Plumbing Emergency: What Actually Counts as One?

Not every plumbing problem needs a 2 AM phone call. Here's how to tell the difference.

I'm Justin Sims, and I take emergency calls at all hours. It's part of the job, and I'm happy to do it—when it's actually an emergency. But I also believe in being straight with people: sometimes what feels urgent at 11 PM can actually wait until morning, and I'd rather save you the after-hours rate when that's the case.

So let's talk about what really constitutes a plumbing emergency, what can wait a few hours, and how to make the call.

True Plumbing Emergencies — Call Now

These situations need immediate attention. If you're experiencing any of these, stop reading and make the call:

Major Water Leak You Can't Stop

If water is actively flooding your home and you can't shut it off at the source or main valve, that's an emergency. Every minute means more damage.

Sewage Backing Up Into Your Home

This isn't just property damage—it's a health hazard. Raw sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites. If it's coming up through drains or toilets, you need help now.

Complete Loss of Water During Extreme Weather

No water during a winter freeze could mean frozen pipes about to burst. No water during a summer heat wave is a health and safety issue.

Gas Smell Near Your Water Heater

If you smell rotten eggs near your gas water heater, that's a potential gas leak. Get everyone out of the house and call from outside. This one you might actually call 911 for first.

Burst Pipe Flooding Your Home

Pretty self-explanatory. If a pipe has burst and water is going everywhere, you need emergency service.

Overflowing Toilet You Can't Stop

If the shut-off valve doesn't work and the toilet keeps overflowing, you're looking at water damage and potentially sewage on your floors.

Urgent But Not Emergency — Call First Thing Tomorrow

These problems need attention soon, but a few hours won't make things dramatically worse:

Toilet Won't Flush (But You Have Another One)

Annoying? Absolutely. But if you've got a second bathroom, you can make it through the night.

Slow Drain (Not Backing Up)

A drain that's sluggish is telling you something, but it's not flooding your house. Get it looked at this week, not at midnight.

Water Heater Not Producing Hot Water

No one likes a cold shower, but unless it's accompanied by leaking or gas smell, it's not an emergency. Exception: if you have very young children, elderly family members, or medical needs that require hot water.

Minor Leak You Can Contain

A drip you can catch with a bucket? Put the bucket down, get some sleep, and call in the morning.

Garbage Disposal Not Working

Your disposal is convenient, not critical. You can put food scraps in the trash for a day.

Can Wait for a Scheduled Appointment

These are normal service calls. Schedule at your convenience:

Running Toilet

Yes, it's wasting water and driving you crazy with that constant sound. But it's not damaging your home. We should fix it this week, not tonight.

Gradual Decrease in Water Pressure

Something's going on, but it's been developing over time. A scheduled visit will sort it out.

Dripping Faucet

Wasteful and annoying, but not urgent. Add it to the list for your next service call.

Routine Water Heater Maintenance

Important for longevity, but plan it rather than panic about it.

New Fixture Installation

You've been thinking about that new bathroom faucet for months. It can wait for a proper appointment.

The Key Question: Can You Contain It?

Here's my simple framework for deciding:

Can you shut off the water and prevent ongoing damage?

If yes → It can probably wait until regular business hours

If no → It's an emergency

Is there a health hazard?

If yes (sewage, gas smell, contaminated water) → Emergency

If no → Assess the damage risk

Is it causing active, ongoing damage to your home?

If yes → Emergency

If no → Urgent or scheduled

The Cost Difference: Let's Be Real

Emergency plumbing costs more than scheduled service. That's true industry-wide, not just with us. Why?

• After-hours means pulling someone from their family or bed
• Immediate dispatch means rearranging the next day's schedule
• Parts suppliers are closed, so we're working from truck inventory
• Higher stress situations take more time and care

I'm not trying to discourage you from calling when you really need help. I'm trying to help you make an informed decision. If your basement is flooding, the extra cost of an emergency call is nothing compared to the damage that's occurring every minute.

But if your toilet's running and you've got another bathroom? Save yourself some money and call in the morning.

Damage Prevention While You Wait

If you've determined your problem can wait, here's how to minimize any ongoing damage:

1. **Shut off water at the source** if possible (fixture valve or main)
2. **Move valuables** away from the affected area
3. **Use towels, buckets, or a wet-dry vac** to contain water
4. **Document everything** with photos and video for insurance
5. **Turn off your water heater** if there's a major leak (prevents dry-firing)

Our Promise on Emergency Calls

When you call SimsCo with an emergency, here's what you get:

• **24/7 availability** — someone answers, always
• **Honest assessment** — if it can wait, we'll tell you
• **Clear arrival time** — no "sometime between now and dawn"
• **Upfront pricing** — you'll know the cost before we start work

I'd rather earn your trust by being straight with you than take your money for something that wasn't urgent.

The Bottom Line

True emergencies are about active damage or health hazards. If water's flooding, sewage is backing up, or you smell gas—call immediately. Don't hesitate, don't wait.

But if you've got a drip, a clog, or a toilet that runs? Take a breath. Put a bucket under it. Get some sleep. We'll be here in the morning.

**Still not sure if your situation is an emergency?** Call us anyway at (512) 665-0250 — we'll be honest with you. If it can wait, we'll tell you. We give a 💩 about helping you make the right call.

*Justin Sims is a Master Plumber and owner of SimsCo Mechanical & Plumbing, serving Westlake Hills, Bee Cave, Lake Travis, and Dripping Springs.*