What counts as a plumbing emergency?
A plumbing emergency is anything causing damage right now or putting health at risk: a burst pipe, water you can't shut off, a sewage backup, or a leaking water heater. A dripping faucet or a single slow drain can usually wait for normal hours.
- Burst or split pipes, including frozen pipes that have cracked
- Water you can't stop at the fixture or the main valve
- Sewage backing up into tubs, showers or floor drains
- A water heater leaking from the tank
- No water at all to the house
- Leaks coming through ceilings or near electrical outlets
What should I do while I wait for the plumber?
Shut off the main water valve, then turn off power to anything the water is reaching. If water is near outlets or the electrical panel, keep clear and don't touch anything electrical.
The main shut-off is usually where the water line enters the house. That's often in a crawlspace, basement, utility room or near the water heater. Find it now, before you need it.
If a water heater is leaking, turn off its water supply. Turn off the power at the breaker for an electric heater, or set a gas heater to “off” or “pilot”.
Take photos of the damage before cleanup if you might make an insurance claim.
What if I smell gas?
Leave the building straight away and call your gas utility or 911 from outside. Don't switch lights or appliances on or off, and don't call a plumber first.
Once the gas company has made the property safe, a plumber can repair the line or the appliance connection.
How much does an emergency plumber cost?
Emergency and after-hours calls usually cost more than booked visits. HomeServe’s national plumbing cost data notes emergency repairs typically cost more than its average figures of about $103 for diagnosis and $411 for a repair.
Ask the contractor for the call-out fee and an estimate before they start. You're entitled to a clear price before you agree to any work.
See our Knoxville plumbing cost guide for typical job prices.
Is the phone really answered 24/7?
Yes. A real person answers 865-321-8269 24 hours a day, every day, including weekends and holidays. How soon a contractor can arrive depends on who's available, and we'll tell you on the call.
If no contractor can come out quickly, we'll say so, so you can decide what to do next.
Frequently asked questions
Will an emergency plumber come at night?
Many contractors take emergency calls at night and at weekends, but availability varies. We'll tell you what we can arrange when you call.
Are frozen pipes an emergency?
A frozen pipe that hasn't burst can often be thawed safely. A pipe that has split is an emergency. Our frozen pipes guide explains the difference.
Should I call my insurance company first?
Stop the water first, then call a plumber, then your insurer. Photos of the damage and the plumber's invoice help with a claim.
Updated 2026-10-07