When to Call an Emergency Plumber: 7 Situations That Cannot Wait

Knowing When Plumbing Problems Require Immediate Attention

Not every plumbing issue requires an emergency call, and understanding the difference between a true plumbing emergency and a problem that can wait until regular business hours can save you significant money on after-hours service fees. However, certain plumbing situations require immediate professional attention to prevent serious water damage, health hazards, or structural harm to your home.

Here are seven situations where calling an emergency plumber is absolutely the right decision, no matter the time of day or night.

1. Burst or Broken Pipes

A burst pipe is the most clear-cut plumbing emergency. Water gushing from a broken pipe can flood your home in minutes, causing thousands of dollars in damage to floors, walls, furniture, and electronics. If a pipe bursts, immediately shut off the main water supply valve (every homeowner should know where this is located), then call an emergency plumber.

Burst pipes are most common during winter freezing events, but they can also result from aging pipe materials, excessive water pressure, or physical damage. While waiting for the plumber, open faucets to relieve pressure, move valuables away from the affected area, and begin water cleanup to minimize damage.

2. Sewer Line Backup

A sewer backup is both a plumbing emergency and a health hazard. Signs of a sewer backup include multiple drains in your home backing up simultaneously, sewage odors coming from drains, gurgling sounds in toilets or drains, and water coming up through floor drains or basement drains.

Raw sewage contains dangerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause serious illness. If you suspect a sewer backup, stop using all water in the home, avoid contact with any standing water, and call an emergency plumber immediately. Do not attempt to clear a sewer backup yourself, as this often requires specialized equipment and expertise.

3. Gas Line Leak

If you smell natural gas (a rotten egg odor) in your home, this is a life-threatening emergency. Natural gas leaks can cause explosions, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Immediately evacuate your home without turning on or off any electrical switches (sparks can ignite gas), call 911 and your gas company from outside the home, and then call a licensed emergency plumber who handles gas lines.

Do not re-enter your home until emergency services have confirmed it is safe to do so. Gas leaks can occur in supply lines, appliance connections, and water heater gas valves.

4. No Hot Water (Complete Failure)

While a lack of hot water might not seem like an emergency, a sudden complete loss of hot water can indicate a dangerous situation, especially with gas water heaters. A failed water heater could be leaking gas, at risk of a tank rupture from excessive pressure, or flooding your utility area. If your water heater is making unusual popping, banging, or hissing sounds, or if you see water pooling around the base, call a plumber promptly.

5. Overflowing Toilet That Will Not Stop

If your toilet is overflowing and shutting off the supply valve behind the toilet does not stop the flow, you have an emergency. This could indicate a blockage deeper in your drain system or a failed fill valve. Ongoing overflow can cause significant water damage to floors, subfloors, and the ceiling of rooms below.

As a temporary measure, try removing the toilet tank lid and manually lifting the float to stop water flow. If this does not work, shut off the main water supply and call an emergency plumber.

6. Major Water Leak You Cannot Stop

Any water leak that you cannot stop by closing a valve or tightening a connection qualifies as an emergency. This includes leaks behind walls (visible through water stains, bulging drywall, or dripping), leaks under the slab foundation, and supply line failures at fixtures. Water damage compounds rapidly; what starts as a minor leak can cause mold growth within 24-48 hours.

7. Frozen Pipes at Risk of Bursting

During cold weather, frozen pipes are a ticking time bomb. If you turn on a faucet and get little or no water flow when temperatures are below freezing, your pipes may be frozen. Do not attempt to thaw pipes with an open flame or heat gun, as this can cause the pipe to burst or start a fire. A plumber can safely thaw frozen pipes using controlled methods and inspect for any damage.

How to Prepare for Plumbing Emergencies

• Know where your main water shutoff valve is located and test it annually
• Keep a licensed emergency plumber's number saved in your phone
• Have basic tools accessible: adjustable wrench, plunger, bucket, and towels
• Know the location of individual shutoff valves for toilets, sinks, and appliances
• Consider installing water leak detectors near water heaters, washing machines, and under sinks

Find Emergency Plumbers Near You

Do not wait until an emergency strikes to find a plumber. Browse licensed plumbing contractors on FindMyContractor, check their reviews, and save their contact information for when you need it most.