We Answer When
It Matters Most
A burst pipe at 2 AM. A sewer backup flooding the basement. A water heater dumping 50 gallons across the floor. When plumbing fails catastrophically, response time determines whether you're dealing with a repair or a disaster. RO responds to plumbing emergencies fast — we stop the water, fix the cause, and help you navigate the cleanup.
Emergency Plumbing
Guide
What Qualifies as Emergency
Any plumbing failure causing active water damage, sewage exposure, or loss of essential water service. This includes: burst pipes, slab leaks, sewer backups, water heater failures, gas leaks (with plumbing involvement), frozen pipes that have burst, and main water line breaks. We prioritize these calls over scheduled work because minutes matter when water is flowing where it shouldn't be.
What to Do Before We Arrive
Step 1: Shut off the water. Use the fixture shutoff if you know the source, or the main shutoff at the meter. Step 2: Turn off the water heater (gas: turn to "pilot"; electric: flip the breaker) to prevent damage from heating an empty tank. Step 3: Open faucets to drain remaining pressure. Step 4: Move valuables away from standing water. Step 5: Document damage with photos for insurance.
Common Emergency Costs
Emergency service calls carry a premium over scheduled work — typically $100–$200 for the after-hours dispatch plus the cost of the repair itself. Burst pipe repair: $200–$800. Sewer backup clearing: $200–$600. Water heater emergency replacement: $1,000–$3,000 (same-day). Slab leak detection and repair: $500–$3,000. The emergency premium is small compared to the cost of additional water damage from waiting.
Water Damage Prevention
Every hour of standing water increases damage exponentially. Drywall absorbs water and grows mold within 24–48 hours. Hardwood floors cup and buckle within hours. Carpet and pad become unsalvageable quickly. Our goal is to stop the water source immediately, then repair the cause. We can also recommend water damage restoration specialists if the damage requires it — and we document everything for your insurance claim.
Emergency Plumbing Gallery
Warning
Signs
Water spraying from a pipe, fitting, or appliance
Active pressurized water leak. Shut off the nearest valve immediately. If you can't find the source, shut off the main water supply at the meter and call us.
Sewage backing up into bathtub, shower, or floor drain
The main sewer line is blocked. Stop using all water in the house immediately — every flush and drain use adds to the backup. This is a health hazard requiring immediate professional response.
Water pooling on the floor near the water heater
The tank may be leaking from the bottom (unrepairable) or from a fitting (repairable). Turn off the gas/electric supply to the heater and the cold water inlet valve on top of the tank.
Sudden loss of all water pressure
Either the main shutoff was accidentally closed, a main line break occurred, or the utility has an issue. Check your shutoff valve first, then check with neighbors. If it's just your home, the main supply line may have failed.
Ceiling is bulging or dripping water
A pipe above is leaking and water is pooling above the ceiling material. This can collapse suddenly. Puncture the bulge with a screwdriver (aim into a bucket) to relieve the weight and prevent ceiling collapse, then call us.
Gas smell combined with water leak
If a plumbing failure has also damaged a gas line (not uncommon in older homes), evacuate immediately and call 911 first, then call us. Gas leaks take priority over water damage.
Maintenance
Tips
Our
Process
Emergency Call
Call us. Describe what's happening — where the water is coming from, how much, and whether you've been able to shut it off. We'll talk you through immediate steps while we dispatch.
Rapid Response
We arrive as quickly as possible with a fully stocked truck. First priority: stop the water. We locate and close the appropriate shutoff, then assess the damage scope.
Diagnose & Repair
Once the water is stopped, we identify the failure point and make the repair — pipe patch, fitting replacement, water heater swap, or drain clearing. If the repair requires parts we don't carry, we make a temporary fix to restore service and return for the permanent repair.
Restore Service
We verify the repair is solid, restore water service, and check all connected fixtures for proper operation. If additional work is needed (water heater replacement, re-pipe section), we schedule it at non-emergency rates.
Document & Advise
We document the failure, the repair, and any visible water damage — photos and a written summary for your insurance claim. We recommend next steps for water damage mitigation and any preventive upgrades.
Cost & Lifespan
Prices are estimates for Upstate SC — get a real quote for your project.
FAQ
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Get Your
Quote
Call us directly or request a quote online. No pressure, no upselling — just honest answers about your emergency plumbing needs.
(864) 304-0139