At Point Breeze Plumbing Experts, we know plumbing emergencies don’t follow a 9‑to‑5 schedule. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services across Southwest Philly. A recent late‑night call from Grays Ferry reminds us just how critical fast, expert response is—and why every homeowner should know the steps to take when disaster strikes.
The 2AM Call: Overflowing Toilet on the Top Floor
A homeowner called us in distress after their upstairs toilet began overflowing uncontrollably. Despite using a plunger, water kept rising—threatening to spill into the hallway. The situation was compounded by the fact that the toilet was part of an older plumbing system with no shutoff valve nearby.
Our on‑call technician arrived within 40 minutes and immediately:
- Shut off the main water line
- Removed blockage deep within the toilet trap
- Diagnosed a partial collapse in the main water line connection—a long-term issue made worse by old galvanized piping
- Provided emergency clean-up and decontamination guidance
- Scheduled a next-day water line repair and partial repiping to prevent future backups
Thanks to the quick action and experience of our emergency team, the family avoided serious water damage—and didn’t have to relocate.
What to Do If Your Toilet Overflows (Before We Arrive)
🛑 Don’t keep flushing. This often worsens the backup.
🔧 Turn off the toilet shutoff valve—usually located on the wall behind the toilet.
🚰 If there’s no shutoff nearby, turn off your home’s main water supply.
🧼 Avoid chemical drain cleaners, which can cause pipe corrosion or splash injuries.
📞 Call a licensed emergency plumber immediately. Delays can lead to soaked floors, mold, and costly drywall repair.
Why PPE is South Philly’s Go-To Emergency Plumbing Team
- Rapid response time (often under 1 hour)
- Fully licensed & insured technicians
- Honest, upfront pricing—even in emergencies
- Advanced equipment to locate deep clogs, root invasions, and hidden leaks
- Service across Point Breeze, Grays Ferry, Graduate Hospital, and Southwest Philly
We specialize in clogged toilets, water line repairs, burst pipe mitigation, sewer backups, and more.
Know Your Plumbing Rights
Did you know Philadelphia law requires landlords to provide functioning toilets and emergency plumbing access? Learn more from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health:
🔗 https://www.phila.gov/documents/tenant-rights-and-resources/
