It’s 2 AM. Water is gushing from a burst pipe. Your basement is flooding.
You need a plumber—now.
Finding reliable 24-hour plumbing service in Chattanooga during an emergency is stressful. This guide helps you prepare before disaster strikes and know exactly what to do when it happens.
📋 Cost Disclaimer: Emergency plumbing rates vary by provider and time of service. The estimates shown are typical ranges—contact plumbers directly for current pricing. Find 24/7 plumbers in our directory.
What Qualifies as a Plumbing Emergency?
Not every plumbing problem requires emergency service. Understanding the difference can save you hundreds in after-hours fees.
TRUE Emergencies (Call Now)
Burst or broken pipes
- Water actively flooding your home
- Can cause thousands in damage per hour
- Shut off water immediately, then call
Sewage backup
- Raw sewage coming up through drains or toilets
- Health hazard requiring immediate attention
- Don’t use any plumbing until resolved
Gas leaks
- Smell of rotten eggs or gas
- Evacuate first, call 911, then call a plumber
- Don’t use light switches or anything that could spark
No water at all
- Complete loss of water supply
- Could indicate a major break
- Check with neighbors first—may be a utility issue
Overflowing toilet that won’t stop
- Water continuously overflowing
- Shut off valve behind toilet, then call
Water heater failure with flooding
- Tank leaking significantly
- Shut off water and fuel, then call
Can Wait Until Morning
Slow drains
- Annoying but not urgent
- Avoid using that drain until fixed
Dripping faucets
- Wastes water but isn’t an emergency
- Schedule regular service
Running toilet
- Turn off water to toilet if needed
- Schedule regular service
Minor leaks under sinks
- Place a bucket underneath
- Turn off supply valves if significant
- Schedule regular service
No hot water (but cold works)
- Inconvenient but not damaging
- Schedule regular service
Before You Call: Emergency Steps
Taking the right steps before calling can minimize damage and help the plumber work faster.
For Water Emergencies
1. Shut off the water
Know your shut-off locations:
- Main shut-off: Usually near the water meter or where the main line enters your home
- Individual fixture shut-offs: Under sinks, behind toilets, near water heater
2. Turn off the water heater
If you’ve shut off the main water, turn off your water heater to prevent damage from overheating.
3. Open faucets
After shutting off the main valve, open faucets to drain remaining water from pipes.
4. Document the damage
Take photos and videos for insurance purposes before cleanup.
5. Minimize water damage
- Move valuables away from water
- Use towels, mops, or wet/dry vacuum
- Open windows for ventilation
For Gas Emergencies
1. Evacuate immediately
Get everyone out of the house, including pets.
2. Don’t create sparks
- Don’t flip light switches
- Don’t use phones inside the house
- Don’t start your car in the garage
3. Call 911 from outside
Report the gas leak to emergency services.
4. Call the gas company
Chattanooga Gas: (423) 756-2121
5. Then call a plumber
For repairs after the immediate danger is addressed.
What to Expect from 24-Hour Service
Response Time
Most Chattanooga plumbers offering 24/7 service aim to respond within:
- 30-60 minutes for true emergencies
- 1-2 hours for urgent but non-critical issues
Response times may be longer during:
- Major weather events
- Holiday weekends
- When multiple emergencies occur simultaneously
After-Hours Pricing
Emergency service costs more than regular service. Expect:
| Time Period | Typical Premium |
|---|---|
| After 5 PM weekdays | 25-50% higher |
| Weekends | 50-75% higher |
| Holidays | 75-100% higher |
| Middle of the night | 50-100% higher |
Example: A repair that costs $200 during business hours might cost $300-$400 at 2 AM on a Saturday.
What’s Included
Emergency service typically includes:
- Immediate response
- Diagnosis of the problem
- Temporary or permanent repair
- Basic cleanup
May cost extra:
- Extensive water damage cleanup
- Parts that need to be ordered
- Follow-up repairs
- Drywall or flooring repair
Payment
Most emergency plumbers expect payment at time of service:
- Credit/debit cards
- Checks
- Some accept digital payment (Venmo, PayPal)
- Cash
Get pricing before work begins, even in an emergency.
Finding a 24-Hour Plumber in Chattanooga
Before the Emergency
The best time to find an emergency plumber is before you need one.
1. Research local options
- Look for plumbers advertising 24/7 service
- Check reviews specifically mentioning emergency response
- Verify they actually answer after hours (call and check)
2. Save contact information
- Store numbers in your phone
- Post on your refrigerator or near your main shut-off valve
- Share with family members
3. Verify credentials
- Licensed in Tennessee
- Insured
- Good reviews for emergency work
During the Emergency
If you haven’t prepared, here’s how to find help fast:
1. Use our directory Look for plumbers with the “24/7” badge indicating round-the-clock availability.
2. Call multiple plumbers If one can’t respond quickly, try another.
3. Ask key questions:
- How quickly can you get here?
- What’s your after-hours rate?
- Can you give me an estimate over the phone?
4. Beware of scams Emergency situations attract unscrupulous operators. Red flags:
- Demands cash only
- Won’t provide license number
- Quotes seem extremely high or low
- Pressure to decide immediately
Common Emergency Repairs
Burst Pipes
Cause: Freezing, corrosion, high pressure, or physical damage
Emergency repair: Plumber will stop the leak, either by:
- Patching the damaged section
- Replacing the damaged pipe
- Installing a temporary fix until permanent repair
Cost: $200 - $1,000+ depending on location and severity
Sewage Backup
Cause: Main line clog, tree roots, collapsed pipe, or septic failure
Emergency repair:
- Clear the blockage with drain snake or hydro jet
- Camera inspection to identify cause
- May require follow-up for permanent fix
Cost: $300 - $800 for clearing; more if line is damaged
Water Heater Failure
Cause: Tank corrosion, valve failure, or pressure issues
Emergency repair:
- Stop the leak
- May require replacement if tank has failed
- Temporary measures if replacement unit not available
Cost: $200 - $500 for repair; $1,000 - $2,000+ for emergency replacement
Overflowing Toilet
Cause: Clog, faulty fill valve, or sewer line issue
Emergency repair:
- Clear the clog
- Replace faulty components
- Investigate if sewer line is involved
Cost: $150 - $400
Frozen Pipes
Cause: Exposure to freezing temperatures
Emergency repair:
- Safely thaw the pipe
- Repair any cracks or bursts
- Prevent refreezing
Cost: $200 - $1,000+ depending on damage
Preventing Plumbing Emergencies
Many emergencies are preventable with proper maintenance:
Regular Maintenance
- Annual plumbing inspection catches problems early
- Water heater maintenance prevents sudden failures
- Drain cleaning prevents major clogs
- Pipe insulation prevents freezing
Know Your Plumbing
- Locate shut-off valves before you need them
- Label valves so anyone can find them
- Test valves annually to ensure they work
- Know your water heater’s age and plan for replacement
Watch for Warning Signs
- Slow drains getting slower
- Water pressure changes
- Unusual sounds in pipes
- Small leaks or moisture
- Water heater age approaching 10 years
Insurance and Emergency Plumbing
What’s Typically Covered
Most homeowner’s insurance covers:
- Water damage from sudden pipe bursts
- Damage from sewage backups (with proper coverage)
- Mold remediation resulting from covered water damage
What’s NOT Covered
- The plumbing repair itself
- Damage from gradual leaks
- Damage from lack of maintenance
- Flood damage (requires separate policy)
Documentation Tips
- Take photos/video before cleanup
- Keep all receipts
- Get written reports from plumber
- File claims promptly
Chattanooga Emergency Plumbing Resources
Utility Emergencies
- Chattanooga Gas (gas leaks): (423) 756-2121
- EPB (electrical issues): (423) 648-1372
- Tennessee American Water: (866) 736-6420
Emergency Services
- 911 for life-threatening emergencies
- Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 (if exposed to sewage or chemicals)
Key Takeaways
- Know what’s a true emergency vs. what can wait until morning
- Locate your shut-off valves before you need them
- Find a 24-hour plumber now, before the emergency
- Expect to pay 25-100% more for after-hours service
- Document everything for insurance purposes
- Prevention is cheaper than emergency repairs
Need emergency plumbing help? Browse our directory of Chattanooga plumbers offering 24/7 emergency service.