Skip to Main Content
Stay Up to Date

What Constitutes a Plumbing Emergency?

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Emergencies?

Your home’s plumbing is paramount to the comfort, safety, and function of your space, and yet, it is rarely thought about until something goes wrong. Because of how intricate your plumbing system is, there are bound to be a few hiccups here and there, resulting in minor repairs or replacements. When these services are performed by a professional, you can count on your plumbing to be effective and durable for years. However, even then, sometimes plumbing emergencies can occur.

Plumbing emergencies often mean there is potential for flooding, so knowing what type of plumbing issues constitute an emergency is the best way to get a qualified plumber to your home right away—minimizing any potential damage to your belongings or property. With over 50 years of experience resolving plumbing problems, Wallner Plumbing Heating & Air is uniquely qualified to share the most common plumbing emergencies we’ve seen and how trained plumbers, like us, can help fix them.

When to Call an Emergency Plumber

Receiving emergency repairs after-hours or on weekends can mean additional charges to your bill, so knowing what needs to be taken care of immediately and what can wait until morning can help keep your hard-earned money in your wallet. A good rule of thumb is if you can see standing water, call your plumber, but there are a few other problems that, if present, should be addressed as soon as possible.

5 reasons to dial a plumber right away:

  1. Burst pipes: Burst pipes are often caused by rapid changes in water pressure. This can be due to pipes undergoing a freeze-thaw cycle, or experiencing a major clog. No matter the reason for it, burst pipes can result in major water damage, so the first order of business is to turn off your main water supply and call a plumber. We will replace the burst section to get you back up and running again quickly.
  2. Sewer backup: Possibly a homeowner’s worst nightmare—sewer system backups can be messy and unsanitary. If you notice a sewage smell coming from your drains, or water pooling around the basement floor drain, contact a plumber right away. We will check for sewer clogs or leaks using our advanced sewer camera system and offer honest recommendations on the best way to resolve the issue.
  3. Clogged toilets and sinks: If your toilet is refusing to flush or your sink is not draining properly, it could be a signal of major clogs or leaks. This prevents you from using some of your most important home fixtures. Instead of trying to solve the issue on your own—potentially making the problem worse—reach out to a qualified professional with the tools and know-how to solve your clog fast without damaging your pipes.
  4. Leaking or broken water heater: Being without hot water can bring your day-to-day tasks to a screeching halt, especially if it is due to a leak in your water heater. With conventional tank water heaters storing up to 100 gallons of water, contacting a plumber as soon as possible can save you big on property damage costs.
  5. No water at all: No access to water is both inconvenient and a safety concern. After you check with your utility company to ensure it isn’t an issue on their end, a qualified plumber will perform a thorough diagnostic of your system to accurately diagnose the problem.

If you live in Redding or any of the surrounding areas, choose Wallner Plumbing Heating & Air for all of your plumbing needs. We are a team of highly trained and experienced plumbers who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to solve even your most challenging plumbing emergencies. Call us today at (530) 223-5622.