Most plumbing issues are annoying, not dangerous. A slow drip, a slightly clogged drain or a toilet that runs a little long can usually wait until a same day appointment. But a real plumbing emergency puts your home, your health or your belongings at risk if it isn't handled fast. Here's how to tell the difference.
1. Water That Won't Shut Off
If a pipe, faucet or toilet is running non-stop and won't stop no matter what you try, that's an emergency. Continuous running water can flood a room in minutes and send your water bill through the roof. Shut off the water at the fixture or at your home's main shut-off valve, then call for help.
2. Sewage Backing Up Into Your Home
Sewage backup is one of the most serious plumbing emergencies there is. If water, waste or a foul smell is coming up through a drain, toilet or floor drain, stop using all plumbing in the house immediately. This is a health hazard, not just a mess, and it needs emergency attention.
3. No Water At All
Losing water completely, in every fixture at once, usually points to a main line problem rather than a single broken faucet. This can mean a serious leak or break somewhere between the street and your home, and it's worth a same-day call rather than waiting it out.
4. A Burst or Rapidly Leaking Pipe
A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in a short time, soaking floors, walls and ceilings. If you hear rushing water inside a wall, see water pooling quickly, or notice a wall or ceiling bulging, shut off your main water valve right away and call for emergency repair.
Quick tip: Every homeowner should know where their main water shut-off valve is before an emergency happens. It's usually near the water meter or where the main line enters the house.
5. A Gas Smell Near a Water Heater or Fixture
If you smell gas anywhere near a water heater or gas-fired fixture, leave the area, don't use any switches or flames, and call for help from a safe distance. This is one case where you should also contact your gas utility right away, in addition to a plumber.
When in Doubt, Make the Call
If you're not sure whether your situation counts as an emergency, it's always worth a call. A quick phone conversation can help you figure out whether to shut off water, evacuate a room, or simply wait for a scheduled visit. We're available 24 hours a day, so there's no bad time to ask.