When to Call an Emergency Plumber: 8 Situations That Can't Wait
Some plumbing problems can wait until Monday. Others absolutely cannot. Knowing the difference can save you thousands in water damage and repair costs. Here are 8 situations that warrant an immediate call to an emergency plumber.
1. Burst Pipes
A burst pipe is the most obvious plumbing emergency. Water can flood your home at a rate of hundreds of gallons per hour, causing catastrophic damage to floors, walls, furniture, and belongings.
What to do immediately:
Shut off the main water supply, then call an emergency plumber.
2. Sewage Backup
When sewage backs up into your home, it's not just unpleasant—it's a health hazard. Raw sewage contains harmful bacteria and pathogens that can cause serious illness.
- Multiple drains backing up simultaneously
- Sewage coming up through floor drains
- Toilet overflows with sewage
- Strong sewage odors throughout the home
3. No Water at All
Complete loss of water is more than an inconvenience—you can't cook, clean, bathe, or flush toilets. If your neighbors have water and you don't, you likely have a serious problem with your main water line.
4. Gas Line Leak
If you smell gas (that distinctive rotten egg odor), this is an immediate emergency. Natural gas is extremely dangerous and can cause explosions.
What to do immediately:
Leave the house immediately. Don't turn on lights or use any electronics. Call 911 and your gas company from outside.
5. Water Heater Failure
A water heater emergency includes:
- Water pooling around the base
- Strange popping or rumbling noises
- Pressure relief valve constantly releasing
- No hot water in winter (risk of pipes freezing)
6. Overflowing Toilet That Won't Stop
A toilet that overflows once can usually be plunged. But if water continues to rise despite your efforts to stop it, you may have a serious clog deeper in the system.
7. Frozen Pipes
Yes, pipes can freeze in Florida during cold snaps. Frozen pipes can burst when they thaw, causing major water damage. Signs include:
- No water coming from faucets
- Frost visible on exposed pipes
- Strange clanking noises when turning on water
8. Major Leak You Can't Stop
If you have a significant leak—from a supply line, appliance connection, or fixture—and you can't stop it by shutting off the local valve, call immediately to prevent water damage.
What's NOT Usually an Emergency
These issues are important but can typically wait for regular business hours:
24/7 Emergency Plumbing
Prime Plumbing & Septic provides true 24/7 emergency service throughout Northwest Florida. When you call, you'll reach a real person who can dispatch help immediately.
Call 850-202-2749