Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, day or night. Unfortunately, they don’t always wait for business hours on a weekday, and they often require immediate attention to prevent serious damage to your home. 

Knowing when to call an emergency plumber is important because it will save you time and money. While 24-hour emergency plumbers offer important services when issues arise after hours, it can be costly. Here are some examples of situations that might constitute a plumbing emergency.

1.     Water Leak

Not all water leaks are an emergency, but the moment you see some signs of extensive leakage, call an emergency plumber near you right away. Water leaks can cause extensive damage to your property and may also lead to mold growth if not addressed quickly. Aside from the costly damage to your home, mold growth can cause significant damage to your health.

If you notice a steep increase in your water bill, suspicious stains on walls or ceilings, damp spots in unusual areas, or hear running water when taps are off, these may be signs you have a water leak in your home.  Water leaks may also present the danger of fire hazards. If you experience any of those signs, contact an emergency plumber near you. 

2.     Damaged or Burst Pipes

A burst pipe is one of the most serious plumbing emergencies and will require the services of an emergency plumber. Burst pipes can cause significant water damage to your property and cost you quite a large sum if left unchecked. You may be experiencing a plumbing emergency if you have a sudden loss of water pressure, begin to see water stains, or you can hear running water.

Even one burst pipe can waste gallons of water in a very short time leading to structural damage in your home, increasing your water bill, and compromising the safety of your family.

If you think you have a burst pipe in your Sheboygan or Plymouth home, the best option for you is to turn off the main water supply and call an emergency plumber right away. In the meantime, try to save any furniture or important personal belongings from water damage.

3.     Gas Leaks

A gas leak is another major reason to call an emergency plumbing service near you. Although natural gas is odorless, chemicals are added to the gas to make it smell so it becomes easier to detect if there is a leak. If you begin smelling sulfur or rotten eggs, this is your first sign that something could be seriously wrong.

Other indications of gas leaks include a hissing or whistling sound, or a cloud forming near a gas line. If you have gas appliances in your home, take notice of the flames. If the flames are orange, that means you have a ventilation problem and need help right away, as gas leaks can cause major health issues.

Physical symptoms related to a gas leak may include difficulty breathing, nosebleeds, irritated eyes or skin, and headaches or dizziness. Being continuously exposed to gas could potentially cost the health or lives of your family, so do not wait to call for emergency help if you suspect a gas leak.

4.     Backed-Up Sewage

Your nose will likely lead you to this emergency plumbing issue before anything else does. If your sewer line is backed up, you will know quickly because of the smell. Although a gas leak could have a sulfur or rotten egg smell, sewage may also have a rotten egg smell that could clue you that there is an issue.

Other signs may include water backing up in drains in the kitchen sink or the toilet. It could even pool in the shower.

While this isn’t as serious as a gas leak, it is still a health hazard because it can lead to you and your family members breathing in air-borne contaminants that could cause physical symptoms like fever and vomiting. If you suspect you have backed-up sewage in your Plymouth or Sheboygan, Wisconsin home, call an emergency plumber near you.

5.     Loss of Water or Loss of Hot Water

If you don’t have access to clean water in your home, it’s likely time for an emergency plumber. While it won’t cause as much damage as the other problems on this list, it’s surely a huge inconvenience and impacts personal hygiene.

Loss of hot water also constitutes a visit from a professional due to a broken water heater, but this issue is more likely to be an emergency in the winter. Especially in the winter, cold water can be dangerous for young children and the elderly. Although hypothermia isn’t likely if you’re warm inside your home, cold water can still shock the body which is at the very least unpleasant and at most poses a health risk. If you live in the Sheboygan or Plymouth, Wisconsin areas and find yourself in need of a 24-hour plumbing service, make sure you contact Plymouth Plumbing and Heating. Our experienced professionals will make sure you are comfortable and safe inside your home again, whenever you need assistance. Call us now or anytime, even during nights, weekends, and holidays.