For a plumbing emergency in Roanoke, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve first, then call 540-200-2302, day or night. We'll connect you with a licensed local plumber who handles emergency calls in your area.
What should I do while I wait for an emergency plumber?
Stop the water, protect yourself, then limit the damage. Shutting off the main valve stops most leaks within seconds.
- Shut off the main water valve. It's usually where the water line enters the house: basement wall, crawlspace, utility room or near the water heater. Turn it clockwise.
- Turn off the water heater if the leak is near it: switch off power at the breaker (electric) or set the gas control to "pilot" (gas).
- Keep away from electricity. Don't walk through standing water near outlets or appliances. Shut off power to wet areas at the breaker if you can do so safely.
- If you smell gas, leave the building and call 911 or your gas utility from outside. Don't use switches or phones inside.
- Move valuables and take photos for your insurer before cleanup.
Is there a 24-hour plumber in Roanoke?
Yes. Calls to 540-200-2302 are answered 24/7, and we'll connect you with a local plumber who takes night, weekend and holiday calls.
After-hours visits usually cost more than a weekday visit, so ask for the call-out fee before the plumber heads over.
How much does an emergency plumber cost?
Nationally, emergency calls outside regular hours cost an extra $100 to $300 or more on top of the normal rate. Ask the contractor for the call-out fee and hourly rate before they head out.
Source: HomeAdvisor, updated June 2026. More detail on our Roanoke plumber cost guide.
Is a water main break my plumber's job or the water authority's?
It depends which side of the water meter the break is on. The utility handles the public side; the pipe from the meter to your house is yours, and a plumber fixes that.
The Western Virginia Water Authority serves the City of Roanoke, Roanoke, Botetourt and Franklin counties, Vinton and Boones Mill, and publishes an outage map for line breaks. Salem runs its own Water Department; the city lists 540-375-3029 for main breaks and shutoffs.
Common plumbing emergencies we get calls about
- Burst pipe repair: a split pipe can release a lot of water quickly. Shut off the main and call.
- Frozen pipes: in cold snaps, open the faucet, keep cabinet doors open and warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer. Never use an open flame.
- Sewer backup: stop using water and flushing toilets. See sewer line repair.
- Water heater leaking: see water heater repair.
- Overflowing toilet: turn the shutoff valve behind the toilet clockwise.
Common questions
Where is the main water shutoff valve?
Usually where the water line enters the house: a basement or crawlspace wall, a utility room, or near the water heater. There's also a curb valve at the meter, which may need a special key.
Can I get a plumber on a weekend in Roanoke?
Yes. Calls are answered 24/7, and we'll connect you with a local plumber who takes weekend and night calls. After-hours rates are usually higher.
Who do I call about a water main break in the street?
Breaks on the public side belong to the utility. In Roanoke, Roanoke County, Vinton and Botetourt that's the Western Virginia Water Authority; in Salem it's the city's Water Department (540-375-3029).