When to Call an Emergency Plumber

Plumbing problems can range from minor nuisances to serious emergencies. Knowing the difference helps you respond appropriately—calling for emergency service when it's truly needed, while scheduling routine repairs during regular business hours for better pricing.

Golding Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency plumbing service throughout Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, and all of Durham Region. Here's how to determine if your situation requires an emergency call.

Burst or Severely Leaking Pipes

A burst pipe is always an emergency. Water flowing uncontrolled can damage your home in minutes. Shut off the main water supply immediately and call (416) 669-8327 for emergency service. Even a severe leak that you can't stop warrants an emergency call.

Don't wait until morning or Monday if a pipe bursts on a weekend or at night. Water damage costs increase dramatically with every hour of delay.

Sewer Backups

Sewage backing up into your home through drains or toilets is an emergency due to health hazards. Raw sewage contains harmful bacteria and pathogens. Don't attempt to clean up sewage yourself without proper equipment.

Call an emergency plumber to stop the backup and restore proper flow. Then contact a professional restoration company if extensive cleanup is needed.

Complete Loss of Water

If you suddenly have no water at all (not just low pressure), and it's not a municipal issue, you may have a main water line break. Check with neighbors to confirm it's not a city-wide problem, then call for emergency service.

A complete loss of water, especially in winter, could indicate a frozen main line that may burst. Prompt professional intervention prevents worse damage.

Gas Leaks (Gas Water Heater or Gas Lines)

If you smell gas, this is an immediate emergency. Leave your home without operating any switches or appliances. Call your gas company from outside, then call Golding Plumbing for gas line repair. Gas leaks risk explosion and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Never try to locate or repair a gas leak yourself. This requires licensed professionals with specialized equipment and training.

What Can Wait Until Business Hours

Dripping faucets, slow drains, running toilets, and minor leaks that can be contained with a bucket are not emergencies. These should be scheduled during regular business hours for standard pricing. A single clogged toilet when you have another available bathroom can also wait.

When in doubt, call Golding Plumbing at (416) 669-8327. We'll help you determine whether your situation requires immediate service or can be scheduled during regular hours.