A plumbing emergency in Denver is water, sewage or gas escaping that you can't stop, or a problem that will cause more damage if it waits until morning. The first call isn't always a plumber: it depends on whether the problem is on the utility's side, your side of the meter, or a gas line. This page lists the Denver contacts, the problems most likely in local homes, and what after-hours help typically costs. About 45% of homes here are renter-occupied, so renters should also call the landlord or property manager.
Who to call first in Denver
- Lincoln County water and sewer customers: the after-hours line for water leaks and sewer spills is 704-735-8202. Many properties are on private wells and septic.
- Smell of gas: leave the house first, then call 911 and your gas utility's emergency line from outside. Don't use switches or try to find the leak.
- A leak inside the house or between the meter and the house: a plumber.
Emergencies most likely in Denver homes
My lake home was empty and a pipe burst. What now?
Close the main, shut off the water heater, and document the damage for insurance. Before leaving a home empty again, shut off the main and drain lines in unheated areas.
No water on a well. What first?
Check the well pump breaker, then call. Don't keep cycling the pump.
The first ten minutes of a Denver plumbing emergency
Step-by-step guides: what to do when a pipe bursts and how to find your main water shutoff.
- Close the main water shutoff, or the fixture's own valve if the leak is at one fixture.
- For a leaking water heater, also turn off its breaker or set the gas valve to off or pilot.
- Open a low faucet to drain pressure, move valuables, and photograph the damage for insurance.
- If sewage is backing up, stop using all fixtures.
What emergency plumbing costs in Denver
After-hours work costs more than a scheduled visit. National cost guides put emergency plumber labor at about $125 an hour on average, with trip or service fees commonly $100 to $350 and night, weekend or holiday rates often 1.5 to 3 times normal. These are national estimates, not quotes. Ask for the trip fee, the rate at this hour and the price before work starts, and ask whether the plumber will stop the damage now and quote the permanent repair separately.
How an emergency call works in Denver
SteadWell is a free referral service, not a plumbing company. We connect you with an independent, licensed plumber who takes emergency calls in Denver; the plumber sets the price and arrival time. For non-urgent work, see plumbers in Denver.
- Confirm the North Carolina license with the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.
