What is Considered a Plumbing Emergency?

A woman using a bucket to collect water from a leaking pipe in an Irving, TX home.

The unfortunate truth is that plumbing problems can strike at any time. While some plumbing woes can wait a day or two to be addressed, other problems should be handled as soon as possible.

What is considered a plumbing emergency? Below, we’ll discuss common plumbing problems that constitute a plumbing emergency response and when to call emergency plumbers for assistance.

What Constitutes a Plumbing Emergency?

Between clogged drains and overflowing toilets, you may not know what is considered a plumbing emergency. After all, all plumbing problems are inconveniences and can put roadblocks in your daily routine. To understand when to call an emergency plumber, consider the following factors:

  • Safety Risks: First and foremost, any plumbing problem that poses a risk to your health and safety should be treated as an emergency. This can range from gas leaks all the way to not having access to hot water in cold weather.
  • Water Damages: Some plumbing problems can cause significant water damage, leading to costly property damage.
  • Overall Severity: If you have a leak, is it a trickle or a full-on gush? You can often turn off the water to a fixture to stop a trickle, but a gush will require prompt, professional assistance.

Pipe Bursts

One of the most severe plumbing emergencies is a burst pipe. When pipes burst, they can cause catastrophic water damage to your home and property.

If you experience this problem, immediately shut off the water supply to prevent further damage. Once you’ve done this, call a professional for emergency plumbing services.

You can find burst pipes by looking for inconsistent water pressure, the sound of running water, and the smell of rotten eggs. This foul smell can indicate that your sewage lines have burst.

Overflowing Toilets

When it comes to your toilets, what is considered a plumbing emergency? Often, clogged or broken toilets can wait to be fixed. However, overflowing toilets are a problem that shouldn’t wait to be addressed during normal business hours.

Overflowing toilets are often caused by a faulty float mechanism or a clogged pipe. Before you call for a plumber, shut off your toilet’s water supply at the water supply valve found behind the toilet.

Clogged Sewer Line

Did you know that paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and even tree roots can clog your main sewer line? These blockages can lead to wastewater backups in your home, something that is a health concern.

It’s not always obvious to know when to call emergency plumbers for a clogged sewer line. If you suspect a main sewer line blockage, listen for gurgling sounds coming from multiple plumbing fixtures.

Water Heater Failure

Water heater failure may not seem like an emergency, but it certainly can be depending on your current situation. During the middle of winter, a lack of hot water can be a health and safety concern. 

Even during warm days, you need running hot water to clean yourself, your clothes, your dishes, your home—you name it! A water heater breakdown can constitute the need for an emergency plumbing service.

Other Major Leaks

Besides pipe bursts and overflowing toilets, leaky pipes can lead to costly water damage. However, you may be asking, “What is considered a plumbing emergency when it comes to water leaks?”

If you’re unable to stop a water leak by yourself, such as by shutting off the water to a certain fixture, it’s best to contact a professional to fix the plumbing issue.

24/7 Emergency Services

When you notice these plumbing problems, it’s time to call an emergency plumber for quick assistance. Of course, there is a wide range of plumbing issues that may need emergency services depending on the time of year, safety risks, and your needs.

If you don’t know when to call an emergency plumber, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. At Tempo Air, our experienced Irving plumbers are here to help day or night. We understand that some plumbing problems can’t wait, which is why we offer 24/7 emergency services.

Contact us today for emergency plumbing in Irving, TX!

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