What should I do while waiting for an emergency plumber?
Shut off the main water valve first, then turn off the water heater (gas to "pilot", or the breaker for electric) if the leak is near it. Move valuables away from the water, take photos for insurance, and keep people and pets away from any water near outlets or appliances.
- Find the main shutoff. In most Indianapolis homes it's in the basement or crawlspace where the water line enters, near the meter. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
- Open a low faucet to drain pressure from the pipes.
- For a sewer backup, stop running water and flushing toilets anywhere in the house.
- For a frozen pipe, open the nearest faucet and warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer. Never use an open flame.
- Call 317-314-8486 and tell us what's happening and your ZIP code.
Plumbing problem right now?
Tell us what's happening and where you are. Calls are answered 24/7, and it's free to call.
What is considered a plumbing emergency?
A plumbing emergency is anything that's actively damaging your home or makes it unsafe or unusable: a burst or frozen pipe, a sewer backup, water you can't shut off, no water at all, or a leaking water heater. A smell of gas is an emergency too, so leave the building and call your gas utility or 911 first, then a plumber.
| Situation | Call now? | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Burst or frozen pipe | Yes | Shut off the main water valve |
| Sewer backing up into drains | Yes | Stop all water use in the house |
| Water heater leaking from the tank | Yes | Shut off water to the heater and its power or gas |
| Flooding basement or failed sump pump | Yes | Cut power to the basement if water is near outlets |
| One toilet clogged, others working | Can usually wait | Use another toilet and book a daytime visit |
| Dripping faucet | Can wait | Book a regular appointment |
Burst pipe, sewer backup or water heater failure: which is most urgent?
A burst pipe is usually the most urgent because it can release hundreds of gallons an hour until the main valve is closed. A sewer backup is next because of the health risk from wastewater, and a leaking water heater is urgent once water is pooling around the tank.
Burst pipe repair
Once the water is off, a plumber will cut out the damaged section and replace it, usually with copper or PEX. If one pipe has burst from freezing, ask the contractor to check nearby runs in the same exterior wall or crawlspace, because they were exposed to the same cold. Photograph the damage before cleanup if you plan to file an insurance claim.
Frozen pipe repair in Indianapolis winters
Searches for frozen pipes in Indianapolis jump every January for a reason: pipes in exterior walls, crawlspaces and garages freeze when temperatures drop well below freezing. Keep cabinet doors open on outside walls, let a faucet drip during hard freezes, and disconnect garden hoses in the fall. If a pipe has already frozen and split, it will start leaking as it thaws, so shut off the main and call.
Same day and 24 hour plumbers
Our phone line is answered 24/7. After hours and same day availability depends on which independent contractors are working in your area at that moment, so we'll tell you honestly what we can arrange when you call. Many problems that aren't urgent are cheaper to fix during regular hours, and we'll say so.
How this works: Plumbers in Indianapolis Today is a referral service. When you call 317-314-8486, we connect you with an independent, licensed plumbing contractor who serves your area. The contractor quotes, performs and stands behind the work, not us.
Related plumbing services
How much does an emergency plumber cost in Indianapolis?
Emergency visits generally cost more than scheduled ones because of after hours labor, and the total depends on the repair and parts needed. The contractor we connect you with will explain any callout or after hours fee and give you a price before starting work.
Is it more expensive to call a plumber at night or on weekends?
Usually yes, because most contractors charge more for nights, weekends and holidays. If the water is shut off and nothing is getting worse, waiting for regular hours can save money, and we'll help you decide.
Can I get a same day plumber in Indianapolis?
Often, yes, depending on the time of day and how busy contractors are in your area. Call 317-314-8486 early in the day for the best chance of a same day appointment.