Not every plumbing problem needs a plumber in the middle of the night, and knowing the difference can save you an after-hours bill. It can also save you from waiting on something that really can't wait. Here's how to decide, what to do while you wait and how to reach an emergency plumber near you in Portland. For every service, see our main page on Portland plumbers.
Call now, call today or book a visit
| Situation | How soon |
|---|---|
| Burst pipe or water you can't stop | Call now, after shutting off the main valve |
| Sewage backing up into the house | Call now, and stop using water |
| No heat in freezing weather | Call now, and protect your pipes |
| Water heater leaking from the tank | Call now, after shutting its water and power or gas |
| Your only toilet won't work | Call today |
| No hot water, but no leak | Call today or tomorrow |
| One slow drain, a drip or a running toilet | Book a regular visit |
Four questions that decide it
Can you stop the water?
If closing a fixture valve or the main valve stops it, the emergency is over and the repair can often wait for regular hours.
Is sewage involved?
Raw sewage in the house is a health hazard and gets worse with every flush.
Is it freezing out?
No heat on a Portland winter night can freeze pipes. Read the boiler no-heat checklist.
Is anyone at risk?
Water near electrical equipment, a sagging wet ceiling or a gas smell all make it urgent.
When it's not a plumbing call
If you smell gas, leave the building and call your gas utility or 911 from outside. If a carbon monoxide alarm goes off, get everyone into fresh air and call 911. Neither is a job for a plumber until responders say the house is safe.
What to do while you wait
- Keep the water off, and drain the lines by opening a faucet on the lowest floor.
- Move valuables and take photos for insurance.
- With no heat, open cabinet doors on outside walls and let faucets drip.
- With a sewer backup, keep kids and pets away from the area.
Finding an emergency plumber near you in Portland
Call the number on this page and you'll be connected with a local plumber who serves your area, when one is available. When you reach someone, ask whether they hold a Maine plumbing license, how they charge for after-hours calls, whether there's a fee to come out, and whether tonight's fix will be temporary or permanent. Our emergency plumber page covers what happens next.