Plumbing problems rarely wait for business hours. A burst pipe, overflowing toilet, or major leak can turn a normal day into a full-blown emergency. The question many property managers and business owners face is when to call emergency plumbers and what to do before help arrives.
The short answer is simple: call emergency plumbers when the issue threatens safety, property, or critical operations. But understanding how to assess the situation and act quickly can save thousands in damages and downtime.
This guide breaks down when to pick up the phone, what to check first, and how professional emergency plumbers (like FS Group’s rapid response team) handle urgent calls.
Not every leak or drip requires an urgent response. A slow tap leak can usually wait for regular service. But if water is spreading, flooding, or affecting vital systems, you’re in emergency territory.
Common plumbing emergencies include:
If the problem impacts safety, hygiene, or your ability to operate normally, that’s when to call emergency plumbers right away.
Knowing what to do in the first few minutes of a plumbing emergency makes all the difference. Here’s what professionals recommend.
1. Turn off the water supply
Locate your main stopcock (usually under the sink or near the water meter) and shut it off. This limits the flow of water and prevents further flooding or pressure buildup.
2. Switch off your heating system
If a boiler or pipe has burst, turn off your central heating to prevent further water circulation. Leave the system to cool before attempting any inspection.
3. Isolate electricity if needed
If water is spreading near sockets, lighting, or electrical panels, shut off the electricity at the main breaker. Water and electricity are a dangerous mix; never take chances.
4. Contain and document the issue
Use towels, buckets, or mops to control water flow. Take photos or videos for insurance and repair records. This helps both your emergency plumbers and your insurer understand the situation.
5. Avoid DIY fixes beyond isolation
Temporary patches or tightening connections can sometimes worsen leaks. Once the area is safe, wait for professional help. Experienced emergency plumbers can identify the root cause, not just the visible damage.
When you contact FS Group’s emergency plumbers, you’re reaching a team built for fast response. Our work is 95% emergency-based, so we understand the pressure when systems fail.
We start with a quick diagnostic over the phone to assess severity and dispatch the right specialist: plumbing, drainage, or HVAC. Once on-site, we isolate the source, prevent further damage, and carry out immediate repairs or temporary containment.
Every situation is logged and followed up with a detailed service report so you know what failed, why it happened, and what long-term solution is needed. That’s how we keep systems safe, compliant, and reliable for large maintenance clients.
Some plumbing issues look serious but aren’t emergencies. These can usually wait until standard service hours:
However, keep an eye on any changes. A minor drip can quickly turn into a burst if pressure fluctuates. If in doubt, call your maintenance team or FS Group for advice; we can determine if it qualifies as an emergency.
In commercial buildings, even a few minutes of uncontrolled water flow can cause thousands in damage. According to the Association of British Insurers, the average cost of an escape-of-water claim exceeds £9,000. Businesses with sensitive equipment or tenants can face even higher losses from downtime.
Delays also increase contamination risks, especially with wastewater or drainage failures. Quick isolation, professional repair, and proper disinfection protect both property and health.
That’s why having a trusted team of emergency plumbers on standby isn’t optional but essential for risk management.
At FS Group, we specialise in fast, professional plumbing, HVAC, and drainage support. Our teams operate across London and the surrounding counties, working directly with large maintenance companies and property managers.
When an emergency call comes in, we deploy based on location, severity, and system type. Whether it’s a burst main, blocked drain, or faulty heating unit, our engineers carry the right tools and parts to stabilise the issue on the spot.
We also provide planned maintenance to reduce future emergencies. By inspecting pressure levels, joints, and drainage flow regularly, we catch small faults before they turn into costly callouts.
That’s how our clients keep facilities running smoothly, even when the unexpected happens.
Anyone can turn up quickly. What matters is precision, experience, and safety. FS Group’s emergency plumbers combine all three. We work within strict safety standards, isolate problems correctly, and ensure systems are restored to full function, not just patched temporarily.
Speed matters, but quality protects your property. That’s the difference between an emergency plumber and a professional partner.
If you’re unsure whether a situation counts as an emergency, call anyway. Our dispatch team can assess the situation in minutes and send help if needed. A short call can save a long recovery process.
Plumbing emergencies escalate quickly. Water moves fast, damage spreads, and business operations suffer. Acting early is the safest choice.
Don’t wait for a small leak to become a flood. Call us for immediate help, 24/7. Our experts respond fast, contain the damage, and get your systems running safely again.
1. When should I call emergency plumbers for my business?
Call emergency plumbers when a plumbing issue risks safety, property damage, or downtime. Common triggers include burst pipes, flooding, blocked drains, gas leaks, or no water supply affecting business operations.
2. How fast can emergency plumbers arrive on-site?
Emergency plumbers typically arrive within one to two hours, depending on your location and the issue’s severity. FS Group prioritises rapid dispatch across London to minimise downtime and prevent costly water damage.
3. What should I do before emergency plumbers arrive?
Shut off your main water supply, switch off the boiler, and isolate electricity near leaks. Contain any visible water and avoid temporary DIY fixes that could worsen damage. Then wait for professionals.
4. Are emergency plumbing repairs more expensive than standard service?
Emergency callouts cost more due to immediate response and out-of-hours availability. However, quick action from emergency plumbers can prevent thousands in property damage, making it far more cost-effective long term.
5. Can emergency plumbers handle drainage and heating issues too?
Yes. FS Group’s emergency plumbers are trained across plumbing, drainage, and HVAC systems. We fix burst pipes, blocked drains, faulty boilers, and leaks in one visit to restore full system functionality safely.
