When Plumbing Goes Wrong, Every Minute Counts

A burst pipe at 2 a.m., a sewer line backing up into a tub on Sunday morning, a water heater leaking across the garage floor before church — plumbing emergencies don’t wait for business hours. Conner Plumbing of the Midlands provides 24/7 emergency plumbing service to homeowners in Irmo, Chapin, Lexington, Columbia, West Columbia, and Cayce. One call to (803) 239-7432 puts a licensed Midlands plumber on the way to your home.

We’ve been the trusted emergency plumber across the Columbia metro since 2016. When water is running where it shouldn’t be, you don’t want a 1-800 number routed three states away — you want a local team that knows the area and can be in your driveway fast.

[Photo placeholder — service van pulling up to a Midlands home at night]

What Counts as a Plumbing Emergency?

If you’re not sure whether to call, the rule of thumb is: if water damage is happening or about to happen, it’s an emergency. Common reasons our customers in Irmo, Chapin, and Lexington call us after hours:

• Burst or frozen pipe — January cold snaps in the Midlands routinely freeze and split pipes in unheated crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls
• No water in the house — well pump failure, main line break, or city-side issue
• Sewer line backup — toilets won’t flush, drains gurgling, sewage backing up into a tub or floor drain (see also our drain cleaning page)
• Water heater leak or failure — flooded garage or utility closet, no hot water for the family (we also handle planned water heater installation)
• Active leak you can’t shut off — supply line, fitting, or fixture leaking and the local valve won’t close
• Sump pump failure during a storm — finished basement or crawl space at risk of flooding
• Gas line leak (smell of gas) — call us, then leave the house and call your gas utility
• Flooded crawl space — slab leak, supply line break, or sewer line failure under the home

What to Do Before We Arrive

While we’re rolling, here’s how to limit damage:

1. Shut off the main water valve. It’s usually at the front of the house near the hose bib or in an underground meter box near the street.
2. For a water heater leak: turn the gas valve off (or breaker for electric units) and close the cold-water inlet valve on top of the tank.
3. For a sewer backup: stop running water — no toilets, sinks, washing machines, or dishwashers — until we clear the line.
4. Move valuables off wet floors. Cardboard boxes, electronics, anything that absorbs water.
5. Take a few quick photos. Helpful for insurance if the damage is significant.

[Photo placeholder — hand turning main shutoff valve]

Our Emergency Response Process

When you call (803) 239-7432, here’s what happens:

1. A real Conner Plumbing dispatcher answers — not a call center. We get the address, the issue, and the access details for the home.
2. A licensed technician is dispatched. Our techs run trucks stocked with the parts needed for the most common Midlands emergencies — supply lines, fittings, water heater elements, drain machines, sump pumps.
3. On-site diagnosis with a flat written quote. Even at 2 a.m. you get the price in writing before we start. No surprise upcharges because of the hour.
4. Stabilize first, repair second. We stop the water and prevent further damage as quickly as possible, then complete the full repair.
5. Cleanup and walkthrough. Tools out, area cleaned, you understand exactly what was done and what (if anything) you need to watch for.

Common Midlands Emergencies We Handle

Burst Pipes

Older homes in Columbia and West Columbia frequently have galvanized or polybutylene supply lines that fail catastrophically. We carry full repair kits including PEX, copper, and CPVC for any home in the metro.

Sewer Backups

Heavy rain in the Midlands can overwhelm older clay or Orangeburg sewer laterals. We run cable machines, hydro jetters, and sewer cameras to clear, diagnose, and repair on the same call — see our water and sewer lines page for full details.

Water Heater Failures

A leaking tank usually means the bottom has rusted through and the heater is done. We carry replacement units and can swap a standard tank in one visit, often the same day.

Slab Leaks

A sudden spike in your water bill, warm spots on the floor, or the sound of running water with no fixtures on — classic slab leak signs. We use electronic leak detection to pinpoint the leak without unnecessary jackhammering.

Frozen Pipes

When temperatures drop below 25°F across the Midlands, we get a flood (literally) of frozen-pipe calls. We can thaw safely and repair any splits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a separate emergency rate?

We charge a fair after-hours service fee that covers mobilization on nights, weekends, and holidays. Every emergency job gets a flat written quote before we start, and there are no hidden fees.

How fast can you get to my house?

Response time depends on where you are in our 6-area service zone and what jobs are in progress, but most Midlands emergencies see a tech within 60–90 minutes after hours.

Do you handle insurance claim documentation?

Yes. We document the cause and provide an itemized invoice that’s straightforward for your insurance adjuster.

Should I call you before turning the water off?

Turn the water off first if you can do it safely. Stopping the leak is more important than waiting for us. Then call (803) 239-7432.

Do you serve all 6 Midlands cities 24/7?

Yes — Irmo, Chapin, Lexington, Columbia, West Columbia, and Cayce. One number, day or night.