When a plumbing emergency strikes, you need a Licensed Master Plumber who can respond fast and fix the problem right — the first time. Karl's Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has been handling plumbing emergencies across New York City since 1935. Four generations of master plumbers, two active NYC Master Plumber licenses (LMP #921 and LMP #2060), and nearly 90 years of experience mean we've seen every emergency scenario and know exactly how to resolve it.
We answer emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year — including holidays and weekends. Whether it's 2 AM on a Sunday or the middle of a holiday dinner, call (800) 721-3200 or (718) 263-8600 and a real person will answer. Our trucks are stocked with parts for the most common emergencies so we can often complete the repair in a single visit.
A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water per hour, causing catastrophic damage to floors, walls, ceilings, and personal property. NYC's aging infrastructure and freezing winter temperatures make burst pipes one of the most common emergencies we respond to. Our team arrives quickly, shuts off the water, and repairs or replaces the damaged section. We work with copper, PEX, PVC, cast iron, and galvanized piping. Learn more about our frozen and burst pipe repair services.
If you smell gas (a rotten egg odor) or suspect a gas leak, evacuate immediately and call 911, then call us. Our Licensed Master Plumbers are Gas Operator Qualified in Task 86 & 87 and trained to locate and repair gas leaks safely. We use NYS-approved portable combustible gas detectors to find even the smallest leaks. Never ignore a gas leak — it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, or explosions. See our gas leak detection and gas line repair services.
Raw sewage backing up into your home or building is both a health hazard and a property damage emergency. Sewer backups are typically caused by blockages in the main sewer line — tree root intrusion, grease buildup, collapsed pipes, or foreign objects. We use camera inspections to diagnose the problem and high-powered hydro-jetting to clear the blockage. For severe cases, we perform sewer line repair or replacement. Visit our drain cleaning and sewer repair pages for more information.
Waking up to no hot water is more than an inconvenience — in a NYC winter, it's an emergency. Whether you have a tank water heater, tankless unit, or a boiler-fed hot water system, our team diagnoses the issue fast. Common causes include failed heating elements, broken thermostats, pilot light problems, sediment buildup, and leaking tanks. We carry parts for all major brands and can often restore hot water the same day. For boiler-related hot water issues, see our heating services.
Flooding can come from burst pipes, failed sump pumps, malfunctioning water heaters, backed-up drains, or heavy rainfall overwhelming your building's drainage system. The longer water sits, the more damage it causes — mold can begin growing within 24–48 hours. We respond immediately to stop the source of flooding. Our water leak detection technology helps us find hidden sources of water damage.
A single overflowing toilet can flood a bathroom in minutes. When a plunger won't cut it, you need a professional. Our team handles severe toilet clogs, main line blockages, and drain backups that affect multiple fixtures.
We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing service across all five NYC boroughs and beyond:
Response times depend on your location and time of day, but we prioritize true emergencies (active flooding, gas leaks, sewer backups) and typically arrive within 1–2 hours in NYC.
Call us at (800) 721-3200 to discuss your situation. We'll give you upfront pricing before dispatching so there are no surprises.
The only thing you should do is shut off the water supply to stop active flooding. Beyond that, leave it to a Licensed Master Plumber — improper repairs can make the problem worse and may violate NYC building codes.
Don't wait — call Karl's Plumbing now at (800) 721-3200.
Straightforward Pricing
Friendly Customer Service
Family Owned and Operated
Licensed, Bonded, and Insured
Quality brands and parts
Courteous & Uniformed Professionals
Convenient Appointment Times
Service Agreements
In Business for Over 90 Years
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