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Missed-call texts for plumbers.Written for plumbing companies.

What a good one does

Updated

A plumbing missed-call text often reaches someone standing in water. Reply within a minute, tell them how to stop the damage, such as turning off the main valve, and give them one word to reply with so you know it's urgent. For routine jobs, ask for the fixture and a photo. Keep it to one message with a STOP line.

9 templates.Copy, then make them yours.

Words in [brackets] are placeholders. Keep the STOP line on every text.

  1. 01

    The caller may have a leak right now

    Text · 152 characters, 1 text

    Hi, it's [Business]. If water is leaking now, turn off the main shut-off valve, then reply LEAK and we'll call you straight back. Reply STOP to opt out.

  2. 02

    No hot water

    Text · 181 characters, 2 texts

    Hi, [Business] here. Sorry we missed you. Is it no hot water at all, or not enough? Reply with the water heater's age if you know it and we'll call by [time]. Reply STOP to opt out.

  3. 03

    A blocked or slow drain

    Text · 183 characters, 2 texts

    Hi, it's [Business]. Calling about a blocked drain? Reply with which one (kitchen, toilet, shower) and whether more than one is slow. We'll call back by [time]. Reply STOP to opt out.

  4. 04

    A possible sewer backup

    Text · 152 characters, 1 text

    Hi, [Business] here. If sewage is coming up a drain, stop running water in the house and reply BACKUP. We'll call you right back. Reply STOP to opt out.

  5. 05

    Routine work you can price from a photo

    Text · 181 characters, 2 texts

    Hi, it's [Business]. Sorry we missed your call. A photo of the problem and your address helps us quote faster. Reply here and we'll get back to you by [time]. Reply STOP to opt out.

  6. 06

    Landlords and property managers

    Text · 170 characters, 2 texts

    Hi, [Business] here returning your call. If you manage the property, reply with the unit address and the tenant's contact and we'll arrange access. Reply STOP to opt out.

  7. 07

    After hours

    Text · 198 characters, 2 texts

    Hi, it's [Business]. We're closed until [time]. For a leak you can't stop or no water at all, reply URGENT and our on-call plumber will call. Otherwise we'll call first thing. Reply STOP to opt out.

  8. 08

    The caller wants a new water heater

    Text · 184 characters, 2 texts

    Hi, [Business] here. Calling about a new water heater? Reply with tank or tankless and roughly how many people live there, and we'll call by [time] with options. Reply STOP to opt out.

  9. 09

    Spanish-speaking callers

    Text · 159 characters, 1 text

    Hola, le habla [Business]. Perdón por no contestar. Responda con lo que necesita y le llamamos antes de las [time]. Responda STOP para no recibir más mensajes.

Rules that apply.In plain words.

This is a summary, not legal advice. Each row links to the official source.

Mistakes to avoid.We see these often.

  • Not telling a caller with an active leak to shut off the water.
  • Asking for a long description when a photo would answer it.
  • Saying '24/7' in the text when no one is on call.

Questions people ask.Short answers.

What should a plumber's missed-call text say first?

Who you are, then the one step that limits damage if it's urgent, such as turning off the main valve. Then how to reply and when you'll call.

Should I quote prices by text?

Only for simple jobs you can price from a photo. For anything else, say you'll confirm the price after seeing it.

Is a one-word reply like LEAK a good idea?

Yes. It lets the caller flag urgency without typing a story, and lets your team sort emergencies from routine work.

Sources

  1. FCC: 2015 TCPA Omnibus Declaratory Ruling and Order (texts are calls) · checked Oct 31, 2026
  2. Federal Register: TCPA revocation of consent rules (October 2024) · checked Oct 31, 2026
  3. Federal Register: Enhancing the ability of consumers to control robocalls (October 2026) · checked Oct 31, 2026
  4. Twilio: Error 30034, unregistered 10DLC traffic · checked Oct 31, 2026

By Shakhawat Ullah Badhon, Founder, Damex Digital. Published Oct 31, 2026, updated Oct 31, 2026.