When water is pouring, a toilet won’t stop, or your heater dies mid-shower, minutes matter. This guide gives you exact steps to take right now, what counts as a true emergency, and how we resolve it fast—to Los Angeles code. Same-day and after-hours available. $75 diagnostic (credited toward the repair). Call (818) 941-6741 or Book Online.
Safety first—gas leaks: If you smell gas (rotten-egg odor) or hear hissing, leave the building immediately and call SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 from a safe location (or 911). Don’t use switches or flames.
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
- Active leaks / burst pipes (including slab or ceiling leaks)
- Sewer backup (multiple fixtures gurgling or flooding)
- No hot water or water heater failure (leaking tank, pilot won’t stay lit)
- Gas line issues (odor of gas, damaged piping—follow the safety note above)
- Overflowing or non-stopping toilets
- Main line clogs that return right after snaking
- Water pressure collapse or sudden pressure spikes
Many emergency fixes (e.g., water-heater replacement, significant gas or water piping work) require LADBS plumbing permits. We pull permits and schedule inspections when required, so you don’t have to.
10 things you can do before we arrive (minimize damage)
- Shut off the fixture (angle stop under the sink/toilet).
- Shut off the main if the leak continues (curb box or house valve).
- Kill power to a leaking electric water heater; set gas water heaters to Pilot.
- Stop using water if you have a sewer backup.
- Move valuables and place a bucket/towels under drips.
- Open windows/doors for humidity and odor control.
- Take quick photos of the issue for insurance.
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners (they can damage pipes and complicate repairs).
- Don’t reset repeatedly (disposals, tankless units) if they’re tripping.
- For gas odor: evacuate and call SoCalGas/911 (see safety note above).
How we handle the most common emergencies
Leak detection & make-safe
We use acoustic listening, thermal imaging, and pressure testing to pinpoint the source with minimal opening. Then we stabilize, repair, or reroute—always with clean finishes. (See: Leak Detection & Repair.)
Sewer backups & mainline clogs
Camera inspection first; then snaking or hydrojetting to clear grease, scale, or roots. If you don’t have a cleanout, we can install one so future service is safe and code-compliant. (See: Hydrojetting and Drain & Water Line Repiping.)
Cleanouts are required at the upper terminal of each horizontal drain and at intervals (e.g., every 100 ft) so lines can be serviced per California Plumbing Code cleanout standards.
Water heater failures (no hot water, leaking tank)
We diagnose igniters, sensors, gas valves, elements, and anodes. If replacement is the smart, safe path, we install to code: permit, seismic straps, TPR discharge, proper venting, and—within the LA air district—ultra-low NOx models that meet SCAQMD Rule 1121. (See: Water Heater Repair.)
Gas line issues
We isolate, test, and repair. If applicable, we’ll discuss seismic/excess-flow gas shutoff valves and handle permitting/inspection. (See: Gas Line Installation & Repair.)
Built for Los Angeles code (so the fix passes inspection)
- Permits & plan check: We handle LADBS plumbing permits and plan-check thresholds (e.g., larger gas systems) when your repair triggers them.
- Fixture flow limits (CALGreen): When emergencies involve fixture swaps, we keep you compliant: lavatory faucets ≤1.2 gpm, kitchen faucets ≤1.8 gpm (temporary boost to 2.2 gpm with auto-return), showerheads ≤1.8 gpm.
- Cleanouts & access: We add cleanouts where missing so future maintenance isn’t a demolition job.
- Low-NOx water heaters: Replacements meet SCAQMD Rule 1121 requirements in the LA air district.
Our emergency process
- Triage by phone — shutoff guidance + dispatch
- On-site diagnosis — camera/pressure tests as needed
- Upfront quote — $75 diagnostic is credited to your repair
- Make-safe + repair — code-compliant fix; permits pulled when required
- Verification & cleanup — pressure/operation tests; tidy jobsite
- Prevention — PRV/expansion tank checks, cleanout additions, or maintenance plan
Pricing & warranty
- $75 diagnostic (credited toward the repair)
- Written estimate before work begins
- Straightforward after-hours rates
- Labor warranty (match to your policy)
Neighborhoods we serve
Los Angeles • Winnetka 91306 • Woodland Hills • Van Nuys • North Hollywood • Burbank • Glendale • Downtown LA • Echo Park • Silver Lake • Hollywood/West Hollywood • West LA • Santa Monica • Culver City • Pasadena