Plumbing problems rarely wait for a convenient time. It’s always during a weekend, late at night, or right before guests arrive that something goes wrong — a burst pipe, an overflowing toilet, or no hot water. In moments like that, having a trusted emergency plumber on standby isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.
For homeowners in Tempe and Ahwatukee, the urgency is even greater. Older homes, extreme heat, hard water, and shifting soil all play a role in making plumbing systems more vulnerable. The good news? If you know what to look for, and who to call, you can avoid major damage and keep your home running smoothly.
But first, what exactly counts as a plumbing emergency? Some issues are more obvious than others. A pipe that bursts under the sink or a toilet that’s actively overflowing are clear-cut emergencies — they can cause damage fast and need to be shut down immediately. But then there are the less obvious ones: gurgling drains that hint at a sewer backup, no water coming from your taps, or a hot water heater making strange noises and leaking onto the floor. These situations may not seem urgent at first glance, but they often signal deeper problems that can escalate fast.
If you experience anything that puts your home, health, or safety at risk, don’t wait. Shut off the water, avoid using appliances connected to your plumbing, and call a professional who offers true emergency service — not someone who might “get back to you Monday.”
At People’s Choice Plumbing, we’ve seen how fast things can go from inconvenient to catastrophic. Our team is based right here in the East Valley, which means we can respond quickly to homes in Tempe, Ahwatukee, and surrounding neighborhoods. Whether it’s a broken pipe, a clogged main drain, or a failing water heater, we treat your emergency like it’s our own.
What makes us different? We're not just another big-name service that dispatches from across the city. We’re a local company — which means faster response times, better knowledge of your area’s plumbing systems, and no one-size-fits-all approach. If you’re in Tempe and your home was built in the 1970s, we know what kind of pipework you're likely dealing with. If you’re in Ahwatukee, we understand how the area's notoriously hard water can wear down your system behind the scenes.
This article will walk you through the most common plumbing emergencies we handle in Tempe and Ahwatukee — and what you can do in those first few critical minutes before we arrive. We’ll also explain how to prevent future problems and why more locals are choosing our team for both urgent repairs and routine plumbing care.
And if you haven’t already, check out our recent post on Finding the Right Plumber in Tempe and Ahwatukee, which covers how to vet plumbing companies before you need them — because when emergencies hit, it’s too late to start comparing reviews.
If you live in Tempe or Ahwatukee long enough, you’ll eventually run into a plumbing emergency — and chances are, it’ll be one of the usual suspects. While the specific issues vary home to home, there are clear patterns we see over and over in this part of the Valley.
One of the most frequent calls we get is for severe drain clogs. It starts with a slow shower drain or a gurgling sink, but once water starts backing up — especially in multiple fixtures — you’re likely dealing with a deeper blockage, often in the main line. In older Tempe neighborhoods, tree roots can infiltrate cracked pipes underground. In newer Ahwatukee homes, it’s often grease buildup or flushing the wrong materials. Either way, these blockages can’t be ignored. Left untreated, they can lead to backups that push dirty water back into your home.
Toilets are another major source of emergency calls. A clog that refuses to budge or a toilet that overflows after every flush is more than just an inconvenience — it’s a potential flood risk. The water itself may be contaminated, and if it soaks into flooring or drywall, it can lead to long-term damage and mold. If plunging doesn’t work quickly, that’s your sign to bring in a professional.
Water heater failures are also high on the list, especially during colder months when the demand for hot water spikes. We frequently respond to calls where homeowners notice puddles forming around the base of their tank, or worse, come home to find their water heater has burst completely. This is especially common in Ahwatukee, where mineral-heavy water accelerates wear and tear on the system. If your water heater is more than 8–10 years old, keep a close eye on performance — and know who to call before it fails entirely.
Burst pipes are less common, but when they happen, they’re severe. In Tempe, we occasionally see this during sudden temperature swings or due to worn-out fittings in older homes. In Ahwatukee, it often comes down to ground shifting or pipes under constant strain from water pressure. A single pipe failure can release gallons of water into your home in minutes, which is why quick action matters. If you see water dripping from the ceiling or bubbling up from under floors, shut off your water immediately and get help.
There’s also the issue of sewer line problems. These are harder to detect early, but they’re every bit as urgent. Signs include multiple drains acting up at once, strange smells coming from the yard or drains, and loud gurgling noises. Sewer line backups are not something you want to deal with on your own — they’re messy, hazardous, and can cost a fortune in damage if ignored.
What all of these problems have in common is that they escalate quickly. What starts as a minor annoyance on Friday night can become a major emergency by Saturday morning if you don’t act. That’s why having a trusted emergency plumber on hand — someone local, responsive, and experienced — can make the difference between a quick fix and a costly restoration project.
If you want to get ahead of these problems before they happen, routine inspections and preventative maintenance go a long way. On our Drain Cleaning page, we talk more about how regular service can help keep things flowing and prevent those late-night calls no one wants to make.
In the next section, we’ll break down how People’s Choice Plumbing handles emergencies step by step — and what makes our approach different from other companies in the area.
When you’re facing a plumbing emergency, the last thing you want is to sit on hold, fill out some online form, or wait days for someone to show up. At People’s Choice Plumbing, we treat every urgent call like it’s happening in our own home — because when things go wrong, fast action is everything.
We’re local to the East Valley, which means we’re able to respond quickly to homes in Tempe, Ahwatukee, and nearby areas without delay. Our trucks are stocked with everything needed to handle the most common emergencies — from drain machines and camera scopes to replacement parts and shut-off tools. That means we can diagnose and solve most problems on the first visit.
But it’s not just about speed — it’s also about communication. When you call us, you get a real person who listens to what’s going on and walks you through what to do until help arrives. Once our plumber is on-site, they’ll explain exactly what’s wrong, what caused it, and what your options are — no jargon, no pressure, and no guesswork.
And unlike national chains or gig contractors, we don’t disappear after the job’s done. We offer guidance on how to prevent the issue from happening again and, if needed, help schedule long-term solutions like repiping, fixture upgrades, or drain cleaning. You’re never left in the dark.
Need proof? Just read what homeowners are saying on our Reviews page. We’ve helped dozens of families in Tempe and Ahwatukee get back to normal — fast.
If you’re currently dealing with an emergency or want to get ahead of a potential issue, don’t wait. Contact People’s Choice Plumbing today. We’re available for same-day service, and estimates are always free.
And if you’re still weighing your options for a reliable, local plumber, check out our guide on Finding the Right Plumber in Tempe and Ahwatukee to learn what separates good plumbers from the rest.
Do you offer emergency plumbing services on weekends and holidays?
Yes, we’re available seven days a week. Plumbing emergencies don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we.
What should I do if my toilet is overflowing and I can’t stop it?
First, shut off the water valve behind the toilet. Then, avoid using any other plumbing fixtures and call us immediately. This could be a sign of a larger issue in your drain line.
How fast can you get to my home in Ahwatukee or Tempe?
We aim for same-day service, and in most cases, we’re able to dispatch a plumber within a few hours or less — especially in Ahwatukee and Tempe, where we’re based.
Are there extra charges for emergency service?
We keep our pricing straightforward and transparent. We’ll always explain costs upfront — no surprises, no inflated weekend fees.
Can you help prevent emergencies before they happen?
Absolutely. We offer preventative maintenance, annual inspections, and affordable drain cleaning to help stop problems before they escalate.
Conclusion
No one plans for a plumbing emergency — but when it happens, you don’t want to waste time scrolling through companies or waiting for someone who may not show up. People’s Choice Plumbing is here to respond fast, fix it right, and treat you like family. Call today and get your home back under control.
