Plumbing Emergencies That Require Immediate Attention
Not every plumbing problem is an emergency. A slow drain can wait until Monday, but some situations demand immediate professional help. Knowing the difference can save your home from catastrophic damage.
Emergency #1: Burst Pipes
A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water per hour into your home. This is the most urgent plumbing emergency.
**Immediate steps:** 1. Shut off the main water supply immediately 2. Turn off electricity in affected areas if water is near outlets 3. Call an emergency plumber 4. Begin removing standing water if safe
**Warning signs before a burst:** - Banging pipes (water hammer) - Visible bulging in pipes - Unexplained wet spots on walls or ceilings - Sudden drop in water pressure
Emergency #2: Sewer Line Backup
When multiple drains backup simultaneously or you notice sewage odors, you likely have a main sewer line blockage. Raw sewage in your home poses serious health risks.
**Signs of sewer backup:** - Gurgling sounds from drains - Water backing up in tubs when toilet flushes - Multiple slow drains throughout the house - Foul odors from drains - Sewage in floor drains
**Do not attempt to clear a main line yourself.** Professional equipment and expertise are required.
Emergency #3: Gas Line Leaks
If you smell rotten eggs (the odorant added to natural gas) or hear hissing near gas lines, you have a potentially life-threatening emergency.
**Immediate steps:** 1. Do NOT turn on lights, appliances, or anything electrical 2. Do NOT use your phone inside the home 3. Leave the house immediately 4. Call 911 and your gas company from outside 5. Call a licensed plumber for repairs after the area is declared safe
Emergency #4: No Water Throughout the House
Complete loss of water indicates a serious issue—either with your main line or the municipal supply.
**First, check:** - Has your water been shut off for non-payment? - Are neighbors also without water? (Municipal issue) - Is your main shut-off valve accidentally closed?
If it's not these issues, you likely have a main water line break that requires emergency repair.
Emergency #5: Overflowing Toilet That Won't Stop
An overflowing toilet that won't stop with normal interventions can flood your bathroom and damage floors, subfloors, and ceilings below.
**If plunging doesn't work:** 1. Turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet 2. If the valve is stuck, shut off the main water supply 3. Call an emergency plumber—you may have a deeper clog
What's NOT an Emergency
Some issues are urgent but can wait for regular business hours: - Slow-draining sink (single fixture) - Dripping faucet - Running toilet (unless overflowing) - Minor leak under sink (place bucket, turn off valve) - Garbage disposal not working
Be Prepared Before Emergencies Strike
**Know your shut-off locations:** - Main water shut-off valve - Water heater shut-off - Individual fixture shut-offs - Gas meter shut-off (requires special tool)
**Keep emergency numbers handy:** - Emergency plumber - Gas company - Water utility - Electrician
Hester Plumbing: 24/7 Emergency Service
Plumbing emergencies don't wait for business hours. Hester Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency service throughout Tyler, TX and surrounding areas. Our licensed plumbers arrive equipped to handle any emergency.
Emergency Line: (903) 326-3358 - We're here when you need us.
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