When Should I Call a Professional for a Plumbing Emergency?

Being a homeowner comes with many great perks, like being able to decorate, paint, build, tear down, and pretty much do whatever you want to the house because you own it. With that also comes a bit more responsibility, like repairing, replacing, and maintaining all of the essential working components of your home. 

One top priority for maintaining the functionality and safety of the home is your plumbing system. Plumbing problems are notorious for revealing themselves at the worst time. That’s why it’s important to have a 24-hour plumbing service near you on speed dial in case of a plumbing emergency.

What Is Considered a Plumbing Emergency?

A plumbing problem is considered an emergency when it poses an immediate risk to your property, health, or safety.

A leaking faucet doesn’t pose an immediate risk to your property, health, or safety; therefore, it could wait until the next business day. However, a burst pipe can be considered an emergency due to the chance of flooding, water damage, and mold growth, which can directly impact the safety of your home. 

5 Types of Plumbing Emergencies

If you’re having trouble deciphering what qualifies as a plumbing emergency, below are some situations that are typically considered so.

1. Frozen and Burst Pipes

In cold weather, frozen pipes can lead to bursts and water damage in your home. If you suspect frozen pipes, especially if they’ve burst, it’s considered a plumbing emergency that requires immediate attention. It’s crucial not to wait too long after noticing the frozen pipes because they will start to expand, and that’s when the burst can occur, causing more damage.

2. Malfunctioning Water Heater

A malfunctioning water heater, especially if it’s leaking or showing signs of overheating, is considered a plumbing emergency. One of the primary dangers of a malfunctioning water heater is the risk of scalding hot water that can cause burning to the skin. 

Another concerning factor of a malfunctioning water heater is potential carbon monoxide poisoning with those that are powered by gas. They can produce carbon monoxide and, without proper ventilation, can create a buildup of poisonous air in your home. 

3. Drains Aren’t Draining

Clogs are one of the most common occurrences in plumbing. Some clogs can be eliminated with a plunger and a bit of muscle. But, if you can’t unclog them after plunging efforts, or if there’s a clog that consistently backs up, you should call an emergency plumber.

Plumbers have access to exclusive tools like tiny cameras that can be snaked into drain pipes to allow for easy removal if something is causing the blockage. Hair, grease build-up, tree roots invading underground pipelines, and issues with your septic tank are a few possible problems that can prevent your drains from draining properly. 

4. Water Contamination

If you notice a sudden change in your water quality—for example, its color, taste, or smell is off—this could be a sign of contamination and is considered a plumbing emergency. Wait to use the water until the issue is resolved.

In any emergency plumbing situation, it’s crucial to turn off the water supply to the affected area and contact a licensed emergency plumber as soon as possible. They have the expertise and equipment to address emergency plumbing issues and can help prevent further damage.

5. Toilet Continuously Overflows

If your toilet is consistently overflowing, it’s advisable to turn off the water completely and refrain from using it until an emergency plumber can inspect it. Locate the water shutoff, usually beneath the bowl at the back or on the left-hand side. If the overflow occurs immediately after a flush, it’s likely due to a blockage. Attempt to use a plunger, but if unsuccessful, it’s crucial to stop and call a plumber to avoid potential damage. 

In cases where toilets overflow seemingly without reason, it may indicate a clog in the drain pipe, either in the main drainpipe or the sewer line. This type of issue requires prompt attention from a plumber who can assess and resolve the problem, whether through intensive pipe cleaning or a comprehensive check of your home’s sewer lines. 

Having a fully functional plumbing system is critical for comfort and productivity in the home, but sometimes, an unexpected problem arises that can derail your entire schedule. You need a reliable and speedy plumbing company available 24/7.
For reliable emergency plumbing services in Huntsville, choose Blake Brothers. No matter the scale or complexity of the job, you can count on our certified plumbers to deliver cost-efficient, quality results. We understand how inconvenient a plumbing emergency can be, so our team is on-call and ready to help you any time you need it. Contact us today for any of your plumbing needs.