When Your Pipes Burst at Midnight: Why Massachusetts Homeowners Face Hour-Long Waits for Emergency Plumbers in 2025

It’s 2 AM on a frigid January night in Massachusetts, and the sound of rushing water jolts you awake. Your basement is flooding from a burst pipe, but when you frantically search online for help, you’re met with a harsh reality: Massachusetts, and the Boston area in particular, has one of the highest rates of unfilled construction jobs in the country. What used to be a quick call for emergency plumbing help has now become an anxious wait that can stretch for hours.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: A Crisis in the Making

The plumbing shortage isn’t just a local Massachusetts problem—it’s a national crisis with devastating local impact. The U.S. is expected to be 550,000 short of plumbers by 2027, and Massachusetts homeowners are already feeling the pinch. The average age of licensed master plumbers climbing to 56.5 years means experienced professionals are retiring faster than new ones can replace them.

This shortage translates into real consequences for homeowners. Josh Page says expect prices and wait times to increase. “Prices will absolutely go up because the demand will go up, but the supply will still be declining,” Page said. Over time, fewer skilled workers could mean months-long wait times for services and higher prices.

Why Emergency Calls Are Taking So Long

The shortage is particularly acute for emergency services. “We’ve been advertising for months to find a licensed journeyman plumber. And we can’t find one. That’s how bad it is,” Fox said. This staffing crisis means that when Massachusetts residents search for “emergency plumbing near me”, they’re competing for a shrinking pool of available technicians.

The problem is compounded by Massachusetts’ unique challenges. From frozen-solid pipes in the Massachusetts winter to older plumbing in historic neighborhoods like Beacon Hill, our seasoned plumbers in Boston have encountered it all. We’re prepared for every circumstance that Boston plumbing can throw at you, and our experience ensures that we know how to catch the little things that some plumbers miss.

The Training Pipeline Problem

The shortage stems from a fundamental issue with workforce development. Fox’s assistant, Dylan Ouimette, recently graduated from a plumbing program at a local community college. “I had about 13 kids and only four continued plumbing,” Ouimette said. This dramatic dropout rate means that even when people start plumbing programs, most don’t complete them or enter the field.

Skilled tradespeople are aging out of jobs and fewer people are choosing those careers. America is facing a skilled labor shortage with longtime tradesmen aging out of the workforce and a new talent pipeline that hasn’t been able to keep up.

What This Means for Massachusetts Homeowners

For homeowners facing plumbing emergencies, this shortage creates several challenges:

• Extended Wait Times: What used to be a 30-minute response for emergencies can now stretch to several hours
• Higher Costs: Last year, master plumbers saw their median pay raise to $82,700 — a 21% jump from the year prior, PayScale found
• Limited Availability: Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Licensed Plumber job market in Massachusetts is not very active as few companies are currently hiring
• Scheduling Difficulties: Non-emergency repairs may face even longer delays as plumbers prioritize urgent calls

Finding Reliable Service in a Shortage

Despite the challenges, some companies are working to maintain reliable emergency services. Dempsey Energy, a family-owned company serving Massachusetts for over 30 years, exemplifies how established local businesses are adapting to meet demand. For over 30 years, families across Massachusetts have trusted us to keep their homes running efficiently and comfortably. With fast, same-day repairs, fully stocked trucks, and 24/7 emergency services, we’re here when you need us most—ensuring your home stays safe, comfortable, and stress-free.

Based in North Attleboro, Dempsey Energy provides expert heating, cooling, plumbing & electrical services in North Attleboro, MA. Family-owned, customer-focused home comfort solutions represent the kind of comprehensive service that can help homeowners navigate the current shortage.

Preparing for Plumbing Emergencies

Given the current shortage, Massachusetts homeowners should take proactive steps:

• Establish Relationships Early: Don’t wait for an emergency to find a plumber
• Consider Service Plans: Many companies offer maintenance plans that provide priority emergency service
• Know Your Shutoffs: Learn how to turn off water to minimize damage while waiting for help
• Keep Contact Information Handy: Have multiple plumbing companies’ numbers readily available

Light at the End of the Pipe

While the shortage is real and impactful, there are signs of hope. There are some signs that the labor shortage is being addressed as trade school enrollment rises and Gen Z’s appetite for non-college alternatives grows. In 2023, the number of students enrolled in vocational-focused community colleges rose 16% to its highest level since 2018, according to the National Student Clearinghouse data.

The emergency plumber shortage in Massachusetts is a complex problem that won’t be solved overnight. However, by understanding the challenges and working with established, reliable companies that maintain proper staffing and emergency protocols, homeowners can better navigate these challenging times. When that midnight pipe burst happens, being prepared and knowing who to call can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major disaster.