and whether it's happened before. The plumber will find the source, stop the immediate damage, and then explain whether a full repair can happen now or needs a second visit for parts. Ask for the price before work starts, including any after-hours rate, and get it in writing.
Emergency visits aim to make things safe and functional. Larger jobs, like replacing a section of drain line or a water heater, may be scheduled separately. That's normal, and it gives you a chance to get a second quote on the bigger work.
Preventing the Next Emergency
Most plumbing emergencies give a warning first. Slow drains, gurgling, a water heater that's past its expected life, or a pipe that sweats in an unheated space are all worth booking a regular visit for. Know where your main shut-off is and make sure it turns. A seized valve turns a small leak into a flood.
Before winter, disconnect garden hoses, shut and drain outdoor taps unless they're frost-free, and insulate pipes in garages and crawl spaces. If you're leaving for more than a few days, keep the heat on and consider shutting the main.
What Affects the Cost of an Urgent Call
Every job is different, so we don't publish a flat emergency price. Ask for the total before work starts. These are the things that usually move the number:
- Time of the call: evenings, weekends and holidays often carry a higher rate
- How easy the problem is to reach (behind finished walls versus an open basement)
- Parts needed, and whether the plumber carries them
- Whether a camera inspection or drain clearing is required
- Water heater type and size, if replacement is needed
- Your location; travel to rural areas can add to the cost
For typical price ranges on planned work, see our plumbing cost guide.