Signs you Need to Call an Emergency Plumber

A plumber joining two parts of a pipe.


Is there a chance you’re experiencing a plumbing emergency? Is there a time to call a plumber if you have an emergency? If this is the case,
you need to have the contact information for a plumber on speed dial. When plumbing issues aren’t fixed quickly, they can lead to costly repairs and property damage. Luckily, there are a few ways to tell whether you have a plumbing issue. You can use them to guide you when to call for help in a crisis. Below are many signs you need to call an emergency plumber immediately.

If you lack hot water

It’s understandable if there’s no more hot water after the kids take an hour-long shower, but it shouldn’t be the norm. If you regularly experience problems with your water heater and never have enough hot water, it is probably time to call an emergency plumber. While you wait for the plumber to arrive, you must take some emergency actions. Working with a plumber can help you find a solution. The problem could be significant or minor and easy to fix. It’s normal for pilot lights to go out occasionally, but if yours keeps going out, it could be a sign of a leak or other problem.

Hot water may not last as long if the tank isn’t big enough. A licensed plumber can assist you in determining the appropriate tank size, install the tank once you’ve selected it, and guide you through testing the circuit breaker, among other routine tasks. A licensed plumber can also determine the source of the unusually high or low temperatures. When the temperature in the shower suddenly jumps from freezing to scalding, you could suffer severe burns when you try to regulate it because of a malfunction. A professional should inspect ignitors, fuses, thermostats, heating elements, pipes, and other parts if they pose a risk.

An overflowing toilet is a huge issue

Think about the horror of entering your bathroom and finding that the toilet has been running over since you last flushed it. Perhaps you were aware that the toilet was clogged before you flushed it. In any case, toilet overflows can release potentially harmful water onto the bathroom floor.

It can spread bacteria and germs in your home, leading to illnesses and respiratory difficulties if not managed. Maybe you tried using the plunger and had no luck. It’s best to call an emergency plumber for help immediately instead of trying to unclog the toilet yourself, possibly causing further harm. Our friends at Fairfax Transfer and Storage say that many people had to move for a time because of this issue. Don’t give time for your home to flood, and call for help as fast as possible.

an overflowing toilet is a problem you might want to call an emergency plumber for
You want to take care of your toilet so that you don’t have to call an emergency plumber.

If you notice a strange smell

It’s possible to ignore a foul stench at home. But noxious smells coming from your sinks, bathrooms, and kitchens are never okay. Hydrogen sulfide, commonly known as “sewer gas,” can enter a home through damaged or physically weak pipes. Assume a high risk of harm from sewer gas if you don’t handle it.

One should contact a plumber immediately if a foul odor emanates from their pipes. Because determining whether or not the odor is due to hydrogen sulfide necessitates the prompt arrival of an expert.

If your water pressure is getting weaker

When traveling, do you ever stay at places with low water pressure? You may find it challenging to perform even the most basic hygiene tasks, such as taking a shower or washing the dishes. Contrary to common belief, this doesn’t happen frequently. You shouldn’t ignore it and pretend it doesn’t exist. Congestion in the pipes is usually to blame when water pressure is low.

Good news: if you’re feeling brave, you can probably fix this by unscrewing the aerator on your property and scrubbing away the buildup. It’s best to call an emergency plumber if you don’t feel confident performing it yourself.

The aerator is a symptom of a larger issue if the problem persists after cleaning. That could result from pipe damage, a leak, erosion, or a crack in the water line. As soon as you notice a problem with your plumbing, find a water line repair plumber. If you let the issue go unchecked for too long, it could lead to major flooding and water damage to your home.

water running from a faucet
Low water pressure can be a bad sign.

If your water is draining more slowly 

Clogs can occur anywhere there is plumbing, from the bathtub to the toilet to the outside faucet. You can remove some blockages with a plunger and some muscle, but some drain cleaning tips might help. If you try using a plunger and cannot clear the clog, it may be time to call an emergency plumber.

Plumbers may use cameras and other specialized equipment to determine the root of a persistent problem to peer further into pipes. Possible causes include accumulations of hair and oil, intrusions of roots into underground pipes, and malfunctioning septic tanks.

If you’ve had the same drain issue more than once, you should call someone. A seemingly little problem, like a blocked tub every time you bathe your dog, can become serious if it occurs frequently. Home remedies may seem quick, but they often mask the symptoms of a larger issue that continues to worsen despite your efforts.

a picture of a drain
You should try solving drain problems on your own. If you fail, that can mean a more significant issue is at hand.

In Conclusion

You must keep calm and stay on top of the plumbing situation. Turning off the water main is the first step in dealing with a leak. If you smell gas, shut off the main valve and increase ventilation.

Using simple first aid measures could avert further complications and dangers. After that, you can call an emergency plumber to help you out. Broken pipes, malfunctioning water heaters, leaking faucets, overflowing toilets, and other plumbing emergencies may all be handled quickly and easily by calling a local plumber.