24/7 Emergency Plumber in Exeter 30-Minute Response Time
Immediate assistance for burst pipes, leaks & boiler breakdowns across all Exeter areas
Exeter Emergency Plumbing
- £65 fixed emergency callout fee
- 30-minute response anywhere in Exeter
- Burst pipes & leak emergency specialists
- Available 24/7, 365 days including holidays
Emergency Plumbing Coverage Areas in Exeter
24/7 Emergency Response Throughout Exeter and Devon
Exeter City Centre
Covering High Street, Queen Street, Cathedral Yard, Southernhay, and Sidwell Street. Typical emergency response time: 20-30 minutes.
Postcodes: EX1, EX2, EX4
St Thomas & Exwick
Serving Cowick Street, Exwick Road, Dunsford Road, and surrounding residential areas. Typical emergency response time: 25-35 minutes.
Postcodes: EX2, EX4
Heavitree & Whipton
Covering Fore Street Heavitree, Whipton Village Road, and residential streets. Typical emergency response time: 25-35 minutes.
Postcodes: EX1, EX4
Pennsylvania & St Leonards
Serving Pennsylvania Road, Magdalen Road, and surrounding areas with prompt emergency service. Typical response time: 25-35 minutes.
Postcodes: EX1, EX2, EX4
Pinhoe & Broadclyst
Emergency coverage for Pinhoe Road, Broadclyst village, and surrounding areas. Typical response time: 30-40 minutes.
Postcodes: EX1, EX5
Topsham & Countess Wear
Covering Topsham High Street, The Strand, Countess Wear, and Rydon Lane. Typical response time: 30-40 minutes.
Postcodes: EX2, EX3
Surrounding Devon Areas
Our emergency plumbing service extends beyond Exeter to cover neighboring towns and villages:
Neighborhood-Specific Emergency Plumbing Solutions
Our emergency plumbing services are tailored to the unique property characteristics and plumbing systems found in different Exeter neighborhoods.
Central Exeter & St Leonards Emergency Services
- Period Property Expertise: Specialized tools and techniques for emergency repairs in Georgian and Victorian properties around Cathedral Close and Pennsylvania.
- Heritage Building Solutions: Non-invasive emergency diagnostics and repairs that preserve original features in listed buildings.
- Commercial Emergency Service: Out-of-hours emergency response for High Street businesses, minimizing disruption.
University & North Exeter Areas Emergency Solutions
- Student Housing Emergencies: Rapid response service for student accommodations in Pennsylvania and Duryard with 24/7 availability during term time.
- Multi-Occupancy Properties: Specialized emergency service for HMOs with complex plumbing systems around Heavitree Road and Magdalen Road.
- Emergency Boiler Specialists: University-area expertise with combi boiler systems commonly found in converted student properties.
New Developments & East Exeter Emergencies
- New Build Emergency Specialists: Technicians familiar with modern plumbing systems in Newcourt and Monkerton developments.
- Warranty-Compliant Repairs: Emergency solutions that maintain new home warranties and building guarantees.
- Smart Home Integration: Emergency repairs for properties with integrated digital plumbing systems and smart water controls.
West Exeter Emergency Plumbing Solutions
- Basement & Lower Ground Solutions: Specialized equipment for homes with basements in Exwick and St Thomas areas.
- Rapid Water Extraction: Emergency services include water extraction and drying for internal plumbing leaks and burst pipes.
- Sump Pump Emergency Repairs: 24/7 repair service for sump pump failures to prevent property damage from internal water issues.
Emergency Plumbing Success Stories
Real emergency situations we've solved in Exeter with our 30-minute response guarantee
Burst Pipe in Victorian Home
Location: St Leonards, Exeter
Response Time: 22 minutes
A family returned home from work to find water pouring through their ceiling from a burst pipe in their Victorian property's bathroom.
Our Solution: Immediate water isolation, specialized heritage property pipe repair with minimal invasive work, and dehumidification set-up.
Outcome: Water damage minimized, original period features preserved, and family able to remain in their home during repairs.
- 5:42 PM: Emergency call received
- 5:44 PM: Technician dispatched
- 6:04 PM: Arrival on site
- 6:10 PM: Water isolated
- 7:15 PM: Repair completed
Emergency Boiler Breakdown
Location: Pennsylvania, Exeter
Response Time: 25 minutes
Student house with 6 occupants experienced complete heating and hot water failure during winter exam period.
Our Solution: Emergency diagnostic revealed pump failure. Temporary solution implemented while ordering part, with permanent repair completed within 24 hours.
Outcome: Students had hot water restored the same evening, with heating fully operational by the next day.
- 7:15 AM: Emergency call received
- 7:18 AM: Remote troubleshooting attempted
- 7:23 AM: Technician dispatched
- 7:40 AM: Arrival on site
- 8:30 AM: Temporary solution implemented
Smart Home Water Leak
Location: Newcourt, Exeter
Response Time: 27 minutes
Water leak detected by smart system in modern home. Homeowner received alert while at work but couldn't determine source of leak.
Our Solution: Used thermal imaging to locate concealed leak in underfloor heating system. Performed minimally invasive repair with specialized equipment.
Outcome: Leak repaired without extensive floor removal. Smart system recalibrated and monitoring restored.
- 11:15 AM: Emergency call received
- 11:20 AM: Technician dispatched with thermal equipment
- 11:42 AM: Arrival on site
- 12:10 PM: Leak located with thermal imaging
- 2:30 PM: Repair completed and system tested
£65 fixed callout fee + £75-110/hr rate (first hour capped at £150)
Call Our Emergency Line: 07766 501664Emergency vs. Standard Plumbing Service
Understanding when to call our emergency service versus booking a standard appointment
Emergency Service
24/7 Rapid Response
Standard Service
Scheduled Appointments
Response Time
30-Minute Guaranteed Response
Throughout Exeter and surrounding areas
Same-day to 48 hours
Based on schedule availability
Pricing
£65 Fixed Callout Fee
£75-85/hr during business hours
£90-110/hr evenings/weekends/holidays
First hour capped at £150 total
£60/hr Standard Rate
No callout fee during business hours
Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm only
When To Call
- Burst or leaking pipes with active water flow
- Complete boiler or heating system breakdown
- Severely blocked toilets or drains causing overflow
- No hot water in winter conditions
- Gas leaks or suspected gas issues. Call Gas Safe
- Slow dripping taps or minor leaks
- Appliance installations or replacements
- Routine boiler servicing and maintenance
- Bathroom renovations and installations
- Water efficiency upgrades
Emergency Plumbing Preparation Checklist
Steps to take while waiting for our emergency plumber to arrive in Exeter
Immediate Actions
Turn Off Your Water
For burst pipes or major leaks, locate and shut off your main water valve immediately. In most Exeter homes, this is located under the kitchen sink, in a utility room, or near the front boundary of your property.
Switch Off Electricity
If water is near electrical appliances or fittings, turn off electricity at the main circuit breaker. Safety first—never touch electrical items if standing in water.
Contain the Water
Use towels, buckets, and containers to collect water and prevent further damage to your property. For Exeter's period properties, prioritize protecting wooden floors.
Clear the Area
Remove furniture, rugs, and valuables from affected areas. Provide clear access to the problem area for when our emergency plumber arrives.
Exeter Property Guide
Victorian Terraces (St Leonards/Newtown)
Water shutoff valves often located in basements or under kitchen sinks. Many have original lead or cast iron pipes which require specialist handling.
University Accommodation
In shared houses, main stop cocks typically in downstairs bathrooms or utility spaces. Alert housemates and contact your letting agent once emergency services are called.
New Builds (Newcourt/Pinhoe)
External stop valves typically located at front boundaries with internal isolation valves for appliances. Smart water systems may have app-controlled shutoff functions.
Boiler Emergency Tips
Check pressure gauge (should be 1-1.5 bar). Note any error codes to tell our plumber. For oil combi boilers, take pictures of current settings before attempting any resets.
Important Contact Information
Our Emergency Line
07766 501664
Available 24/7 in Exeter
£65 callout + £75-110/hr
South West Water
0344 346 2020
For mains water issues
Gas Emergency
0800 111 999
If you smell gas
Commercial Emergency Plumbing Services in Exeter
Specialized emergency solutions for Exeter businesses with minimal disruption
Emergency Response
Restaurants & Hotels
- Commercial kitchen drainage emergencies
- Hot water system failures
- After-hours service with minimal guest disruption
Serving Exeter's Princesshay, Cathedral Quarter & Quayside restaurants and hotels
Retail Solutions
Retail & Shopping Centres
- Public restroom emergency repairs
- Rapid response for water leaks in retail spaces
- Out-of-hours service to minimize trading impact
Servicing Princesshay Shopping Centre, Guildhall, and High Street businesses
Commercial Care
Offices & Commercial Spaces
- Commercial oil heating system emergencies
- Specialized service for IT server room flooding
- Weekend & evening emergency response
Serving Exeter Business Park, Science Park & city centre offices
Commercial Emergency Service Benefits
Priority Response for Business Clients
Business emergencies receive our fastest possible response with 24/7 availability across Exeter and surrounding areas.
Business Continuity Protection
Our commercial emergency service aims to minimize operational disruption with tailored solutions for your Exeter business.
Commercial Service Agreements
We offer premium service agreements for Exeter businesses matching Bristol and Manchester standards, with tailored pricing options, priority scheduling, and comprehensive coverage for all commercial plumbing emergencies.
Dedicated Commercial Account Manager
Exeter businesses receive a dedicated point of contact for all emergency plumbing needs, ensuring consistent service delivery.
Commercial Emergency Rates: £95 callout + £110-150/hr • Bespoke service agreements available
Commercial Emergency: 07766 501664Emergency Equipment and Technology
Our specialist emergency equipment and cutting-edge technology for rapid problem diagnosis and resolution
Thermal Imaging Cameras
For non-destructive leak detection behind walls and under floors
Pipe Thawing Equipment
Safe electric thawing technology for winter frozen pipe emergencies
CCTV Drain Cameras
High-resolution cameras for accurate drain blockage diagnosis
Water Extraction Pumps
Industrial-grade pumps for rapid water removal after leaks
How Our Technology Benefits You
Faster Diagnosis
Our thermal imaging and acoustic detection tools pinpoint problems in minutes, not hours, reducing diagnostic time by up to 80% compared to traditional methods.
Minimally Invasive Repairs
Advanced technology allows us to locate and fix problems with minimal property disruption - especially important for Exeter's historic properties and period homes.
Complete Digital Reporting
We provide detailed digital reports with thermal images and video evidence, which can be invaluable for insurance claims following emergency plumbing incidents.
Emergency-Ready Vans
Every emergency plumber arrives in a fully-equipped van carrying specialized tools for any emergency, from burst pipes to boiler failures, ensuring we've got everything needed to solve your problem in one visit.
Seasonal Emergency Plumbing Guide
Prepare your Exeter property for seasonal plumbing challenges and prevent emergencies before they happen
Winter Precautions
Spring Solutions
Summer Maintenance
Autumn Preparations
Winter Emergency Prevention
Common Winter Emergencies in Exeter
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Frozen Pipes: Particularly common in Exeter's older properties with poor insulation or exposed pipework.
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Boiler Breakdowns: Often occurs during the first cold snap when systems are first used after summer.
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Burst Pipes: After thawing, weakened pipes can burst causing significant water damage.
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Oil Tank Issues: Cold weather can cause condensation in oil tanks leading to system failures.
Prevention Checklist
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Insulate Pipes: Especially in attics, basements, and external walls. Use foam tubing or heat tape for exposed pipes.
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Service Your Boiler: Annual maintenance before winter prevents mid-season breakdowns.
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Keep Heating On: Maintain minimum temperature (at least 13°C) even when away from home.
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Know Your Stopcock: Locate and test your main water shutoff valve before an emergency happens.
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Drain External Taps: Turn off and drain outdoor taps and irrigation systems before freezing temperatures arrive.
What Exeter Residents Say About Our Emergency Service
"When our boiler broke down during the winter freeze, Absolute Plumbing was at our Heavitree home within 30 minutes. Their emergency service was exceptional - professional, fast, and they had us warm again the same day."
Sarah Johnson
Heavitree, Exeter
"A burst pipe flooded our kitchen on a Sunday evening in St Thomas. The team from Absolute arrived in under 25 minutes, stopped the leak, and helped minimize the water damage. Their after-hours service saved us thousands in repairs."
David Thompson
St Thomas, Exeter
"I called several emergency plumbers when our shower began leaking through to the downstairs ceiling at 11pm. Absolute was the only one who answered and had a technician at our Pennsylvania home within the hour. Outstanding service when we needed it most."
Emma Mitchell
Pennsylvania, Exeter
Don't let a plumbing emergency disrupt your day. Contact us now for immediate assistance.
Get a Free QuoteCommon Emergency Plumbing Issues in Exeter Homes
Exeter properties face unique plumbing challenges due to the city's diverse housing stock, from historic Georgian buildings in Southernhay to newer developments. Here are the most common emergency issues we encounter:
Burst Pipes During Winter
Exeter's temperature fluctuations, particularly in areas like Pennsylvania and Heavitree, make older properties susceptible to pipe bursts when temperatures drop below freezing. Period properties in St Leonard's with exterior pipework are especially vulnerable.
Severe Drain Blockages
Exeter's older drainage systems, particularly in the Newtown and St Thomas areas, are prone to serious blockages. Victorian properties often have narrow, aging pipes that can become obstructed with debris or damaged by tree root intrusion common in leafy neighborhoods.
Sudden Boiler Failures
Exeter's hard water can affect boiler efficiency and lifespan, particularly in Alphington and Exwick areas where limescale build-up is common. Modern apartments near the Quayside often experience pressure issues that can lead to heating system failures.
Hidden Water Leaks
University-area properties and older conversions in Mount Pleasant often suffer from concealed plumbing leaks that can cause significant structural damage if not detected early. Properties near the Exeter Canal in Countess Wear can face groundwater pressures that exacerbate leakage issues.
Basement Flooding
Properties in lower-lying areas near the River Exe, particularly in Exwick and St Thomas, can experience basement flooding during heavy rainfall. Many Georgian and Victorian properties in Exeter city center have converted basements that require specialized drainage solutions.
Water Heater Emergencies
Many properties in Pinhoe and Whipton use older immersion heaters that can fail suddenly. Exeter's hard water contributes to sediment build-up that can cause water heater failures, particularly in areas with older housing stock like Polsloe and Stoke Hill.
Why Exeter Homes Need Specialized Emergency Plumbing
Exeter's unique blend of historic and modern properties requires plumbers with specialized knowledge of both contemporary systems and heritage plumbing. At Absolute Plumbing & Heating, our emergency team is trained specifically in:
- Older properties with lead, copper, and iron pipework common in conservation areas
- Treatment for Exeter's variable water hardness that affects appliances differently across the city
- Flood prevention specific to properties in the River Exe flood plain areas
- Modern high-efficiency systems found in newer developments in Newcourt and Monkerton
Exeter Emergency Plumbing Cost Estimator
Get an instant estimate for your emergency plumbing needs based on your location and service required
Calculate Your Emergency Rate
Your Emergency Estimate
Emergency Plumbing Estimate
Select your service type and location to get an instant emergency rate estimate
Please note: This calculator provides an estimate only. Final cost may vary depending on the complexity of the emergency and parts required. A detailed quote will be provided on-site before any work commences.
Call for Immediate Assistance: 07766 501664Emergency Plumbing Preparation Tips for Exeter Homes
Prepare your Exeter property for unexpected plumbing emergencies with these local tips
Winter Preparation for Exeter Properties
Exeter's exposed hillside areas like Pennsylvania and Duryard experience colder temperatures than the city center. Insulate external pipes in these locations with specialized lagging rated for Devon's damp climate.
For period properties in St Leonards and Heavitree, check insulation in attics where water tanks are often located and susceptible to freezing during winter cold snaps.
Locate Your Stopcock
In Exeter terraced properties common in Newtown and St Thomas, stopcocks are typically located under the kitchen sink or in a downstairs WC. In older Georgian properties in Southernhay, look for stopcocks in basement areas.
University-area properties often have external stopcocks near property boundaries - locate these before an emergency occurs.
Exeter Drainage Maintenance
Properties in leafy areas like Pennsylvania and St Leonards should clear gutters and drains regularly, especially in autumn when Exeter's large trees shed their leaves.
For properties near the River Exe in Exwick and St Thomas, install non-return valves on drainage systems to prevent backflow during periods of heavy rainfall and high river levels.
Boiler Care for Exeter's Hard Water
Exeter's water varies in hardness across the city. Properties in Eastern areas like Whipton and Pinhoe should consider water softeners to extend boiler life and prevent emergency breakdowns.
Schedule annual boiler services before winter, especially for properties in Heavitree and Polsloe which experience more boiler failures during cold weather due to limescale build-up.
Exeter Home Emergency Plumbing Kit
Every Exeter home should maintain an emergency plumbing kit containing:
- Adjustable spanner and pipe wrench
- Leak sealant tape suitable for copper pipes common in Exeter homes
- Pipe insulation materials for exposed pipework
- Drain plunger for minor blockages
- Absorbent towels to contain water damage
- Emergency contact details for our Exeter plumbing team
Book an Exeter Home Plumbing Preparation Check
Our Exeter plumbers can assess your property's specific emergency plumbing risks and help you prepare. Our 45-minute preparation check includes assessment of:
Exeter Emergency Plumbing FAQs
Common questions about emergency plumbing services in Exeter
How quickly can you respond to an emergency in Exeter?
Our emergency response times in Exeter vary by location, but we typically reach:
- Exeter City Centre (EX1, EX2, EX4): 20-30 minutes
- Topsham (EX3): 30-40 minutes
- Broadclyst & Cranbrook (EX5): 25-35 minutes
- Exminster & Starcross (EX6): 35-45 minutes
These are typical response times during normal conditions. Severe weather or multiple emergencies may affect these times.
What counts as a plumbing emergency in Exeter homes?
Plumbing emergencies in Exeter homes typically include:
- Burst or leaking pipes causing water damage
- Blocked toilets that cannot be used and risk overflow
- No hot water or heating during cold weather
- Water leaking through ceilings from bathrooms above
- Major leaks from boilers or hot water cylinders
- Flooding in the property or danger to electrical systems
If you're uncertain whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, please call us, and we'll help you assess the urgency.
How much does emergency plumbing cost in Exeter?
Emergency plumbing costs in Exeter typically include:
- Emergency call-out fee: £45-£85 depending on your location within Exeter
- Hourly labor rate: £70-£110 depending on the service required
- Parts and materials: Charged separately based on what's required
Out-of-hours services (evenings, weekends, and holidays) typically incur a 1.5x premium on the hourly rate. We always provide a clear quote before beginning any work.
Use our emergency pricing calculator above to get an instant estimate for your specific situation.
While waiting for our emergency plumber to arrive at your Exeter property, take these steps:
- Turn off your water at the main stopcock (typically under the kitchen sink or where the water supply enters your property)
- Turn off electricity to affected areas if water is near electrical outlets or appliances
- Open taps at the lowest point in your house to drain water from pipes
- Use towels or buckets to catch dripping water
- Take photos of the damage for insurance purposes
- Move valuable items away from the affected area
Our technicians can guide you through these steps over the phone while we're on our way.
Need More Information?
Have questions about emergency plumbing services in Exeter? Our local experts are available 24/7 to discuss any concerns specific to your property.