Emergency Plumber Philadelphia: $103 to $513 + PWD Hotline

All rows are from Angi's August 2026 Philadelphia emergency plumber guide. Philadelphia County sales tax of 8% applies to parts.

Do this now: before the Philadelphia plumber arrives

1. Smell gas? Leave the house and call 911 or PGW from outside. Do not flip switches or look for the leak.
2. Shut the main water valve. HomeGuide says to shut off water at the main and at fixture valves in any plumbing emergency.
3. Water main break, no water or a sewer backup: PWD's Water Emergency Hotline, (215) 685-6300, 24 hours a day.
4. Water near outlets: switch off the breaker only from a dry spot (Red Cross).
5. Photograph the damage before cleanup if you may file an insurance claim.

Is it an emergency? Signs you need a Philadelphia plumber now

It is an emergency if water is spreading and will not stop, sewage is coming up a drain, a pipe has frozen, or the house has no water. Philadelphia averages 77.3 nights a year at or below 32 F, NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals show, and the National Weather Service lists a record low of -11 F on Feb 9, 1934. Angi says Philadelphia's older houses face pipe corrosion that can cause burst pipes, slow drains and frequent clogs. A running toilet or one slow drain can wait for weekday rates of $40 to $210 an hour. HomeGuide lists burst pipes, sewage backups, no hot water in winter and a main line break as true emergencies; see burst pipe repair.

24 hour plumber in Philadelphia: what after-hours calls cost

A 24 hour plumber in Philadelphia charges $90 to $620 an hour depending on when you call, Angi's August 2026 Philadelphia data shows: evenings $90 to $310, weekends $120 to $410, and holidays $120 to $620. Angi says after-hours weekday calls may be billed at time and a half and holidays at three times the normal rate. Our line connects you with companies that take emergency calls; hours vary by company, so ask for the after-hours fee first.

Who to call for what in Philadelphia

• Main break, no water, sewer backup, open hydrant: PWD, (215) 685-6300, 24 hours.
• Leak in your service pipe or lateral: your plumber. PWD's diagram puts the service pipe from the ferrule at the main, and the lateral under the sidewalk, on the owner.
• Paying for a big line repair: PWD's HELP loan, 0% over 60 months, with a PWD Notice of Defect. Phone only: 215-685-4901.
• Free repairs for eligible owners: BSRP, (215) 448-2160.
• Gas smell: 911 or PGW, from outside.

Local rules, programs and climate for Philadelphia, from the official city, utility, state, Census and NOAA pages listed under Sources.

Questions to ask a Philadelphia emergency plumber

1. What is your City plumbing license number? Check it on L&I's Find a Licensed Contractor search.
2. What is the after-hours fee, and is it credited toward the repair?
3. Is the price hourly or a flat price for the job?
4. If the service line or lateral is leaking, can you do the repair under a PWD HELP loan?
5. Can I see proof of insurance and a written price before work starts?

After the emergency

If water soaked floors or walls, see water damage restoration in Philadelphia. Call your insurer as well, photograph the damage before anything is moved or torn out, and do not sign an assignment of benefits or any contract that hands your claim to a contractor.

More Philadelphia guides

Everyday plumbing and permits: plumber in Philadelphia. No hot water: water heater repair in Philadelphia. No heat: boiler repair in Philadelphia. Compare emergency plumbers in NYC and emergency plumbers in Boston, or read the national emergency plumber guide. Calls go to an independent company that serves your area and takes this kind of job (how calls work).