Emergency Plumbing Services: What’s Covered and What’s Not

When a pipe bursts in the middle of the night or sewage backs up into your home on a weekend, panic sets in. That’s when you call emergency plumbing services — but what exactly is covered, and what isn’t?

If you’re like most homeowners in Connecticut, you’ve either dealt with a plumbing emergency or you’re trying to avoid one. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about emergency plumbing services — from the kinds of issues that qualify as emergencies, to what’s typically covered by plumbers like Connecticut Sewer Rooter & Drain Cleaning, and what isn’t.

Let’s make things clear and simple, so if you ever face an emergency, you know what to expect.

What’s Covered in Emergency Plumbing Services?

Let’s break it down. Here are the most common emergency plumbing services — and what’s typically included.

Burst Pipes: If a pipe bursts due to freezing or pressure build-up, it’s covered. Our techs shut off your water, locate the damage, and repair or replace the pipe. We’ll also check for other vulnerable areas.

Toilets: Toilets that overflow and won’t stop flushing or filling are emergencies — especially if they’re on the second floor or near finished spaces. We shut off the water, unclog the drain, and inspect for deeper issues.

Sewer Backups: This is one of the worst plumbing issues. A backed-up sewer line means dirty water has nowhere to go — and it can come back up through your toilets, showers, or drains.

This is always covered under emergency plumbing, and we treat it with care because sewage is a health hazard. We’ll unclog the blockage, clean the line, and offer camera inspections to find the root cause.

No Water in the House: If you suddenly have no water at all — no shower, no sink, no toilet — it’s likely an emergency. It could be a water main issue, frozen pipe, or a water heater problem.

CT Sewer Rooter will trace the cause and restore water fast. We know how stressful it is when a basic need like water is gone.

Leaking or Failed Water Heater: Leaks around the water heater? Rusty or smelly water? No hot water at all? We’ve seen it all. Our emergency plumbing covers:

• Water heater leaks
• Electrical/gas connection issues
• Emergency shutoff and drain
• Temporary fixes or full replacement

Flooded Basement: Basements flood for many reasons — sump pump failure, sewer backups, broken pipes, or outside water coming in. Either way, it’s an emergency. We’ll find the cause, stop the water, and protect your property.

Frozen Pipes: pipes are a major winter issue in Connecticut. If your pipes are frozen but not yet burst, call us right away — this is when you can still prevent damage. We carefully thaw the pipes and add insulation or other protection.

What’s NOT Covered Under Emergency Plumbing Services?

Now let’s talk about what usually isn’t considered an emergency (though we’ll still help — just not as a 24/7 priority call).

Slow Drains: A slow sink or tub drain might be frustrating, but if water still flows, it’s not an emergency. We recommend calling us during regular hours for hydro jetting or snaking.

Minor Leaks: A drip under the sink or a faucet that won’t stop running is annoying — but not urgent. Place a bucket under it and call for a scheduled repair.

Routine Installations: Need a new faucet, toilet, or water filter installed? We’re happy to help, but that’s not emergency work.

Scheduled Maintenance: Things like water heater flushing, septic pumping (unless full), or annual drain cleaning are scheduled during normal business hours.