Emergency Plumbing

Emergency Plumbing Repair

Plumbing emergencies don’t wait for business hours. Burst pipes flood basements, water heaters fail before morning showers, and sewer backups create health hazards that demand immediate attention. Richardson Plumbing Company operates a dedicated emergency plumbing response team serving Des Moines and surrounding communities around the clock. Our licensed plumbers arrive prepared with professional-grade equipment and an extensive parts inventory to resolve your emergency quickly. We’ve handled everything from frozen pipe disasters during Iowa winters to storm-related backups, always prioritizing your property protection and safety. Every emergency call receives the same commitment: rapid response, expert diagnosis, and permanent solutions that prevent recurring problems.

Emergency Plumbing Services We Provide

Richardson Plumbing Company handles the full spectrum of residential and commercial plumbing emergencies throughout Des Moines. Our emergency plumbing services include burst pipe repair and replacement, sewer line backups and blockages, water heater failures and leak, gas line leaks and shutoffs, flooding and water extraction coordination, toilet overflows, severe clogs, and situations that may require toilet repair and installation, sump pump failures during storms, frozen pipe thawing and repair, main water line breaks, and garbage disposal emergencies. We maintain relationships with insurance companies and restoration specialists to streamline your recovery process. Our technicians carry diagnostic equipment including video inspection cameras and electronic leak detection tools to identify problems others miss.

Preventing Common Plumbing Emergencies

Many plumbing emergencies develop from neglected maintenance issues that Richardson Plumbing Company can help you avoid. We recommend annual water heater inspections to catch corrosion and sediment buildup before tanks fail catastrophically. Regular drain cleaning prevents the severe blockages that cause backups during holidays when everyone’s home. Sump pump testing before spring storms ensures your basement stays dry. Winter pipe insulation for exterior walls and crawl spaces prevents freeze damage during Des Moines cold snaps. We offer maintenance agreements as part of our broader plumbing services that include seasonal inspections, priority scheduling for emergency plumbing, and discounted repair rates. These programs catch small issues before they become 2 AM emergencies, saving you money and stress while extending your plumbing system’s lifespan.

Schedule Service

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Urgency

*Expect a call within an hour during business hours or before 10:00 AM the next business day.

Hours

 Day Hours
Monday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday Emergency Services Available
Sunday Emergency Services Available

Excellence You Can Count On

We are incredibly proud of the reputation we’ve earned, and we let the honest feedback from our valued local clients speak for the quality of our work.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 Suzy Collings profile picture 
 
 
 Suzy Collings 
 
 
 
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After reaching out to several large name companies and getting large name prices, my Mom recommended Richardson Plumbing and I am so thankful for that! He talked me through several “at home solutions “ on the phone to avoid having to pay a service fee and has even checked back in with me to make sure my plumbing situation is still going well. He is the true definition of small business. Definitely recommend!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 AJ Dedic 
 
 
 
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The most honest, ethical, and genuine person I have ever met. Highly recommend!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 pete slusinski 
 
 
 
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I have used Richardson plumbing for a number of things over the years.   New water heater, replacement of a spigot on the back of the house, also replacement of some shower plumbing and faucet in a bathroom.   John continues to be awesome.   He is always tranparent with what the work entails and what it will cost.   And he always leaves the work area clean when he leaves.   Richardson is my go to.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Cole Klever 
 
 
 
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John is very experienced and took the time to show and explain to me how to maintenance my water heater to extend its life. He was able to show up the next day and did an amazing job. If you are looking for a plumber please consider Richardson Plumbing. Of the 10 other plumbers I've called for quotes or worked with in the past, John is by far the most knowledgeable, friendly, efficient and transparent about pricing. You can tell he cares about his work and that's important.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Justin Krogman 
 
 
 
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John cares about his craft and the work he does is proof.  Highly recommend.  John will be my go-to for all my plumbing needs in the future.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Kasim Husejnovic 
 
 
 
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Water heater issue. John discovered that there was a venting problem. Got it fixed. Finally we have a hot water again! Highly recommended!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Randy Ward 
 
 
 
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Fast and. Efficient
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Brian Martin 
 
 
 
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Was at our home promptly on a Saturday - Christmas Eve, even. He was professional and courteous even as our reported "burst pipe" slowly revealed itself to be 4 burst pipes.  Even stuck around to help thaw the other pipes nearby to make sure we wouldn't need them fixed, too!  His price was extremely fair.  Highly, highly recommended!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Google rating score: 4.7 of 5, based on 58 reviews

FAQ : Emergency Plumbing Services

Quick answers to common questions about emergency plumbing services in Des Moines.

What should I do while waiting for your emergency plumber?

Shut off water at the main valve if you have active flooding—it’s typically located where the water line enters your home. Move valuables and furniture away from water. Place buckets under leaking pipes. Turn off electricity to affected areas if water contacts outlets or appliances. For gas leaks, evacuate immediately, don’t use light switches or electronics, and call 911 before calling us. Take photos of damage for insurance documentation. Our dispatcher provides specific guidance based on your situation when you call Richardson Plumbing Company’s emergency line.

Will my homeowners insurance cover emergency plumbing repairs?

Many homeowners insurance policies cover sudden, accidental plumbing failures like burst pipes or water heater ruptures, though coverage varies significantly by policy. Richardson Plumbing Company provides detailed invoices, photographs, and documentation to support insurance claims. We recommend calling your insurance company during the emergency to understand your coverage and deductible. Some policies require using specific contractors or obtaining approval before repairs. We work with most major insurers and can coordinate with adjusters, though we cannot guarantee coverage decisions.

Do you charge extra for nights, weekends, and holidays?

Yes, Richardson Plumbing Company applies premium rates for after-hours emergency service including nights after 6 PM, weekends, and major holidays. These rates compensate technicians for on-call availability and cover operational costs of 24/7 service. We provide exact pricing before starting work so you can make informed decisions. Regular business hours offer standard rates, and many non-emergency issues can wait until then. Our dispatchers help you assess whether immediate service justifies emergency pricing or if scheduling during business hours makes more sense.

What qualifies as a plumbing emergency?

A plumbing emergency involves active water damage, health hazards, or complete loss of essential functions. This includes burst pipes flooding your home, sewer backups creating unsanitary conditions, complete water heater failures leaving you without hot water, gas leaks requiring immediate shutoff, and main water line breaks. A slow drain or dripping faucet, while inconvenient, typically doesn’t require emergency rates. Richardson Plumbing Company helps you determine urgency during your call and can schedule next-day service for non-emergency issues.

How quickly can you respond to plumbing emergencies in Des Moines?

Richardson Plumbing Company averages 45-minute response times for emergency calls throughout Des Moines proper, with slightly longer times for outlying areas depending on technician location and traffic conditions. We dispatch the nearest available plumber immediately after your call and provide estimated arrival times. During severe weather events or multiple simultaneous emergencies, response times may extend, but we always communicate realistic expectations and prioritize calls involving active flooding, gas leaks, or health hazards requiring immediate attention.