Need an emergency plumber in Brooklyn? Do this first
In a Brooklyn brownstone, row house or two-family, a plumbing emergency usually shows up as water where it shouldn't be: through a ceiling, across the cellar floor, or backing up out of a basement drain. Here's what to do in the first few minutes, and how to hire the right person.
Get matched with a licensed pro Free for you. Pros pay Five Boro Fix a referral fee. Matching service, not a contractor.
Emergency? Gas smell, CO alarm, fire, sparking or flooding: get to safety and call 911 first.
Stop the water first
- If one fixture is leaking, close its fixture valve (under the sink or behind the toilet).
- Otherwise close the main shutoff. In most Brooklyn row houses it's in the cellar on the front wall, where the water service comes in from the street, next to the meter. Turn it clockwise.
- Water near outlets, the panel or appliances? Don't walk through it. Shut power at the panel only if you can reach it from a dry spot.
- Open a low faucet to drain pressure, move valuables and take photos and video for insurance.
- Water coming up from a floor drain or toilet is likely a sewer backup. Stop using water in the house and see our sewer backup guide.
Who can do plumbing work in NYC
In New York City, plumbing and gas piping work is reserved for a DOB Licensed Master Plumber (LMP) or someone working under one. For real emergencies, an LMP can file an Emergency Work Notification with the Department of Buildings and start right away, then file the permit paperwork afterward. You can check a plumber's license yourself on the DOB NOW Public Portal (search "Licensee"). See our license lookup guide.
What to ask on the phone
- Are you (or the company) a NYC Licensed Master Plumber? What's the license number?
- How is the visit billed: a flat call-out fee, hourly, or a quote after diagnosis? Is there an after-hours rate?
- When can you realistically get here?
- Co-op or condo: can you send a certificate of insurance (COI) to my building today?
Get the price structure in writing (a text or email is fine) before work starts. Rates vary a lot by time of day and the problem, so we don't quote prices here.
Brooklyn specifics
Many Brooklyn homes are 100-year-old row houses with a mix of old galvanized, cast iron, lead or copper piping, so an emergency repair can reveal more work. Owners are responsible for the private water service line and sewer line from the house to the city connection. Gas in Brooklyn is supplied by National Grid, so keep its emergency line (718-643-4050) handy, and if you ever smell gas, leave first and call 911 from outside.
Questions
Can a handyman fix a burst pipe in Brooklyn?
No. In NYC, plumbing repairs must be done by a DOB Licensed Master Plumber or someone working under that license. A handyman can help with drywall and cleanup afterward.
Does an emergency plumber need a permit before starting?
For true emergencies, a Licensed Master Plumber can file an Emergency Work Notification with DOB and start right away, then complete the permit filing afterward.
Who pays if the sewer line under my front yard breaks?
In NYC the property owner is generally responsible for the private sewer service line up to the connection to the city sewer, and the repair has to be done by a Licensed Master Plumber.
Sources
Rules and phone numbers can change. Check the official source before relying on them.
Related guides
Published 2026-10-20 · Updated 2026-10-20
Get matched with one licensed pro, free
Owners, co-op/condo owners and landlords: tell us the job and we'll introduce you to one licensed local business. We aim to make the introduction within 24 hours. We ask pros to share their license and insurance; verify the license yourself at the DCWP or DOB lookup. Free for you. Pros pay Five Boro Fix a referral fee. Matching service, not a contractor.