Plumbing emergencies like burst pipes or clogged drains can happen when you least expect them. That said, how do you know if your plumbing issue requires calling an emergency plumber right away? This guide will walk you through the most common plumbing emergencies and when it’s best to pick up the phone for emergency plumber assistance.

When You Have a Major Water Leak

Did you know that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average household wastes more than 10,000 gallons of water per year? If you have water leaking from your pipes, toilet, water heater, or appliances like the dishwasher or washing machine, it's important to call a plumber immediately to avoid wasting water and promoting mold growth. Major water leaks can cause extensive water damage to your home in a short amount of time, so don’t take a wait-and-see approach with major leaks or pipe bursts. Call an emergency plumber to prevent flooding issues.

When There's No Hot Water

Waking up to a cold shower is never fun. If you have no hot water in your home, call a plumber right away to troubleshoot your water heater. In our experience, a lack of hot water is often caused by issues like a broken thermostat, faulty heating elements, low water pressure, or a broken inlet/outlet valve. An emergency plumber can assess the problem and get your hot water working again. Living without hot water is doable in the short term, but you don’t want to wait too long for repairs.

When Your Drains Are Clogged or Backed Up

Clogged drains or sewer backups require swift action. If your main sewer line is clogged, call an emergency plumber immediately, as raw sewage can back up into your home and cause a hazardous health situation. Repeated drain clogs could indicate issues like tree roots growing into the sewer line. An emergency plumber has the tools to unclog drains and address any larger issues behind chronic clogging.

When You Have No Water Anywhere in the House

Having no water anywhere in your home requires immediate attention. Start by checking if your neighborhood is experiencing a water main break. If it’s an isolated issue within your home, call an emergency plumber right away to troubleshoot. The problem could be caused by frozen or burst pipes, issues with your water meter, broken water supply lines, or a faulty main water shutoff valve. An emergency plumber can assess the source of the problem and restore your home’s water supply.

When You Spot Broken or Damaged Pipes

Broken, cracked, or damaged pipes need to be addressed urgently to prevent leaking and more extensive repairs down the line. Signs of broken pipes include water spots on ceilings or walls, low water pressure, and visible leaks, cracks, or damage. If you suspect your pipes are broken, call an emergency plumber as soon as possible. They can inspect your pipes to locate the damage and make repairs.

When You Notice Sewage Odors in the Home

Notice a bad stench of sewage coming from your drains or toilets? Sewage odors inside are often a sign of a burst sewer line on your property. The smell can quickly become overpowering. Don’t try masking it with bleach or air fresheners. Call an emergency plumber if you detect sewage odors, as they’ll need to diagnose and repair the source of the problem. Ignore sewage smells at your own peril; they may indicate a hazardous health situation that requires immediate fixing.

Strange Noises From Pipes

Hearing odd gurgling, clanking, or hammering noises coming from your pipes could signal issues like trapped air, water pressure problems, or failing pipes. Don’t ignore strange pipe noises inside your walls. Call an emergency plumber to inspect and fix the problem. Odd noises usually mean something is wrong with your plumbing that needs urgent attention before it turns into a bigger issue.

As you can see, it's usually best to call an emergency plumber as soon as possible to prevent further property damage. With plumbing emergencies, time is of the essence. Are you looking for an expert source of plumbing services in the Omaha, NE area? We're here to help! Call our team at Plumbing Today LLC to get an estimate for repairs.