When to Call a Plumber: 11 Signs of Plumbing Emergencies
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What is a plumbing emergency, exactly?
A plumbing problem is an emergency when it is causing active water damage, exposing your household to sewage, preventing access to essential water, or creating a possible electrical or structural hazard.
Call an emergency plumber when you cannot safely stop the water, multiple fixtures are backing up, sewage is entering the home, or a leak is spreading through walls, ceilings, or floors. Problems that are contained and do not prevent essential water use may be able to wait for a regular appointment.
Is It a Plumbing Emergency?
What is happening? | Priority | What should you do? |
|---|---|---|
A pipe has burst, or water is flowing uncontrollably | Emergency | Shut off the main water supply if it is safe and call a plumber |
Sewage is backing up into a toilet, tub, or floor drain | Emergency | Stop using water and request emergency service |
Several drains are backing up at once | Emergency | Limit water use and have the sewer or shared drain inspected |
Water is leaking near outlets, wiring, or appliances | Emergency | Keep away from the area and call for professional help |
A ceiling is sagging or actively dripping | Emergency | Leave the area beneath it, shut off the water, and arrange immediate service |
One sink or tub is draining slowly | Usually not an emergency | Stop using the fixture and schedule drain service |
A faucet is dripping, but the water is contained | Usually not an emergency | Close the fixture valve if possible and schedule a repair |
There is no hot water, but the heater is not leaking | Usually not an emergency | Schedule water heater service |
11 Reasons to Call a Plumber
Not every plumbing problem requires after-hours service. However, the following warning signs may indicate an active leak, sewer obstruction, failing water heater, or another problem that should be evaluated quickly.
1. Burst Pipe
A burst pipe can release a significant amount of water in a short period, damaging flooring, drywall, cabinets, furniture, and personal belongings.
If you suspect a pipe has burst:
Shut off the home’s main water supply if you can reach it safely.
Turn off nearby fixtures and water-using appliances.
Move belongings away from the affected area.
Stay away from standing water near electrical outlets or equipment.
Do not enter standing water to reach an electrical panel or appliance. Keep people and pets away from the affected area until it is safe.
Where Is My Home’s Main Water Valve?
In the event of a plumbing emergency, one of the most important tips to know is how to shut off your home’s main water valve. Knowing where the main water shutoff valve is located can help save you from a major plumbing disaster and buy extra time until a plumber arrives.
The main shutoff valve may be near the point where the water service enters the home, inside a utility area, in a garage, near the water heater, or in an exterior valve box. Homeowners should locate this valve before an emergency occurs.
2. No Water
An obvious time to call a plumber is when you have no water at all. Not only is it an emergency for you personally, but the lack of water can be a sign of frozen pipes (depending on the weather), an undetected leak, or unknown clogs.
If you’re experiencing this problem, the best move is to call YES! at 844-216-9300. Not only so you can have access to water and normal daily life, but to catch bigger problems before they cause damage.
3. Drop in Water Pressure
If the water pressure in your home has dropped without explanation, it might be due to leaky pipes. Over time, copper plumbing pipes are prone to pinhole leaks caused by the minerals in your home’s water. If weakened or leaky pipes are allowed to remain in place without repair, it can lead to larger leaks and broken pipes that require an emergency plumber to address.
4. Clogged Drains
In some cases, a clogged drain can be easily fixed with a plunger. However, if you have a drain that is backing up and water begins to rise, call an emergency plumber before you have a flooding incident.
If multiple drains are clogged, especially drains that don’t get much use,this can be a sign that you have a clog in your sewer system that could cause significant damage if it is not addressed quickly.
Should You Call a Plumber for a Clogged Sink?
Calling a plumber for a clogged sink depends on the severity of the clog. If you’ve tried unclogging the sink through traditional means and nothing is working, then it’s time to call a professional. If you have to consistently unclog your sink, then it’s time to call a plumber.
5. Overflowing Toilet
An overflowing toilet is an unsanitary disaster no one wants to face. If it happens in your home, call a plumber right away to minimize the damage. Before the plumber arrives, turn off the water supply to the toilet, even if a simple clog in the drain is the cause.
6. Hot Water Is Rusty
Rusty or metallic-tasting hot water is typically due to sediment buildup inside your water heater, which occurs as minerals build up inside the tank. This sediment affects the efficiency and longevity of your heating elements and water heater tank, putting them at risk for failure.
7. Toilets or Drains Are Gurgling
Gurgling or bubbling toilets are often one of the first signs of a developing sewer line problem. Because your toilets drain directly into your sewer line, they are typically the first appliances affected by a clog or tree root invasion of the pipe.
Ignoring a sewer line issue will allow the clog to grow until it eventually blocks the line completely. Full sewer line blockages can result in sewage backups with extensive water damage and expose your family to hazardous microorganisms.
8. Water Leaks
Sources of water leaks can come from rain/flood water, leaking pipes, or poor insulation. All of these are huge problems that can cause major damage to your home. , including mold, wood swelling, and electrical problems.
What might seem like a minor annoyance from your faucet can be the harbinger of a bigger problem. So if you notice consistent leaking, you need a plumber ASAP.
9. Water Heater Not Working
A wide variety of culprits can cause water heater issues, and it’s sure to let you know there’s a problem—with a blast of cold water.
Reasons your water heater isn’t working include:
The pilot light is out: If your water heater runs on gas, the pilot light could be out, which leads to cold water. Follow the instructions on the water heater to reignite the light. If unsuccessful, there’s a bigger problem.
The breaker needs to be reset: If your water heater is electric, the solution might be as simple as resetting your breaker panel. If that doesn’t work, call a professional to prevent an injury.
It’s old: The older a water heater is, the more likely it is to break down. If your older water heater is having issues, it’s time for a water heater replacement.
“Sweating”: Sometimes a water heater seems to be “sweating,” which means it’s leaking. This needs to be taken care of immediately as it can lead to much bigger problems.
10. New or Spreading Water Stains
Not only are water stains ugly, but they’re also a sign that water damage has occurred behind the walls and ceiling. Water stains can also be accompanied by sagging ceilings, which could lead to a ceiling collapse.
Water stains usually appear due to an unseen leak inside the wall or ceiling foundation. Call a plumber to come immediately to diagnose how bad the damage is and take prompt action.
11. Persistent Sewage Smell
If your home smells like a sewage plant, something is very wrong with your sewage line. Sewage line problems are complicated and require a professional. Don’t live with that awful smell and risk putting your health in danger. Contact YES! for an emergency appointment.
Should I Fix a Plumbing Emergency Myself?
Homeowners can take temporary steps to reduce damage, but emergency repairs should be completed by a qualified plumber.
Safe temporary actions may include:
Closing a fixture shutoff valve
Shutting off the main water supply
Stopping water-using appliances
Moving belongings away from the leak
Placing a bucket beneath a drip
Keeping people away from sewage or electrical hazards
Do not open walls, disassemble pressurized plumbing, enter sewage-contaminated water, or use chemical drain cleaners. These actions can increase the damage or expose you hazardous material.
Call YES! at 844-216-9300, as they are trained to make such repairs. Their professional expertise can prevent a plumbing emergency from occurring, saving you money in the long run.
Can the Plumbing Problem Wait Until Morning?
When a plumbing problem occurs late at night or after hours, it’s tempting to call for emergency repairs, but it isn’t always necessary.
Before you call a plumber, determine the severity of your plumbing problem. For example, if you have a leak in your basement that spews water uncontrollably, you shouldn’t wait until business hours!
However, if you have a broken toilet or faucet and can avoid using it until the morning, save yourself some money by avoiding fees that accompany an emergency plumber's cost.
What to Do Before Calling a Plumber?
Take the following steps when it is safe:
Shut off the affected fixture or the main water supply.
Stop using connected drains and appliances.
Keep people and pets away from sewage or standing water.
Open doors and windows to improve ventilation if you notice an odor.
Move furniture and belongings away from the affected area.
Use towels or containers to control clean water that is not near electricity.
Note where the problem began and which fixtures are affected.
Tell the plumber about any chemical drain cleaner used.
Clear a safe path to the plumbing issue.
Do not attempt to reach a valve, appliance, or electrical panel through standing water.
How Much Does Emergency Plumbing Service Cost?
Emergency plumbing costs depend on the source of the problem, when service is needed, the parts and equipment required, and whether the plumber must perform drain cleaning, leak detection, pipe repair, sewer work, or equipment replacement.
Two plumbing problems that appear similar may require very different repairs. A plumber must inspect the affected system before providing an accurate quote.
For water heater replacement specifically, standard tank water heater replacement ranges around $2,300 to $3,500, and a new tankless water heater typically ranges about $4,400–$6,500.
These are approximate ranges. Actual pricing varies by the equipment, home, market, installation requirements, and any discounts in effect. YES! offers special offers, financing plans, and monthly service plans to help cover plumbing costs.
When in Doubt, Call YES!
Plumbing emergencies can quickly damage floors, walls, cabinets, and personal belongings. If you cannot stop the water, sewage is backing up, or you are unsure whether the problem can safely wait, contact YES! for help.
Our plumbing team serves homeowners in Nevada and Utah seven days a week. Call 844-216-9300 or schedule service online.