A plumbing emergency in Matthews 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 Matthews contacts, the problems most likely in local homes, and what after-hours help typically costs.
Who to call first in Matthews
- Water in the street, a leaking meter box, a main break or sewage from a manhole: Charlotte Water at 311 or 704-336-7600, 24 hours a day.
- Smell of gas: leave the house first, then call Piedmont Natural Gas at 800-752-7504 or 911 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 Matthews homes
Can polybutylene pipe burst without warning?
It tends to fail at fittings, often suddenly. Some 1980s and early 1990s Matthews homes still have it. If a gray plastic line or fitting is spraying, close the main and call.
My garage water heater is leaking. What first?
Close the cold-water valve on top of the heater, set the gas valve to off or pilot, and keep water away from the burner area. Many Matthews homes have gas heaters in garages.
The first ten minutes of a Matthews 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 Matthews
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 Matthews
SteadWell is a free referral service, not a plumbing company. We connect you with an independent, licensed plumber who takes emergency calls in Matthews; the plumber sets the price and arrival time. For non-urgent work, see plumbers in Matthews.
- Confirm the North Carolina license with the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.
