Top 5 Plumbing Emergencies in Staten Island and How to Handle Them

Winter in Staten Island can be brutal—and your plumbing system often feels it first. January brings a spike in calls for emergency plumbing in Staten Island, as freezing temperatures lead to burst pipes, water heater failures, and more. Knowing how to spot the most common cold-weather plumbing issues—and what to do next—can make all the difference.

1. Frozen Pipes

One of the most frequent winter emergencies, frozen pipes can crack or burst, causing extensive water damage. If you turn on a faucet and no water comes out, or you hear banging in the walls, you might have a frozen line.

What to do: Shut off the main water supply immediately. Then, call our 24/7 team for emergency thawing and repairs. Do not try to thaw pipes with open flames.

2. No Heat

When your boiler or hydronic heating system fails, it’s not just inconvenient—it can be dangerous. A lack of heat in freezing weather can put your home and family at serious risk, especially if you have young children or elderly relatives at home.

What to do: If the system isn’t turning on, check the thermostat and power source. If everything appears to be set correctly, call our emergency technicians immediately. Our Staten Island heating experts respond quickly to restore warmth and safety.

3. Burst Water Heaters

Old or overworked water heaters are more likely to fail under winter pressure. A burst tank can flood basements or utility rooms, leading to water damage and potential mold growth.

What to do: Turn off the water and power to the heater, then contact Capital Contracting. We offer fast replacements and emergency water heater repair services throughout Staten Island.

4. Overflowing Toilets or Backed-Up Drains

Holiday gatherings can strain your plumbing system, especially if guests flush the wrong things or overuse sinks and showers. If your toilet won’t stop overflowing or drains start backing up, it may signal a larger problem in your sewer line.

What to do: Avoid using any more water and call for emergency drain cleaning. Our licensed team will identify and remove the blockage safely—no guesswork or unnecessary digging.

5. Broken Sump Pumps

Melting snow and winter rain can overwhelm sump pumps. If your pump stops working during a storm, your basement could flood quickly.

What to do: Check for power loss or tripped circuits. If the pump won’t engage, call us right away. We repair and replace sump pumps in Staten Island homes year-round.

Need Emergency Plumbing in Staten Island?

At Capital Contracting, Plumbing & Heating Corp., we provide fast, professional emergency plumbing services throughout Staten Island and the surrounding boroughs. With over 30 years of experience, our team is equipped to handle winter’s toughest challenges—from frozen pipes to no heat and everything in between.

Call now for 24/7 service: 718-815-9093. When you need emergency plumbing in Staten Island, we’re ready to help—day or night.