24/7 Emergency Plumbing

Emergency plumbing services generally cost more than routine plumbing due to the urgency and after-hours nature of the work. Typical rates can vary widely depending on the job and timing. Many plumbers charge an after-hours call-out fee in addition to the regular repair costs – for example, in Canada, it’s common to see a flat emergency fee of around $150–$250 just to come out at night. On top of that, the labour is often billed at time-and-a-half or double time if it’s late night or a holiday. For instance, if a regular daytime rate is $100/hour, the emergency rate might be $150–$200/hour (or more for extreme situations). National averages show emergency plumber visits ranging from about $100 up to $500+ in total, depending on the severity of the issue. The good news: Whittaker Water keeps pricing fair and transparent, even for emergencies. We’ll always give you an upfront quote before proceeding. We do charge a bit extra for off-hours calls (to account for the inconvenience and rapid response), but we do not gouge customers. We want you to feel relieved calling us, not anxious about the cost. And remember – fixing an urgent problem quickly can save you thousands by preventing water damage, so the cost of an emergency plumber is often well worth it.

A plumbing emergency is any situation that poses an immediate risk to your property, health, or safety due to plumbing failure. This typically means events like burst pipes, major leaks (water spreading fast), sewage backups (risking contamination), overflowing toilets, or no water supply at all. Frozen pipes that might burst are also an emergency, as is a sump pump failure during heavy rain (flood risk). Essentially, if the issue could cause sudden extensive damage or make your home/business unsafe to occupy, it’s an emergency. In these cases, you should shut off the main water supply and call an emergency plumber ASAP. On the other hand, minor drips or a single fixture clog can usually wait for a scheduled visit. When in doubt, treat it as an emergency – a professional can always advise if it truly is one. Better safe than sorry!

Very quickly. We prioritize emergency calls above all else and aim to arrive within one hour for customers in Aylmer and nearby areas. Our team understands that when you have an emergency, every minute counts. Actual arrival time can depend on factors like distance, weather, and traffic, but because we are local, our response time is fast, often 30-60 minutes. We’re based in Aylmer and serve the surrounding 40 km area, so we can get to locations like St. Thomas, London, or Tillsonburg usually in well under an hour as well. The bottom line: call us any time, day or night, and we’ll be on our way immediately. We also maintain strict standards for punctuality, we know you’re stressed and won’t keep you waiting a moment longer than necessary.

First, ensure your safety and limit damage. If you haven’t already, turn off the main water shut-off valve to stop any active flooding or leaks. (Every homeowner should know their shut-off location – usually in the basement or near the water meter) If it’s a specific fixture leaking (like a toilet or sink), you can also close the local supply valve for that fixture. For major leaks, mop up or place buckets/towels to contain water away from electrical appliances or outlets. If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate the building immediately and wait for professionals – do not stay inside. If it’s a sewage backup, avoid using any plumbing (don’t flush or run water, as it can worsen the overflow) and keep children/pets away from the mess. Ventilate if possible. In case of frozen pipes, you can open faucets and gently warm the pipe with a hairdryer or space heater if you know which pipe is frozen, but never use open flames and stop if the pipe is cracked (just keep water off and wait for us). The key is to stay calm and follow any instructions we give over the phone. We often walk customers through temporary steps like shutting off power to certain areas if water is near electrical circuits, etc. But after doing the basics, the safest move is to wait for the plumber. Do not try to repair major issues yourself during an emergency; you could get injured or make it worse. Our team will arrive shortly to take over the situation.

Absolutely. “24/7 Emergency Service” means we are ready any time, day or night. Plumbing disasters don’t follow a 9-5 schedule, and neither do we. You can call us at 2 AM on a Sunday, on Christmas morning, or during a long weekend – you will get a live answer and prompt service. We always have a licensed plumber on call. If one team member is tied up, we have back-up arrangements to ensure someone can assist you around the clock. Our many satisfied customers can attest that we’ve rescued them at odd hours. So yes, we operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year without exception. Your emergency is our priority, whenever it occurs.

Yes, we do. Whittaker Water serves both residential and small business clients in emergency situations. If you’re a store owner, restaurant manager, office supervisor, or any small business operator facing a plumbing crisis, you can count on us. We understand that a plumbing problem at a business can hurt operations, whether it’s a broken restroom or a water leak in a storefront. We’ll treat your business emergency with the same urgency as a home call. We have experience with commercial-grade fixtures, and we come prepared to address issues in commercial settings (often the problems are similar – burst pipes, clogged main drains, etc.). Within our 40 km service radius, we help offices, retail shops, restaurants, and more with after-hours emergencies. Just give us a call and we’ll get you back in business in no time.

Have another question? Feel free to ask us directly when you call, or check out our extended FAQ page on our website for more info. We believe in educating our customers – an informed customer can make better decisions and feel more comfortable even in an emergency. We’re here to help, anytime.