Plumbing emergencies never seem to happen at convenient times. Whether it’s a burst pipe in the middle of the night or discovering sewage backing up into your home, these situations require fast action to protect your property and your safety. Knowing what qualifies as a true plumbing emergency—and exactly what to do in those first few moments—can make all the difference. Here’s a helpful guide to identifying common plumbing emergencies and the immediate steps you should take before calling the professionals.
Burst Pipes
A burst pipe is one of the most urgent plumbing emergencies you can face. It can release an enormous amount of water in a short time, leading to significant damage if not handled quickly.
Immediate Safety Steps:
- Locate and shut off your home’s main water valve right away. This prevents additional water from flooding the area.
- Turn off electricity in affected areas if water has reached outlets or appliances.
- Avoid walking through standing water to reduce the risk of electrical shock.
- Once the water is off, open faucets to relieve any remaining pressure inside the pipes.
After securing the area, call a licensed professional to repair the pipe and inspect for additional damage.
Sewage Backups
A sewage backup is not only disruptive but also hazardous. Contaminated water can pose serious health risks, so it’s critical to act cautiously.
Immediate Safety Steps:
- Avoid any direct contact with sewage water. Do not attempt to clean it yourself.
- Keep children and pets away from the affected area.
- Shut off the water supply to stop additional wastewater from entering your home.
- Do not flush toilets or run sinks until a professional has assessed the system.
A plumbing expert can identify the cause—whether it’s a blockage, line collapse, or root intrusion—and restore your home’s sanitation safely.
No Running Water
Losing access to running water is more than an inconvenience; it can signal a serious underlying issue, such as a major leak, frozen pipes, or system failure.
Immediate Safety Steps:
- Check multiple fixtures to confirm the issue isn’t isolated to one faucet.
- Inspect exposed pipes for signs of freezing, bulging, or dripping.
- If you suspect a frozen pipe, turn off the main water supply to prevent a burst.
- Avoid trying to thaw frozen pipes with open flames or high heat.
No running water is a clear sign that professional attention is needed quickly to prevent further complications.
When to Call for Emergency Plumbing Service
If the issue threatens your safety, your property, or your access to clean water, it qualifies as a plumbing emergency. Burst pipes, sewer backups, overflowing toilets, major leaks, and complete loss of water supply all require immediate attention. Professional plumbers have the tools, training, and availability to resolve these situations quickly and safely.
That’s why having a reliable 24/7 service provider matters. Emergencies don’t wait—and neither should your response. When a plumbing emergency strikes, you can count on us to respond quickly, assess the situation, and provide expert solutions to protect your home.
Call Regal Plumbing, Heating and A/C for plumbing emergencies—Committed to Service, Committed to You, Since 1974.