It depends. If you need a faucet changed out with this new fancy one, or if you want to replace a toilet with a new one using less GPF, or any other kind of update/remodel.

Not every job a plumber does is an emergency situation. I used a plumber to help me setup a backyard project to set up a portable propane tankless gas water heater. I took a look at buying at the parts and pieces I would need, but they needed special tools that would only be used once if I were to buy them. Instead, I had the plumber do it for me with all of the necessary parts/pieces on the truck plus the tools to do it. It cost me less than it would have to buy everything. Now, I just need a cold water feed, and I have a portable hot/cold running system.

Exactly. For example, we replaced a couple of toilets and wasn't that urgent. So we called him and he gave us an appointment after a week.

You can break it down by, new construction, planned renovations/improvements, and emergency repairs.

Not everyone works all three or wants to do more than one of these groups. There’s different levels of demand, pay, competition at each.

There's emergency plumber companies out there you could call

> you need them right now

You can shut the entire network off, shower/poop at neighbours places or work, laundry at the local self-laundry shop and brush you teeth with a bootle of water. Inconvenient sure, but it would as much problematic to be denied electricity for a long time: lights off, fridge off, no heating, boiler off… there’s alternatives but the usual way for us is to share a long electric cord by an open window… so obligatory work-and-stay-at-home if you’re lucky to have an appropriate activity.

Emerg. solution.

Get a 5 gallon bucket with lid. Put garbage bag inside. Put toilet seat from broken toilet on it.

Use it, remove refuse if needed, put lid on.

Now that is an expensive poop bucket!

I love the design of it though, I'd never even though about diverting flow toilets, but this design is so simple and elegant.

My after-thought odour diversion isn’t that simple and elegant though. I recommend the fan-included (cheaper) kit : https://www.kildwick.com/en/easyloo-diy-kit-fan-12v