Plumbing problems never seem to happen at a “good” time. A burst pipe at 2 a.m., a suddenly overflowing toilet, or a water heater breaking down in the middle of winter can quickly turn a normal day into a stressful one. While some problems can wait until regular business hours, others need immediate attention.
If you’ve ever hesitated, wondering, “Is this really an emergency?”, this guide explains when calling a 24/7 emergency plumber is definitely the right choice.
Burst Pipes or Major Leaks
A burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in damage in just minutes. If you notice water rushing, spraying, or pooling where it shouldn’t be, this isn’t the time to wait.
Signs that indicate you need an emergency plumber immediately include:
- Sudden drop in water pressure
- Wet spots on walls or ceilings
- Water spreading across the floors
- A pipe that is visibly cracked or leaking
Turn off your main water supply if possible, then call for help immediately.
Sewage Backups
If sewage is backing up into sinks, tubs, or toilets, it’s unsafe to remain in that environment. Sewage contains bacteria and harmful contaminants that can quickly make your home unhealthy.
Common signs of a backup include:
- Multiple drains clogging simultaneously
- Gurgling sounds when running water
- Bad odors coming from drains
A plumber can identify the blockage, stop the backup, and restore your home’s safety and cleanliness.
No Running Water
Losing water can be a big problem. If your home suddenly has no water and it’s not due to a local outage or shut-off, you might have frozen pipes, a mainline issue, or a serious underground leak.
If you can’t get any water from any faucet, call an emergency plumber to locate and fix the problem quickly.
Overflowing or Non-Functional Toilets
Toilets are among the most-used fixtures in any home or business, so when they stop working, the issue quickly becomes urgent, especially if there’s only one bathroom.
Call an emergency plumber if:
- The toilet keeps overflowing.
- Sewage is backing up.
- Plunging has no effect.
- You hear strange sounds or bubbling noises.
Quick action can prevent water damage and stop a minor issue from becoming a big mess.
Water Heater Malfunction
A cold shower is annoying, but a leaking or malfunctioning water heater can be dangerous. Water heater issues can involve pressure buildup, electrical problems, or gas concerns.
If your water heater is leaking, making loud noises, or not responding at all, it’s safer to have a professional check it right away, especially if you suspect a gas leak.
Gas Line or Unusual Odor Concerns
If you smell gas or notice a sulfur-like odor near your water heater or pipes, leave the area immediately and call emergency services. Plumbing professionals can locate gas line problems and ensure your home is safe before you return.
When In Doubt, Call a Professional
Not every plumbing problem is an actual emergency, but when you’re uncertain, it’s better to be cautious. A 24/7 emergency plumber can:
- Assess the situation promptly
- Avoid more damage
- Protect your home and loved ones.
- Restore your plumbing system promptly.
Need Emergency Plumbing Help in Maryland?
Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services for homeowners and businesses across Maryland. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a sewer backup, or no running water, our experienced team is ready to respond—day or night.
If you have a sudden plumbing issue, don’t wait. Call us anytime.