Not Everything Is an Emergency
Emergency plumbers are available 24/7 — but not every problem needs immediate attention. Understanding the difference saves you money and stress.
TRUE EMERGENCIES — Call Now
These situations pose immediate risk of:
- Serious water damage
- Health hazards
- Property damage
- Safety risks
1. Burst Pipe / Major Water Leak
Why it's an emergency: A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons per hour, destroying floors, walls, furniture, and creating mold conditions.
What to do first: Shut off your main water valve immediately. Then call.
2. Sewer Backup
Why it's an emergency: Raw sewage in your home is a health hazard. It contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Plus, the damage gets worse by the minute.
What to do first: Stop using all water. Don't flush toilets. Call immediately.
3. No Water At All
Why it's an emergency: If you suddenly have no water and your neighbors do, you likely have a main line break. This can cause property damage and will only get worse.
What to do first: Check if neighbors have water. If they do, call a plumber. If they don't, call the city.
4. Gas Leak
Why it's an emergency: Gas leaks can cause explosions. They're immediately dangerous.
What to do first: Get everyone out of the house. Don't use light switches, phones, or anything electrical. Once outside, call FortisBC (1-800-663-9911) and a plumber with gas certification.
5. Overflowing Toilet That Won't Stop
Why it's an emergency: Sewage water flooding your bathroom damages flooring, causes mold, and is a health hazard.
What to do first: Turn off the water supply to the toilet (shut-off valve behind the toilet). If it keeps overflowing, shut off the main water.
6. Flooded Basement / Water Heater Failure
Why it's an emergency: A failed water heater can dump 50+ gallons of water. A flooded basement can destroy everything stored there and damage the foundation.
What to do first: Shut off water to the water heater. If flooding is severe, shut off the main water.
CAN WAIT — Schedule for Business Hours
These are problems, but they won't cause immediate damage.
Slow Drain (Single Fixture)
One slow drain is annoying but not urgent. It can wait until regular hours.
Exception: If multiple drains are slow simultaneously, it could be a main line issue — more urgent.
Dripping Faucet
Wastes water over time but isn't causing active damage. Schedule for regular hours.
Running Toilet
Wastes water but isn't an emergency. Can wait for business hours.
No Hot Water (But Cold Works)
Inconvenient but not damaging. Schedule for the next business day.
Leaking Fixture
If you can contain it with a bucket, it can wait. If water is spreading, it's more urgent.
Low Water Pressure
Unless it's sudden and severe, this can wait for diagnosis during business hours.
The "Emergency vs Wait" Test
Ask yourself:
- Is water actively flooding? → Emergency
- Is there a health hazard (sewage, gas)? → Emergency
- Will waiting cause significant damage? → Emergency
- Can I safely contain or stop it? → Can probably wait
How to Prepare for Emergencies
Know where your shut-offs are:
- Main water valve
- Water heater shut-off
- Toilet shut-offs
- Gas shut-off (for gas leaks — only if you can do so safely)
Have a plumber's number saved Don't Google for a plumber while your basement floods. Have a reliable number ready.
Keep basic supplies:
- Bucket
- Plunger (flange style for toilets)
- Adjustable wrench
- Old towels