Don't Panic! How to Choose the Right Emergency Plumber
When Plumbing Disasters Strike: Your Quick Guide
Emergency plumbers are available 24/7 to handle urgent plumbing crises that can't wait for regular business hours. Here's what you need to know right now:
- Need help immediately? Reach our 24/7 emergency team serving the entire Denver metro area
- Response time: Typically 30-90 minutes in the Denver metro area
- Common emergencies: Burst pipes, sewage backups, no hot water, gas leaks
- What to do while waiting: Turn off your water at the main valve, document damage
- Cost: Expect to pay $185-250 for the first hour (but ask for upfront pricing)
When water is gushing through your ceiling at midnight or sewage is backing up into your bathtub during a holiday dinner, every minute counts. Plumbing emergencies don't wait for convenient times, and neither should your response.
A true plumbing emergency involves risk to your property, health hazards, or complete loss of essential services. While a dripping faucet can wait until morning, burst pipes, sewer backups, or gas leaks require immediate professional attention.
Most homeowners face at least one serious plumbing emergency during their time in a home. The difference between minor inconvenience and major disaster often comes down to two factors: how quickly you respond and who you call for help.
I'm Mike Martinez, owner of Accountable Home Plumbing, with over 15 years of experience dispatching emergency plumbers throughout Denver's unique climate challenges, from frozen pipes in Highlands Ranch to sewer backups in Cherry Creek.
What Qualifies as a Plumbing Emergency?
Not every plumbing issue warrants a midnight call, but some situations simply can't wait until morning. Understanding what constitutes a genuine emergency will help you make the right decision when problems arise.
"If you're unsure whether you have an emergency or not, it's better safe than sorry," explains one of our senior technicians. "We'd rather come out and find a minor issue than have you wait and find significant water damage the next day."
True plumbing emergencies typically involve immediate risks to your property or health. Burst pipes can release up to 250 gallons per hour, potentially causing thousands in damage within just 60 minutes. Sewer backups bring dangerous waste into your living spaces, creating serious health hazards.
Gas leaks present immediate danger and require evacuation and professional help. Water heater failures might seem inconvenient, but in winter, they can quickly lead to frozen and burst pipes. Any situation creating flooding risk threatens structural damage to your home, while health hazards from contaminated water should never be ignored.
The response timeline is critical when dealing with these emergencies—every minute counts when water is actively damaging your home.
Signs You Need Emergency Plumbers Now
Recognizing the early warning signs of a plumbing emergency can save you significant time, money, and stress. When you notice water where it shouldn't be—puddles, dampness, or sudden water stains—it's time to call for help. Gurgling drains throughout multiple fixtures often signal a sewer line blockage that could soon become a messy disaster.
That distinctive rotten-egg smell isn't just unpleasant—it typically signals a gas leak requiring immediate evacuation and professional assistance. A complete loss of water pressure throughout your home could indicate a major line break that needs urgent attention. Unusually high water bills might be your first clue of a hidden leak causing damage behind walls or under floors.
As one Denver homeowner shared after experiencing a burst pipe during a January cold snap: "I heard a strange hissing sound from the basement and found water spraying everywhere. Thankfully, I knew where my main shut-off valve was located and called for emergency plumbers immediately. The technician arrived within 45 minutes and prevented what could have been catastrophic damage."
Emergencies vs. Routine Issues
Not every plumbing problem requires the higher rates of emergency service. Learning to distinguish between true emergencies and issues that can wait will save you money and stress.
Minor drips contained in a sink or tub can typically wait until regular business hours. Slow drains that haven't completely blocked up are inconvenient but rarely constitute an emergency. A running toilet is wasteful but not urgent if you have another bathroom available. Scheduled maintenance should be planned during regular hours for the best rates.
On the other hand, water actively flowing uncontrollably through your home needs immediate attention. Complete blockages causing overflow create rapid damage and health hazards. Sewage backing up into your home is never something to postpone addressing. If you smell gas (that rotten egg odor), leave your home immediately and call for emergency help from a safe location. Having no water throughout the house might indicate a serious problem, especially during extreme weather.
Kevin C., a customer from Westminster, noted: "Had a water leak on a holiday. Called Accountable's emergency plumbers, told them my issue. They quickly responded and had a repair person at my residence within 30 minutes."
Making this distinction can save you money, as emergency rates are typically higher than standard service calls. However, when in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of caution—especially when water is actively damaging your home or when health and safety are at risk.
First-Aid Steps While Waiting for Help
When water is gushing from your ceiling or backing up through your drains, every minute counts. The actions you take before the emergency plumbers arrive can be the difference between a manageable repair and devastating damage. Let's walk through what you should do while help is on the way.
Shut Off Water & Gas Safely
First things first: stop the flow! For water emergencies, locate your main water valve and turn it clockwise to shut it off. This valve is typically found in your basement, crawl space, or where the water line enters your home. If you can tell the problem is isolated to a specific fixture like a toilet or sink, you can just turn off the smaller fixture valve nearby instead.
"I can't tell you how many times I've arrived at a home to find water everywhere because the homeowner couldn't find their main shut-off," says Mike, our senior technician. "Take five minutes today to locate yours—it could save you thousands later."
After shutting off the water, open a few faucets to drain what's left in the pipes. This relieves pressure and minimizes leaking.
For gas emergencies, safety comes first. If you smell that distinctive rotten-egg odor, evacuate immediately and call from outside. Never flip light switches or use electronics that could create sparks. The gas meter shut-off is typically outside your home—use a wrench to turn the valve perpendicular to the pipe, but only if you can do so safely.
Contain & Document Damage
Once the water's off, it's time for damage control. Grab towels and buckets to catch dripping water and soak up what's already spilled. Move furniture, electronics, and valuable items away from wet areas immediately.
Before you start cleaning up too much, though, take plenty of photos of the damage. These will be crucial for insurance claims later. Document everything—water stains, damaged items, and the source of the problem if visible.
"The photos I took while waiting for my plumber made my insurance claim so straightforward," shares Jennifer from Lakewood. "I was so stressed I almost forgot, but those pictures saved me hours of arguing with adjusters later."
Start removing standing water with towels, mops, or a wet vacuum if you have one. Open windows and doors if weather permits to begin the drying process and improve ventilation.
Protect Family & Pets
While addressing the plumbing crisis, don't forget about safety. Keep children and pets away from affected areas, especially if you're dealing with raw sewage or contaminated water. This isn't just about keeping them dry—sewage backups contain harmful bacteria that pose serious health risks.
If you're dealing with standing water, turn off electricity to those areas to prevent electrical hazards. Water and electricity create a dangerous combination, so if your electrical panel is in a wet area, call an electrician before attempting to access it.
When handling potentially contaminated water, wear protective gear like rubber gloves and boots. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward, even if you wore gloves. Slippery floors are another hazard during plumbing emergencies, so move carefully to avoid falls.
Taking these immediate steps while waiting for emergency plumbers to arrive will help contain the damage and keep your family safe. For more detailed guidance on handling specific emergency situations, visit our Emergency Repairs page.
Your safety always comes first. If you're unsure about any step, wait for the professionals—we're on our way.
Why You Need Emergency Plumbers 24/7
When your toilet overflows at midnight or a pipe bursts during Sunday dinner, the value of having reliable emergency plumbers on speed dial becomes undeniably clear. These moments of plumbing crisis don't politely wait for business hours—they strike when you least expect them, turning ordinary evenings into stress-filled disasters.
At Accountable Home Plumbing, we've seen how quickly a small leak can become a flooded basement. That's why we've built our entire service model around being there when you need us most—with rapid dispatch, fully-equipped trucks, and transparent pricing that won't add financial stress to an already difficult situation.
Average Response Times & Expectations
The clock starts ticking the moment a plumbing emergency begins. Every minute water flows freely through your home means more potential damage to floors, walls, and cherished possessions. That's why our response time isn't just a convenience—it's a crucial part of damage control.
When you call our emergency line, you'll always reach a real person, not a recording or answering service. We understand the panic in your voice because we've heard it hundreds of times before. Our team typically dispatches a technician within 15 minutes of your call, with an average arrival time of 30-90 minutes throughout the Denver metro area.
"I couldn't believe someone actually showed up at 3 AM when our water heater burst," shares Michael R. from Lakewood. "The technician arrived in about 40 minutes, stopped the flooding, and had a temporary solution in place before sunrise. By the afternoon, we had a brand new water heater installed."
Even during holidays and weekends, our teams remain fully operational without charging additional fees for these "inconvenient" times. We know plumbing emergencies don't check the calendar before they happen. We'll keep you updated with text message ETAs so you're never left wondering when help will arrive—because we know that uncertainty only adds to your stress.
During extreme weather events when call volumes spike, we prioritize based on severity while always providing realistic timeframes. This transparency is part of our commitment to respectful customer service, even in crisis situations.
Services Emergency Plumbers Handle
Our emergency response teams arrive in trucks stocked with parts and equipment to handle virtually any plumbing disaster on the first visit. This preparation means faster solutions and less waiting during critical situations.
For homeowners, our emergency plumbers routinely tackle burst pipes that are spraying water through ceilings, sewer line blockages causing bathroom backups, and complete water heater failures that leave families without hot water in the middle of winter. We're equipped to thaw frozen pipes during Colorado's cold snaps, repair gas leaks that pose serious safety hazards, and resolve main line blockages that affect multiple fixtures throughout your home.
Commercial clients rely on us for swift response to restaurant drain emergencies, commercial bathroom failures that impact customer experience, and water main breaks that could shut down business operations. Our specialized commercial teams understand that plumbing emergencies don't just mean property damage—they can mean lost revenue and disappointed customers.
As restaurant owner Javier T. explains: "A backed-up grease trap nearly forced us to close on what would have been our busiest night of the month. Accountable's team arrived in under an hour and worked efficiently to resolve the issue before our dinner service began. Their emergency response literally saved us thousands in potential lost sales."
The peace of mind that comes with knowing professional help is just a phone call away—any time, day or night—is perhaps the greatest value we provide. In those moments when water is pouring through light fixtures or backing up through drains, that assurance is priceless.
For more details about our round-the-clock emergency response capabilities, visit our 24/7 Plumber page, where you'll find additional information about our emergency services and response protocols.
Costs, Response Times & Guarantees
Let's talk about what's probably weighing on your mind during a plumbing emergency – the cost. When water is spraying everywhere at 2 AM, the last thing you need is pricing anxiety on top of everything else. At Accountable Home Plumbing, we believe in being completely transparent about what our emergency services cost.
Typical Fee Ranges
When you're facing a plumbing crisis, understanding the costs helps you make better decisions without the panic. Here's what typically makes up your emergency plumbing bill:
When you call an emergency plumber, you'll typically pay a call-out charge between $85-125 just to get someone to your door. The hourly labor rates usually run $85-150 during regular business hours, with an after-hours premium of $50-100 for nights, weekends, and those inconvenient holiday emergencies. Parts and materials vary based on what your specific situation needs, and if there's water damage that needs addressing, that might require additional services.
What makes us different at Accountable Home Plumbing is our commitment to upfront, flat-rate pricing. Before we touch a single pipe or tool, you'll know exactly what you're paying – no surprises, no hidden fees, no mysterious charges appearing later.
As we like to say around here: "When we say 'This is how much it is' that's how much it is. Period." It's this straightforward approach that has Denver homeowners calling us first when emergencies strike.
Yes, emergency services cost more than scheduled repairs – that's just the reality of having skilled technicians available at all hours. But consider the alternative: a single hour of water damage from a burst pipe can set you back $1,000-$4,000 in property damage. Suddenly, that emergency service call starts looking like a pretty smart investment.
What Guarantees to Look For
Not all emergency plumbers offer the same guarantees, and knowing what to look for can save you headaches down the road. Here's what we believe you should expect from any emergency plumber worthy of your call:
First and foremost, look for a satisfaction guarantee. We back our work with a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee because we stand behind everything we do. The parts we install carry manufacturer warranties, typically ranging from 1-5 years, and our workmanship is guaranteed for a full year on most repairs.
We also promise something simple but important: "If we dirty it, we'll clean it. If we damage it, we'll fix it. Plain and simple." There's nothing worse than having your emergency fixed only to be left with a mess to clean up yourself.
Our transparent pricing policy means no hidden fees, even for those middle-of-the-night emergency calls. And of course, we're fully licensed and insured, providing you complete protection and compliance with all local regulations.
Ruth from Boulder recently told us: "The technician not only fixed our emergency leak but took the time to explain what happened, how to prevent it in the future, and cleaned up completely before leaving. That level of service is why we've used Accountable for years."
We understand that plumbing emergencies rarely align conveniently with your monthly budget. That's why we offer financing options for larger emergency repairs. Our goal is simple – to make an already stressful situation as stress-free as possible.
When disaster strikes and you need an emergency plumber, the last thing you should worry about is whether you're getting a fair deal. With Accountable, you can focus on protecting your home while we focus on solving your plumbing crisis – quickly, effectively, and transparently.
Preventing Future Plumbing Emergencies
Let's face it—no one wants to deal with water gushing through their ceiling at 2 AM. After helping thousands of Denver homeowners through plumbing crises, I've learned that a little prevention goes a very long way.
The most effective way to avoid midnight calls to emergency plumbers is by taking proactive steps before problems develop. Think of it as insurance for your peace of mind—and your wallet.
"The customers we see least often for emergencies are the ones who take maintenance seriously," says our lead technician Carlos. "Just a few simple habits can make all the difference between a routine adjustment and a flooded basement."
Maintaining your plumbing system isn't just about avoiding inconvenience—it's also about protecting our local environment. Proper maintenance reduces water waste and prevents harmful substances from entering our waterways. Recent research from the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust shows how household water management directly impacts local aquatic ecosystems.
DIY Checks You Can Do Monthly
You don't need specialized tools or expertise to catch many plumbing issues before they become emergencies. Setting a monthly reminder for these simple checks can save you thousands in emergency repairs.
Start by checking under your sinks and around toilets for any moisture or dripping—even slow leaks can cause major damage over time. While you're at it, examine any exposed pipes for signs of corrosion, cracks, or bulging, especially in older Denver homes where pipes may have weathered many freeze-thaw cycles.
Your water pressure matters more than you might think. High pressure (above 60 psi) silently strains your entire plumbing system, potentially leading to sudden failures. Inexpensive pressure gauges available at any hardware store can help you monitor this crucial measurement.
Don't forget about your sump pump—especially before spring rains or rapid snowmelt. Simply pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to make sure it activates properly. This five-minute check could prevent a flooded basement when you need that pump most.
"After my neighbor's basement flooded last year, I started testing my sump pump monthly," shares James from Westminster. "It takes just minutes but gives me tremendous peace of mind knowing it'll work when I need it."
Your water heater needs love too. Flushing a few gallons from the tank every month removes sediment buildup that can cause inefficiency and even premature failure. This simple maintenance step can extend your water heater's life by years.
Toilet leaks often go unnoticed but waste enormous amounts of water. Try this simple test: add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait 30 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, you've got a leak that needs attention.
Professional Services That Pay Off
While DIY maintenance is valuable, some preventive measures require professional expertise but provide significant long-term protection against emergencies.
An annual comprehensive plumbing inspection is perhaps the best investment you can make. Our technicians check your entire system from top to bottom, identifying potential issues before they become midnight emergencies. These inspections are particularly valuable before extreme weather seasons in Colorado.
For homes more than 20 years old, we strongly recommend a sewer line camera inspection. This technology allows us to see inside your pipes to detect tree root intrusion or deterioration before you experience a messy backup. Many homeowners are surprised to find developing issues they had no idea existed.
Water pressure regulators are worth their weight in gold. They maintain optimal pressure throughout your home, protecting pipes and appliances from excessive strain. After installing these devices, we've seen customers' emergency calls drop dramatically.
"We installed a water pressure regulator after our third emergency call in two years," shares Marilyn from Longmont. "Our plumber explained that our high pressure was causing premature pipe wear. We haven't had a single emergency since the installation three years ago."
Smart water leak detection systems represent the cutting edge of prevention. These devices monitor your water usage patterns and can automatically shut off your water if they detect unusual flow. They're especially valuable for homeowners who travel frequently or have vacation properties.
Don't underestimate the importance of proper pipe insulation, particularly in Colorado's climate. Professional insulation of pipes in unheated areas prevents freezing during our notorious cold snaps. This single service prevents countless emergency calls every winter.
Water heater maintenance goes beyond the DIY flush. Annual professional service includes checking the anode rod, which sacrifices itself to prevent tank corrosion. Replacing this inexpensive part when needed can add years to your water heater's life.
For more comprehensive information about these preventive services, visit our General Plumbing Services page.
Frequently Asked Questions about Emergency Plumbers
How quickly can emergency plumbers respond?
When your home is filling with water, time feels like it's standing still. At Accountable Home Plumbing, we understand that feeling, which is why we work to get to your Denver home fast—typically within 30-90 minutes of your call.
During normal conditions, our emergency plumbers can be at your door quickly, but we want to be honest with you: during major storms or city-wide freezes, response times may stretch longer. When half of Denver is dealing with burst pipes, we prioritize based on severity (active flooding takes precedence over a contained leak) and always keep you updated with realistic arrival times via text.
Roger from Broomfield put it best: "This is the fourth time we've used Accountable. All instances were emergency situations and they were the only company that responded so quickly and in all cases finished quickly."
What information should I give when I call?
When you're dealing with water spraying everywhere, the last thing you need is to play twenty questions on the phone. To help us get to you faster and arrive prepared, try to have these details ready:
Your complete address and the best number to reach you, along with a clear description of what's happening—is water gushing from a pipe, backing up from a toilet, or leaking through the ceiling? Let us know if you've managed to shut off water to the affected area and any special instructions we need to access your home.
It's also helpful to mention if there are elderly folks, children, or pets in the home, and roughly how old your plumbing system is. Don't worry if you don't have all this information—we'll still come! But the more you can share, the better equipped our emergency plumbers will be when they arrive.
Do emergency plumbers handle commercial properties as well?
Absolutely! Your business can't afford downtime, and we understand that a plumbing emergency at your restaurant, retail shop, or office building can mean lost revenue every minute the problem persists.
Our emergency plumbers regularly assist Denver-area businesses including restaurants with grease trap emergencies, retail stores with restroom disasters, office buildings with main line backups, hotels, apartment complexes, warehouses, medical facilities, and schools.
Commercial plumbing is a different animal—the pipes are bigger, the systems more complex, and the stakes higher. Our technicians carry specialized equipment for these larger-scale emergencies and focus on minimizing disruption to your business operations.
One local restaurant owner shared their experience: "A backed-up grease trap threatened to shut us down during our busiest weekend. Accountable had a team on-site within an hour and kept us operational. That level of service is priceless in the restaurant business."
How can I tell if a water leak is an emergency?
Not every drip demands a midnight call. Here's how to decide if your leak needs immediate attention:
Your leak is definitely an emergency if water is actively spraying or flowing and can't be stopped by shutting off a nearby valve. Don't wait if water is pooling near electrical outlets or panels—this creates a dangerous electrical hazard. Similarly, if water is soaking into ceilings, walls, or floors, call our emergency plumbers right away as structural damage can happen quickly.
On the other hand, slow drips contained in a sink, minor toilet tank leaks, or occasional faucet dripping can typically wait until regular business hours—especially if you can place a bucket underneath to catch the water.
When in doubt, water damage escalates quickly. Even a small leak can lead to mold growth within 24-48 hours. We'd rather come out and find a minor issue than have you wait and find significant damage the next day.
What should I do if I smell gas?
If you detect that distinctive rotten egg smell that signals natural gas, this is not the time for hesitation. Gas leaks are life-threatening emergencies that require immediate action.
First, don't touch anything electrical—no light switches, no appliances, no phones or electronics inside the home. These can create sparks that ignite gas. Get everyone (including pets) out of the house immediately. Once outside and at a safe distance, call 911 and your gas company from your mobile phone.
After authorities have been notified, call us for emergency plumbing assistance. Our emergency plumbers are trained to handle gas line issues safely, but your safety comes first—always evacuate before making any calls.
Gas leaks are perhaps the most serious plumbing emergency you can face. While water causes property damage, gas leaks can cause explosions. Never attempt to locate or repair a gas leak yourself, and don't return to the building until professionals have declared it safe.
Conclusion
When water starts gushing through your ceiling at 3 AM or your sewer backs up during your in-laws' visit, you need more than just a plumber – you need a partner you can trust. That's exactly what we strive to be at Accountable Home Plumbing.
Over the years, we've rescued countless Denver homeowners from plumbing disasters, arriving when others wouldn't answer their phones. We've seen the relief on faces when our truck pulls up during a holiday emergency, and we've heard the gratitude in voices when we provide clear, upfront pricing – even during those middle-of-the-night calls.
"The technician arrived within 30 minutes of my panicked 2 AM call," remembers Samantha from Lakewood. "He not only fixed my burst pipe but took the time to explain what happened and how to prevent it in the future. I wasn't just another emergency call – I felt like a valued customer."
That's the difference our approach makes. Our fully-stocked trucks mean we can complete most repairs in a single visit. Our licensed technicians bring years of experience to every emergency. And our transparent pricing means you'll never face surprise fees or hidden costs, even during the most stressful situations.
From frozen pipes in Highlands Ranch to overflowing toilets in Cherry Creek, water heater emergencies in Aurora to gas leaks in Centennial – we provide the fast, professional response that Denver metro homeowners deserve.
The best defense against plumbing emergencies is prevention. Take time to schedule regular maintenance checks, be mindful of what goes down your drains, and address those small issues before they become midnight disasters. But when emergencies inevitably occur, know that emergency plumbers from Accountable Home Plumbing are just one call away – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
We understand that plumbing emergencies are never just about pipes and water – they're about protecting your home, your family, and your peace of mind. That's why we're committed to being there when you need us most, with the skills, equipment and attitude to turn a potential disaster into a quickly-resolved incident.
For more information about our comprehensive plumbing services throughout the Denver metro area, visit our full plumbing services page.
Because when it comes to plumbing emergencies, you shouldn't have to face them alone. One call to Accountable Home Plumbing, and it's handled—professionally, promptly, and properly. That's our promise to you.
