When to Call an Emergency Plumber

Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time. A burst pipe at midnight or a flooded basement during a storm can quickly escalate from inconvenient to catastrophic. Knowing when to call an emergency plumber could save your home from serious water damage, health hazards, and costly repairs.

What Is Considered a Plumbing Emergency?

A plumbing emergency is any sudden issue that poses a significant risk of water damage, creates hazardous conditions (such as raw sewage or lack of access to clean water), or renders your plumbing system inoperable. Not all plumbing problems are emergencies, but when water is gushing, sewage is backing up, or your basement is flooding, waiting isn’t an option.

If you’re unsure whether it’s time to pick up the phone, ask yourself:

• Is water actively leaking, flooding, or backing up?
• Is there a health risk (e.g., sewage, mold, loss of hot water)?
• Could this issue cause significant structural damage if delayed?

If the answer is yes, it’s time to act.

Top Situations That Require an Emergency Plumber

There are many times when you can do it yourself when it comes to your home plumbing. However, when plumbing issues reach an emergency level, sometimes it’s best to call in the experts. Some emergency plumbing issues that require professional attention include:

1. Burst Pipes or Major Leaks

A burst pipe can dump gallons of water into your home in minutes. The signs of a leaking pipe include:

• Bulging drywall
• Warped flooring
• The sound of running water inside the walls
• Large wet spots

If you experience these, don’t wait — shut off your main water valve and call a pro. Even small leaks can cause major structural damage or hazardous mold growth. Learn why it's smart to hire professional plumbers for issues like these.

2. Overflowing Toilets or Sewage Backups

Overflowing toilets and sewer line backups are among the most common sewer problems. Raw sewage contains harmful bacteria and can quickly contaminate floors, walls, and air. Letting it sit for even a few hours can completely destroy a space.

Luckily, this is one of those problems you can often prevent with proper precautions. Always avoid flushing the following to decrease the chance of a blockage:

• Wet wipes
• Sanitary products
• Paper towels
• Diapers
• Grease

3. Water Heater Failures

A cold shower is often the result of an issue with your hot water heater. Sometimes, the solution can be as easy as checking the breaker box on your electric heater (for gas, check to see that your pilot light is on).

However, if you hear rattling noises and the issues aren’t resolved with the simple flip of a switch, you’ll likely need hot water heater repairs. Additionally, if your hot water heater is leaking, it could be a warning sign of internal tank failure. In some cases, these leaks can lead to floor damage or electrical hazards.

4. Frozen Pipes in Cold Weather

If you follow our winter plumbing tips, you should have insulated your pipes to prevent them from freezing. But sometimes, that’s not enough to prevent the cold from getting in.

Frozen pipes can burst once they thaw, causing major flooding. If your faucets stop flowing, know what to do if your pipes freeze. Shut off the main water supply and use a hair dryer to heat up the pipe until a plumber can arrive and take remedial action.

5. Basement Flooding

Flooded basements can result from:

• Sump pump failure
• Broken pipes
• Clogged downspouts
• Poor yard drainage

The longer water sits, the greater the risk for mold and structural damage. As soon as you notice water pooling up, call both a plumber and an electrician so they can assess the damage and make sure the area’s safe. If you can make it to the water supply valve safely and the circuit breaker, shut them off — but never wade through the water to get to them.

How to Find an Emergency Plumber Near You

Need help fast? Here are a few things to consider when choosing a plumber for your emergency situation:

• 24/7 availability (nights, weekends, and holidays). Plumbing emergencies don’t follow a set schedule, so you need a plumber who doesn’t, either.

• Fully licensed and insured. This provides peace of mind that you’ll get a quality repair.

• Experience with urgent repairs (like mainline backups, floods, or burst pipes). As we’ve noted, acting fast is key. You need someone who knows what they’re doing.

• Transparent pricing. You should always know what you’ll pay upfront so you aren’t hit with a surprise bill later.

• Good reviews and fast response times. Check sites like Google and the BBB to see the reputation of any service you’re thinking of hiring.

How Much Does an Emergency Plumber Cost?

Emergency plumbing rates are typically higher than standard jobs because of the rush service required. You may pay more for:

• Night, weekend, or holiday service
• Travel fees in some areas
• Extensive repairs or cleanup
• Special equipment or parts

The cost is worth it when it means protecting your home from severe water damage, backed-up sewage, or total plumbing shutdown.

Don’t Wait: Call an Emergency Plumber ASAP

Water doesn’t wait—and neither should you. If your pipes burst, your toilet overflows, or your basement is underwater, it’s time to call for emergency help. Roto-Rooter is always at your service, no matter the hour or the mess.

Roto-Rooter’s licensed plumbers are available 24/7 to fix leaks, clear clogs, and protect your home when disaster strikes. Call us now to get immediate service for your plumbing problems.