Plumbing disasters don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. Usually, they wait until 2:00 in the morning on a holiday weekend to announce themselves. When water is spraying or a toilet is overflowing, it’s hard to think clearly.

At Davis Plumbing and Heating, we provide 24/7 emergency service to Temecula, Murrieta, and Perris. But before you panic, use this guide to determine if you have a true “Call Right Now” emergency or a “Save Money and Wait Until Monday” repair.

The “Call Right Now” Emergencies

These issues can cause structural damage or health hazards if left for more than an hour:

• The Unstoppable Flood: If a pipe has burst and you can’t get the water to stop, every minute is damaging your drywall and flooring.

• The Main Sewer Backup: If raw sewage is backing up into your tubs or showers, this is a major health biohazard that requires immediate professional equipment.

• Sump Pump Failure: If your basement or crawlspace is flooding during a storm, you need a pro before the water reaches your electrical system.

• Gas Leaks: If you smell “rotten eggs,” leave the house immediately and call us (and the gas company) from outside.

The “It Can Wait” Repairs

If you can “isolate” the problem, you might be able to save on after-hours emergency fees:

• A Single Leaking Faucet: If you can turn the valve under the sink to stop the drip, it can wait until morning.

• One Clogged Toilet: As long as you have another bathroom in the house and the water isn’t overflowing, this isn’t a midnight emergency.

• No Hot Water: While annoying, a cold shower won’t destroy your home. We can get to this during normal business hours.

Pro Tip: Know Your Main Shut-Off

The best way to turn an “emergency” into a “minor inconvenience” is to know where your main water shut-off valve is located. Usually near the street or where the water line enters the house, turning this clockwise can save you thousands of dollars in water damage while you wait for the plumber to arrive.