Plumbing issues don’t wait for convenient timing. In Gilbert and across the Phoenix metro area, we’ve seen burst pipes flood homes in the middle of the night, toilets overflow just before guests arrive, and sewer lines back up unexpectedly after a weekend storm. While some issues can wait until regular business hours, others require immediate, expert intervention. The question is: how do you know when it’s time to call a 24/7 emergency plumber?
At Felix Plumbing, we provide around-the-clock emergency plumbing services for homeowners and businesses throughout the East Valley. Our job is to respond quickly, protect your property, and solve the issue before it gets worse. Below are some of the most urgent plumbing situations that absolutely require a same-day response—and what you should do if they happen to you.
Burst Pipes or Sudden Major Leaks
One of the most severe plumbing emergencies a homeowner can face is a burst pipe. These often occur with no warning, especially in older homes with aging pipes or during sudden pressure changes. The impact is immediate: gallons of water can pour into your walls, ceilings, or floors in minutes, causing irreversible damage to drywall, insulation, flooring, and even your foundation. We’ve responded to emergency calls where water was literally cascading down staircases by the time we arrived.
If you ever hear the sound of rushing water when no fixtures are in use or discover water seeping from unexpected places like baseboards or ceilings, it’s critical to shut off your main water valve and contact an emergency plumber right away. At Felix Plumbing, we have the tools to locate the break, contain the damage, and make on-the-spot repairs before mold or structural issues develop.
Overflowing Toilets and Sewage Backups
An overflowing toilet might seem like a minor inconvenience at first—but when the water doesn’t stop and begins to spread across your floor, the risk becomes more serious. In many cases, an overflowing toilet isn’t just about a localized clog. It could signal a backup in your main sewer line, especially if you notice slow drainage or bubbling sounds in other nearby fixtures like sinks or tubs.
Sewage backups, whether they happen inside your home or on your property, create a major health hazard. Raw sewage can contain bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants that pose a threat to your family’s health. If you smell strong odors coming from your drains or see wastewater backing up into sinks, tubs, or toilets, that’s a clear signal to stop using water immediately and call a licensed emergency plumber.
Loss of Hot Water in Critical Situations
While not every loss of hot water is an emergency, there are specific situations where it qualifies. Families with newborns, elderly members, or individuals with medical conditions often rely on hot water for daily health and hygiene needs. When your water heater stops working completely—especially during colder months—it can quickly become more than just an inconvenience.
We often receive calls from homeowners in Gilbert who suddenly discover cold water coming from every tap, only to find their water heater leaking or making loud rumbling sounds. These are signs of serious internal issues, such as sediment buildup, corrosion, or tank failure. If the unit is leaking, the risk of flooding increases dramatically. Our team is trained to respond quickly to water heater emergencies, offering repair or replacement solutions with minimal disruption to your home.
Sewer Line Collapse or Blockage
When a main sewer line becomes severely blocked or collapses, wastewater has nowhere to go. It often forces its way back up into the home through the lowest points—usually bathtubs, showers, or floor drains. The result is more than just messy—it’s hazardous. Backups can contaminate your property and cause widespread damage in a matter of hours.
Common signs include multiple slow drains throughout the home, strange gurgling noises, or strong sewage odors in bathrooms or utility rooms. We’ve helped homeowners avoid tens of thousands of dollars in damage simply by acting quickly during the early warning signs. Our emergency service includes camera inspections, root intrusion clearing, and trenchless sewer line repair options to minimize disruption to your yard and hardscaping.
Frozen or Broken Pipes During Rare Arizona Cold Snaps
While Arizona isn’t known for its frigid temperatures, sudden cold snaps do occur—especially in elevated or poorly insulated areas of the East Valley. Pipes that are not properly insulated can freeze overnight, stopping water flow entirely. What’s more dangerous is what happens next: when water freezes, it expands. If pressure builds up inside the pipe, it can crack or rupture, resulting in massive water damage once it thaws.
You may notice warning signs like little to no water coming from faucets, frost on exposed pipes, or unusual noises in the walls. If this happens, avoid using your plumbing and call our team immediately. We use thermal detection and pressure release systems to stabilize the situation before full pipe bursts occur. Prevention is key—but if it’s already too late, we can replace or reroute damaged lines quickly and efficiently.
When in Doubt, Call a Professional
If you’re not sure whether your plumbing issue qualifies as an emergency, consider this: is it causing active damage? Does it pose a health or safety risk? If so, don’t hesitate. Plumbing emergencies rarely get better with time—they usually escalate. And with Felix Plumbing, you’ll never get a voicemail or an auto-responder. Just real people ready to help, day or night.
FAQs About Emergency Plumbing in Gilbert
How quickly can Felix Plumbing respond to an emergency?
In most areas of Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and surrounding East Valley neighborhoods, our average emergency response time is under 60 minutes. Our strategically located service vehicles ensure we’re ready to act fast.
Are emergency services available on weekends and holidays?
Yes. We’re available 24/7 — including weekends, holidays, and late nights. Plumbing disasters don’t take a day off, and neither do we.
Will I be charged extra for calling after hours?
We’re committed to transparent pricing. While emergency response has its own service rate, we always provide a quote before starting any work so there are no surprises.
Need Emergency Plumbing Help in Gilbert?
If you’re dealing with a burst pipe, sewer backup, or any urgent plumbing issue, call Felix Plumbing now at 602-535-6172. We’ll send a licensed plumber to your door—fast. Our emergency team is standing by 24/7 to protect your home and your peace of mind.
