5 Signs You Need Emergency Plumbing Service

When it comes to plumbing problems, knowing when to call for emergency service can save you thousands of dollars in water damage and repairs. Here are five critical signs that you need immediate professional help.

1. Burst or Leaking Pipes

A burst pipe is one of the most serious plumbing emergencies. Even a small leak can quickly escalate, causing extensive water damage to your walls, floors, and belongings.

What to do:

• Turn off your main water supply immediately
• Call emergency plumbing service right away
• Move valuables away from the affected area
• Document the damage for insurance purposes

2. Sewage Backup

If you notice sewage backing up into your drains, sinks, or toilets, this is a serious health hazard that requires immediate attention.

Warning signs:

• Multiple drains backing up simultaneously
• Foul odors coming from drains
• Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains
• Water pooling around floor drains

What to do:

• Avoid using any water in your home
• Keep family and pets away from affected areas
• Call emergency plumbing service immediately
• Do not attempt to fix this yourself

3. No Hot Water

While not always an emergency, complete loss of hot water in cold weather or when you have young children or elderly family members at home warrants immediate attention.

Common causes:

• Water heater failure
• Pilot light issues
• Thermostat problems
• Electrical problems (for electric water heaters)

4. Frozen Pipes

In Phoenix, frozen pipes are rare, but when they occur during unusual cold snaps, they can cause serious damage as they thaw.

Warning signs:

• No water coming from faucets
• Strange smells from faucets
• Visible frost on exposed pipes
• Unusual sounds when turning on water

Prevention tips:

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold weather
• Let faucets drip slightly during freezing temperatures
• Insulate exposed pipes
• Keep your home heated adequately

5. Gas Line Leaks

If you smell gas (rotten egg odor) or hear a hissing sound near gas lines, this is a life-threatening emergency.

What to do:

• Evacuate your home immediately
• Do not turn on/off any lights or electrical devices
• Do not use your phone inside the home
• Call 911 and your gas company from a safe location
• Then call emergency plumbing service

When to Call for Emergency Service

Not every plumbing issue is an emergency. Here's a quick guide:

Definitely Emergency:

• Burst pipes with active flooding
• Sewage backups
• Gas leaks
• No water supply to entire home
• Frozen pipes that have burst

Probably Emergency:

• Major leaks causing water damage
• Completely clogged main drain
• Water heater failure in winter
• Backed-up toilet (if it's your only toilet)

Can Wait Until Morning:

• Slow drains
• Dripping faucets
• Running toilet
• Minor leaks that are contained

Prevention is Key

While emergencies can happen, regular maintenance can prevent many plumbing problems:

• Schedule annual plumbing inspections
• Address small leaks promptly
• Know where your main shut-off valve is located
• Keep emergency plumber contact information handy
• Don't ignore warning signs like slow drains or unusual noises

Our Emergency Service

At Joe's Plumbing, we offer 24/7 emergency plumbing service throughout Phoenix and surrounding areas. Our experienced technicians arrive quickly with fully stocked trucks to handle any plumbing emergency.

Why choose us for emergencies:

• Average 60-minute response time
• Available 24/7, 365 days a year
• Upfront pricing before work begins
• Fully licensed and insured
• Expert diagnosis and rapid repairs

Don't wait when you have a plumbing emergency. Call us immediately at (555) 123-4567, and we'll dispatch a technician right away.

Conclusion

Knowing these warning signs can help you act quickly when plumbing emergencies occur, potentially saving you thousands in water damage and repair costs. When in doubt, it's always better to call for professional help than to risk further damage to your home.

Keep our emergency number handy, and don't hesitate to call when you need immediate assistance. We're here to help 24/7.