When Should You Call Emergency Plumbing Services?

From a burst water pipe to a backed-up toilet, sudden plumbing problems can quickly flood your home and create more serious issues. If you find water in your home where it’s not supposed to be, your first thought is to call a plumber—but do you call the business number or an emergency plumber? What is a plumbing emergency?

If you’ve got your phone in your hand but aren’t sure whether to dial your regular plumber or an emergency service, Semper Fi Heating & Cooling can help. We’ll use our experience to provide some insight into what a plumbing emergency is, why it’s important to act fast, common plumbing emergencies, and what you can do while you wait for a plumber to arrive. 

What is Considered a Plumbing Emergency?

Knowing whether to call a routine plumber or an emergency plumber can save you from hassle and unnecessary expenses in the long run. An emergency plumbing scenario is something that threatens the structural integrity and safety of your home and requires fast solutions to prevent further damage. 

Pipe bursts, sewage backups, and gas leaks are all considered plumbing emergencies because they pose immediate dangers and must be repaired as soon as possible. On the other hand, routine issues such as a clogged drain or weak toilet flush don’t need immediate attention.

It’s important to note that many companies charge an additional emergency fee on top of the expenses to fix the issue. This fee covers the rapid response time as well as the service outside of regular business hours. No one wants to pay an unnecessary extra fee, so keep this in mind when debating whether to call an emergency line. 

Why Acting Quickly Is Critical in Plumbing Emergencies

When water starts to flood your home, you need to act fast. Delays can worsen the damage to your home and lead to serious health and safety complications. The more the water damage spreads, the more it weakens the structural integrity of your home, leading to potential collapses. In addition, you and your loved ones could be exposed to harmful substances such as mold, sewage water, or gas leaks. Acting quickly can protect what’s important to you from further harm. 

Not only is there a health and safety risk with waiting, but untreated plumbing emergencies can cost you financially. Addressing the problem quickly reduces water damage to your home and helps prevent costly repairs later down the line. The sooner you address the issue, the less it will cost you to fix it.

Common Plumbing Emergencies and How to Identify Them

Knowing what to look for in the event of a plumbing problem can help you prepare and know the proper service to call. If you’re not sure what constitutes a plumbing emergency, here are examples of the most common emergencies and what you can do to correctly identify them.

Burst Water Supply Pipes

Low water pressure, visible leaks, and loud noises inside your walls could all point toward a burst pipe in your home. Cracks and other damage to your pipes can cause water to seep out, and with enough pressure buildup, the pipe could burst open. In the event of a burst pipe, immediately shut off your home’s main water valve and contact an emergency plumber.

Sewage Backups

Sewage water backing up into your home is a serious health and environmental hazard that can lead to illness. Look for signs such as a foul odor in your home, water pooling outside your home, and water backup in your sinks or showers. 

Water Heater Problems

A broken water heater can leave you out in the cold. Look for signs such as a lack of hot water in your home, odd noises from your unit, and visible leaks near your water heater.

If you have a gas water heater, a breakdown can lead to a dangerous gas leak in your home. If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate your home immediately and contact an emergency plumbing service. 

Overflowing Toilets

Toilet clogs and malfunctioning float mechanisms can cause your toilet to overflow into your home. Before calling a plumber, try unclogging your toilet. If that doesn’t help, shut off the valve and get in touch with a plumber.

Gas Leaks

A gas leak is a serious emergency that requires immediate professional help. Watch for signs such as a rotten egg smell in your home, discolored stove flames, and a hissing noise. If you suspect a gas leak, immediately evacuate your home and contact emergency services. Open the windows and doors on your way out to let the gas dissipate without building up in your home. 

Hidden Leaks and Their Long-Term Impact

Not all leaks leave obvious puddles in your home. Minor leaks can hide in your walls or ceilings and leave subtle hints like ceiling stains, mold growth, and sagging walls. These minor drips can quickly escalate into an emergency if left untreated as the water continues to spread.

What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency Before Help Arrives 

When you call for plumbing services in an emergency, even the fastest team will take some time to arrive at your location. You don’t want to sit around doing nothing; take this time to try and minimize the damage. Here’s what you can do to protect your home while you wait for the plumber to arrive:

• Turn Off Your Water and Gas: The first thing to do is shut off your home’s main water or gas line. This means you won’t have running water anywhere in your home, but it prevents more water or gas from leaking into your home and causing damage while you wait for help.
• Protect Your Belongings: Move any personal valuables away from the leak and water damage to prevent them from getting soaked. For items you can’t move, cover them with a tarp or waterproof covering to prevent further damage. 
• Use Temporary Fixes: While you wait, the goal is damage control. Use buckets to collect any dripping water and find supports to hold up any weak areas of water damage. 
• Evacuate in an Emergency: In the event of a severe emergency, such as a gas leak or collapsed ceiling, evacuate your home immediately. Do what you can to keep yourself and your family safe while you wait for help.

How to Choose the Right Emergency Plumbing Service

In the event of a plumbing emergency, time is of the essence. However, you still need to take a minute and make sure you choose the right plumber for the job. You don’t want just anyone fixing your home—you need a reliable team who will fix the issue quickly.

Look for a local company in your area that has the proper certifications and 24/7 emergency services. A burst pipe doesn’t wait until regular business hours, and you need a plumber who’s available to help at any hour of the day. 

Check customer reviews and see what they have to say about the company’s response time and the quality of their services. This will also give you an idea of how the company serves its customers.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Plumbing Emergencies

Don’t wait until a pipe bursts to take care of your plumbing system. Regular maintenance and check-ups can catch potential issues early before they lead to a serious emergency. A professional plumber should take a look at your system once a year to make sure everything looks good. You can also check your plumbing and maintain it with routine upkeep habits such as:

• Inspect Your Pipes and Water Heater: Give your plumbing system a visual inspection and check for any signs of corrosion or cracks that could lead to leaks. Check that your water heater is working properly and everything looks good.
• Clean Your Drains and Prevent Clogs: Use a drain snake or drain cleaner to clear out any minor clogs in your sink or shower drains. Clogs can prevent water flow and lead to water pooling, which over time can wear down your system and lead to water leaks.
• Install Water Pressure Regulators: A common cause of a burst pipe or water leak is excess water pressure in your plumbing system. Installing a pressure regulator can make sure pressure doesn’t build up and lead to a serious problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a small water leak an emergency?

It depends on where the leak is and what you can do to stop it while you wait for a plumber. A dripping shower head or sink is easy to contain, and you can avoid using those fixtures while you wait, so these aren’t considered emergencies. However, a leak that causes water damage to your walls or ceiling is an emergency, and you should call an emergency plumber as soon as possible.

How urgent is a leaky toilet?

A toilet leaking from the base could be dripping unsanitary water into your home, and this needs to be dealt with quickly. If the tank is leaking into the bowl, it’s not as big of an emergency, though it may cost you extra on your water bill. A plumber needs to fix these issues quickly.

Why won’t my toilet stop running?

A toilet that won’t stop running isn’t a plumbing emergency, but you could be wasting water. You can check the flapper and flush lever to make sure everything is working properly, and you can try DIY solutions before calling a plumber.

Protect Your Phoenix Home with Reliable Emergency Plumbing Services

In an emergency, acting fast can save your home and your wallet from serious damage. Not only do you protect what matters most to you, but you save money on more extensive repairs later on. Working with a reliable emergency plumber will keep your home water-free and ensure the issue is taken care of quickly.

If you’re looking for reliable, 24/7 plumbing services in the Phoenix Metro area, look no further than Semper Fi Heating & Cooling. Our team of local plumbers is available whenever you need us, and we’re ready to help in the event of an emergency. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment, and we’ll be there come rain or shine.