- HEP Plumbing
- Emergency Drain Opening

Emergency Drain Opening
Emergency Drain Opening | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Philadelphia
When sinks gurgle, tubs back up, or stormwater surges toward your basement steps, you don’t have time to wait for a “maybe tomorrow” appointment—you need rapid, reliable drain opening right now. HEP’s Philadelphia‐based emergency team answers the call 24/7 with fully stocked trucks, state-of-the-art cameras, and high-pressure hydro-jetting that blasts through roots, grease, and decades of debris in minutes. We arrive fast, isolate the clog without tearing up your property, and leave every workspace cleaner than we found it.
From Center City brownstones to Roxborough row homes, our licensed, insured plumbers restore flow, protect your plumbing warranty, and back every job with transparent, upfront pricing. One call to HEP turns panic into peace of mind—because life in Philadelphia should be about cheesesteaks and championships, not standing ankle-deep in murky water. Need immediate drain opening? We’re already on the way.
FAQs
What situations count as an emergency drain opening in Philadelphia?
Any blockage that causes sewage to back up into sinks, tubs, floor drains, or toilets, or that prevents critical fixtures from draining at all, is considered an emergency. Because backups can lead to water damage, health hazards, and potential structural issues, they require immediate professional attention. If you notice foul odors, gurgling sounds in other fixtures when you run water, or water rising around a floor drain, call us right away.
How fast can your plumbers get to my home or business in the Philadelphia area?
We dispatch technicians 24/7 from multiple service hubs throughout the city and suburbs. In most cases, a licensed plumber arrives within 60–90 minutes of your call. During severe weather or city-wide events, traffic can affect travel time, but our live dispatch team will give you real-time updates and an accurate ETA.
What drain-clearing methods do you use, and are they safe for old Philadelphia plumbing systems?
After an on-site camera inspection, we choose the safest and most effective method. For routine clogs we use professional-grade drain snakes or augers. For heavy grease, scale, or tree-root intrusion we recommend hydro-jetting, which uses high-pressure water to scour the pipe interior without harsh chemicals. Older cast-iron or clay lines are evaluated carefully; if the pipe wall shows advanced deterioration, we adjust the pressure or opt for a gentler mechanical cleaning to protect the line.
How much does an emergency drain opening cost, and are there after-hours fees?
Pricing depends on the drain’s location, pipe size, severity of the blockage, and method required. We give upfront, flat-rate quotes before work begins. Emergency service is available 24/7 at the same competitive rate; however, jobs that require excavation, replacement parts, or extensive jetting will have additional charges that are fully itemized before you approve the work. We accept all major credit cards, checks, and offer financing on larger repairs.
Do you guarantee your emergency drain clearing work?
Yes. Every emergency drain opening comes with a written warranty. Standard mechanical snaking carries a 30-day clear-drain guarantee; hydro-jetting includes a 90-day warranty. If the same line backs up again within the warranty period under normal use, we return at no charge to re-evaluate and clear the blockage. For chronic issues, we can provide trenchless lining or pipe replacement options with longer warranties.
Is there anything I should do while waiting for the plumber to arrive?
First, stop running water to the affected fixture to prevent overflow. If sewage is backing up, avoid using other drains in the building. Clear the area around the drain so the technician can access it quickly, and place towels or a bucket to contain any additional water. Do not pour chemical drain cleaners—these can make professional tools less effective and pose a safety risk. If water is leaking near electrical outlets, shut off power to that circuit until help arrives.