Question 1

What qualifies as a plumbing emergency?

Accepted Answer

A plumbing emergency is anything that can't wait — situations where delay will cause damage or get significantly worse. This includes sewage or drain backups that are flooding your space, burst pipes, water pipes that are actively leaking, and drainage pipes leaking into another unit or room. If you're in a condo or apartment and can't shut the water off without affecting other units, that also warrants an emergency call.

Question 2

How fast can you respond to a plumbing emergency?

Accepted Answer

For most emergencies, we can typically be there within two to four hours. If something comes up on our schedule that's less urgent, we'll shift it or push it to the next day to make sure we get to you. If water is actively causing damage, getting there fast is the priority. Our emergency line is open 24/7 and covers Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and surrounding areas.

Question 3

What should I do while waiting for an emergency plumber?

Accepted Answer

The most important thing is to stop the water if you can. If you're in a house, townhouse, or duplex, shut off the water at the main. If you're in a condo or apartment with individual shutoffs, use those. If it's a drainage issue rather than a water pipe, stop using that drain entirely — running water elsewhere in the unit can make things worse. Move any valuables or belongings away from the affected area, and place buckets to catch what you can. If you're in a strata building, contact your property manager right away. If you suspect the backup is coming from the street, contact the city in addition to calling a plumber. Take photos for insurance purposes.

Question 4

What are the signs of a main sewer line backup?

Accepted Answer

The most telling sign is when one drain appears to be working fine but water starts coming up through a lower drain somewhere else in the home — typically a basement bathtub or shower. That's because the clog is further down the line and water is finding the lowest exit point. Another sign is a partial clog: you flush the toilet and hear other drains gurgling, or you run a faucet upstairs and hear the toilet gurgle. If multiple drains are behaving strangely at the same time, the problem is likely downstream in the main line rather than in an individual drain.

Question 5

What are the signs of a hidden water leak?

Accepted Answer

Water will almost always show itself eventually — it just may not appear right where the leak is. Common signs include water stains or discolouration on ceilings, walls, or floors, and unexplained damp spots. You might also hear the sound of running or dripping water when nothing is turned on. If the dripping stops and starts — for example, only when someone uses a drain — it may be a drainage pipe issue rather than a pressurized water pipe. Leaks from corroded cast iron pipes are a common culprit, as small holes can cause water to drip every time a drain is used, then travel along joists or subfloor before appearing somewhere unexpected. Because of this, the visible stain is often far from the actual source of the leak.

Question 6

What should I do if my pipes freeze?

Accepted Answer

If you suspect a pipe has frozen, shut off the water supply as soon as possible to limit damage if the pipe has cracked. Do not try to thaw the pipe with an open flame — use warm air only. If the pipe is behind a wall or otherwise inaccessible, call a plumber rather than attempting to open the wall yourself, especially in older buildings where asbestos may be a concern. Prevention is the best approach: exposed pipes in exterior walls or unheated spaces should be properly insulated, and in areas prone to freezing, heat trace cable can be installed along the pipe to keep it above freezing. Don't forget to disconnect garden hoses from outdoor hose bibs before winter — leaving a hose connected traps water in the valve and is one of the most common causes of freeze damage.

Question 7

Do you charge extra for after-hours emergency plumbing?

Accepted Answer

After-hours and weekend emergency rates are higher than standard business-hours work. We'll give you the rate up-front so there are no surprises on the invoice. For most emergencies, the cost of delay is much higher than the premium.

Question 8

Are your emergency plumbers licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All Straight Up Mechanical plumbers are licensed, insured, and certified for residential and commercial work across British Columbia. We also carry 160+ 5-star Google Reviews from customers across Metro Vancouver.

Emergency Plumbing Help – 24/7 Fast Response in Metro Vancouver

Pipe burst? No hot water? Overflowing toilet? Urgent plumbing help when you need it most — we respond without delay.

Licensed & Insured Plumbers

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

160+ 5-star Google Reviews

Recent in Emergency Plumbing Projects

Emergency Plumbing in Coquitlam

Emergency Plumbing in Vancouver

We’re Ready to Drop Tools and Go for Any Plumbing Emergency

Burst pipes & broken water lines

Overflowing or clogged toilets & drains

Sewer backups & flooding

Leaks under sinks, behind walls, or faucets

Sump pump failures & drainage issues

Frozen pipes & no water emergencies

Heating issues: boiler repairs, hot water tank failures

Why Straight Up Mechanical

From our Customers

Don’t Wait – The Damage Gets Worse by the Minute.

Service Area – Greater Vancouver

Emergency Plumbing FAQs