Plumbing problems don’t always occur during regular business hours. Even so, it’s often reasonable to wait until the next day to call a plumber. For instance, a slow drain or a dripping faucet is not particularly urgent. So how can you tell when a situation warrants emergency plumbing services? Watch for these signs that it’s time to call an emergency plumber.

A girl calling emergency plumber service for repairing at Houston, TX

Visible Water Leaks

Any leak that breaks the bounds of a plumbing fixture or appliance is considered an emergency. Examples include water pouring out from under your dishwasher, dripping from your garbage disposal, or spraying out of a leaky pipe. Water can cause significant property damage, so it’s important to act fast when you spot these problems. An emergency plumber can help you get leaks under control so you can focus on cleaning up.

Signs of Hidden Water Leaks

Not all water leaks are as blatantly obvious as the examples above. Many occur behind the ceiling and walls, slowly wreaking havoc on your home’s structural integrity and promoting mold growth that impairs indoor air quality. If you notice yellow stains on the ceiling or walls, a sagging ceiling, or soft floor tiles, chances are a hidden leak needs immediate attention to prevent further damage.

Low or No Water Pressure

If one faucet or showerhead suddenly experiences low water pressure, a clogged aerator is the most likely explanation. Soaking this component in vinegar overnight should solve the problem. However, if multiple fixtures are involved, there could be a problem with your water supply line or pressure regulating valve.

Even worse, your water may stop flowing entirely. Before you panic, call your utility provider to see if the problem is on their end. If not, it’s time to call for emergency plumbing services.

Frozen or Burst Pipes

Texas homes are vulnerable to frozen pipes because, in our warm climate, plumbing isn’t always installed with chilly weather in mind. This leaves exposed pipes defenseless against freezing temperatures when a cold front blows in.

Signs of frozen pipes include reduced flow from one or more plumbing fixtures, gurgling sounds, strange smells coming from the drain, visible frost, and low outdoor temperatures. If you spot these signs, call an emergency plumber immediately to thaw the pipe before it bursts. If it’s too late and the pipe has already burst, shut off the main water supply and contact a plumber.

Severe Drain Clogs

While you should address slow drains sooner rather than later, they’re not exactly an emergency. However, standing water in your sink or bathtub warrants emergency plumbing services. The plumber will use professional equipment to get the drain flowing again and help prevent future blockages.

No Hot Water

There’s nothing more unpleasant than getting blasted with cold water in the middle of a shower. If the water refuses to get hot again, you may have a broken water heater on your hands. You won’t have hot water for bathing, cooking, or cleaning until the unit is repaired or replaced.

Clogged or Overflowing Toilet

Many things can cause a toiler to clog or overflow, including too much toilet paper, a toy lodged in the drain pipe, or intrusive tree roots. Whatever the cause, you can prevent property damage by shutting off the water supply. Simply turn the valve on the wall behind the toilet. The repair can’t wait, especially if this is your only toilet, so call an emergency plumber for help.

Backed-Up Sewer

Every drain in your home connects to the main sewer line, a large pipe that carries waste to the water treatment plant. A blockage in the sewer line could cause widespread problems, including gurgling noises, lingering sewer odors, and strange interactions between separate plumbing fixtures. The worst-case scenario even involves sewer water flowing up from a drain. You’ll need an emergency plumber’s help to fix sewer backups.

Rotten Egg Smell (Indicating a Gas Leak)

Natural gas is odorless, so to help homeowners recognize a leak, utility providers add a foul-smelling gas called mercaptan to the natural gas supply. If you detect a rotten egg smell, hear a hissing or whistling sound, or see air bubbles rising from the ground around your home, you could have a natural gas leak. Open the windows and doors, exit the house immediately, and call an emergency plumber for gas line repair.

Emergency Plumbing Services in the Greater Houston Area

At Redfin Plumbing, we respond to stressful plumbing situations immediately, with expanded after-hour services available until 8 pm daily, and Saturday we are available until 2pm . Count on our plumbers to diagnose and resolve the problem quickly, so you can resume your busy schedule. Our commitment to exceptional quality and your 100% satisfaction make us the right plumber to call. Get in touch with us at 281-870-2373 or contact us online to request emergency plumbing services in Houston, Cypress, Katy, Sugarland, Pearland, the Woodlands, Kingwood, and the surrounding Greater Houston area.