Need an emergency plumber right now in Punta Gorda? We’ve got you covered. Alert Plumbing is on call 24/7 to tackle any plumbing disaster, from burst pipes to sewer backups.
A plumbing emergency can happen without warning, whether it’s a burst pipe spraying water or a backed-up sewer drain. Taking the right steps immediately can reduce damage to your home while you wait for the plumber. Here’s what to do when you have a plumbing emergency:
Not sure if we handle your issue? If it involves water, pipes, or plumbing, the answer is yes. Call us now and we’ll let you know exactly how we can help — right away.
Water pouring out from broken pipes, hoses, or fittings
Toilet clogs causing overflows, backed-up sinks or tubs
Any sudden water flooding in bathrooms, kitchens, or basements
Leaking tanks, no hot water, or any water heater emergency
Gurgling drains, sewage coming up, septic system overflows
Well pump not working, no water flow, or extremely low pressure
If it’s wet, leaking, broken, or bursting, we can fix it!
A plumbing emergency is any issue that poses an immediate risk to your home or health. Examples include burst pipes, major leaks or flooding, sewer line backups (when sewage might come into the house), overflowing toilets that won’t stop, and having no water at all. Water heater leaks (especially gas water heater problems) are also urgent, as are gas line leaks (for which you should also call the gas company). Essentially, if the problem can cause water damage, stop you from using essential fixtures, or create an unsanitary situation, it’s an emergency. If you’re ever in doubt, err on the side of caution and call. We can help assess over the phone if your situation is an emergency and advise you on what to do next. Remember: it’s better to be safe and address a serious issue sooner rather than later.
We offer fair, transparent pricing for all our services, including emergencies. There is a modest additional fee for after-hours or emergency calls (this is standard to cover having staff available 24/7), but we do NOT price gouge or hit you with surprise costs. Our plumber will explain the situation and pricing before starting any work, no matter the time of day. You’ll get an upfront quote for the repair, so you can approve everything before we proceed. We believe in honest pricing – even at 2 AM, you’ll pay the same labor rates as daytime plus a reasonable emergency dispatch fee (if applicable). Many issues can be fixed quickly, keeping costs under control. And importantly, the cost of waiting can be far greater if a leak causes more damage – so addressing it immediately often saves money in the long run. We also accept major payment methods and won’t demand cash in an emergency. Our focus is getting your problem solved first and foremost. No matter when you call, you can trust that our charges will be fair and clearly explained.
Once you’ve called us and help is on the way, there are a few things you can do to mitigate damage and ensure safety while waiting:
Follow any instructions our dispatcher gave you. Often we might advise you to shut off the main water (if you haven’t already), or turn off an appliance. Doing this promptly helps a lot.
Towel up or contain any water if you’re dealing with a leak or flood. Mopping up water and moving belongings out of harm’s way can prevent further damage to floors and furniture. Just be careful on wet surfaces to avoid slipping.
Avoid using the plumbing until we arrive. If it’s a sewer backup or major leak, don’t use other sinks/toilets – this prevents adding to the problem.
Gather any info that might help us. For example, if you know where the leak is coming from, clear the area under the sink or around the pipe so we can access it quickly. If you have an older home with a quirky plumbing layout, any insight is helpful.
Stay calm and safe. If water is near electrical outlets or devices, keep away from that area (water + electricity is dangerous). If you smell gas (from a water heater or stove), evacuate the house. In most water emergencies, staying in a dry area of the home and waiting for us is fine.
Keep an eye on the situation. If something changes – like water starts leaking somewhere new – let us know when we arrive (or call us back if it’s drastic).
Remember, we’re likely only minutes away. Once our plumber arrives, we’ll take over all the troubleshooting and fixing. Until then, your job is just to stay safe, minimize damage if you can, and hang tight – help is coming!
In the vast majority of cases, our goal is to fix the problem then and there during the emergency visit. We prepare for that by equipping our trucks with a wide array of parts and tools. Our technicians carry common replacement items like pipes, fittings, valves, water heater parts, pump components, etc. This means we can usually do a permanent repair on the spot without needing to schedule a follow-up. For example, if a pipe burst, we’ll cut out the broken section and install new piping immediately. If a water heater is leaking beyond repair, we often have a new unit ready to install or can at least cap off and stabilize things until a new unit is obtained later that day. Only in rare situations, like needing a very specialty part or if the job is extremely complex (e.g. a large section of underground sewer line collapsed), would we do a temporary fix and return later. But even then, we will ensure the emergency is stabilized – no more leaking or damage happening – before we leave your home. Rest assured, we come ready to solve the issue, not just patch it. We know you don’t want a band-aid; you want your plumbing working properly again. And that’s what we deliver – effective, immediate repairs whenever humanly possible.
