Local Emergency Plumbers in Columbus

Emergency plumbing service costs an average of $200 per hour, but you could pay anywhere between $100 and $500 per hour, depending on when you call. You can expect to pay the highest prices if you run into a plumbing emergency on a major holiday, followed by weekends, and after-hours on weekdays. The more inconvenient it is for your plumber to reach you, the more you’ll pay per hour for emergency plumbing services.

In an emergency plumbing situation, taking the time to vet a plumber properly might not be feasible. Instead, it’s helpful to ask the following questions to gauge the experience and expertise of the plumber you’re considering quickly:

• How many years of experience do you have?

• Are you licensed and insured?

• How quickly are you able to get to my property?

You can quickly check some online reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) page for the plumber to get a sense of the quality of service they provide.

National emergency plumbers usually have greater availability to address emergencies because they have more professionals at their disposal, but local plumbers may be located closer to your home and can arrive faster. We recommend contacting one or two local plumbers first to see how quickly they can arrive. Move ahead with the service if it’s within a reasonable time frame. If not, contact a national company to see if they can get out more quickly. National companies sometimes outsource work to third parties, which can often mean faster response times.

Many homeowners stress about cleaning before an emergency plumber arrives, but you’re far better off doing the following while you wait for your plumber to get to your home:

• Shut the water off at your water main if you have a leak or a burst pipe 

• Avoid using any water fixtures in your home, including appliances

• Clear a path to the problem area so that it’s easily accessible 

• Consider shutting your breaker if you’re concerned that the leak may affect your electrical system

Hiring an emergency plumber is expensive because of the urgency and inconvenience, but there are a few things you can do to help keep costs down:

• Minimize water damage by shutting off your water main 

• Clean up pooling water immediately to reduce damage and mold growth

• Avoid using fixtures if you have a clog or septic system backup

• Verify that your plumber is licensed before hiring

• Call a few plumbers for estimates if you can afford a short delay in getting service