Plumbing problems rarely happen at a convenient time. They tend to show up when you wake up on a freezing morning, get home from work, or host a house full of guests. Some issues can wait a day, but true plumbing emergencies demand immediate action because they threaten your home, your safety, or your access to clean water. When you know which situations require urgent help from a licensed plumber, you protect your property from expensive damage and stress. Let’s explore the most common plumbing emergencies.
Burst Pipes
A burst pipe often happens during freezing temperatures or when aging pipes can no longer handle water pressure. You might hear water rushing behind a wall or notice sudden pooling on the floor. When a pipe bursts, water floods areas of your home with extreme force. Damage spreads rapidly because water moves into drywall, flooring, insulation, and electrical components.
The moment you confirm a burst pipe, you need to shut off your home’s main water supply. Most homes keep the shut-off valve in the basement, garage, crawlspace, or outside near the meter. After you turn off the water, open nearby faucets to relieve pressure and drain any remaining water from the system. You should also shut off the electricity in areas where water accumulates. Once you complete those steps, call our professional team immediately. A burst line requires fast repairs and often demands pipe replacement and damage assessments.
Sewage Backups
A sewage backup is one of the most dangerous plumbing emergencies you can experience. When sewage flows back into toilets, tubs, or floor drains, it exposes your home to harmful bacteria, viruses, and toxic gases. If you notice black water rising from a drain or bubbling up after flushing a toilet, move everyone away from the contaminated area.
You should never attempt to fix a sewage backup on your own. The blockage usually sits deep within the main line, and only a plumber with the right equipment can clear it safely. Until help arrives, avoid using any plumbing fixtures, as each flush, faucet use, or appliance cycle sends more wastewater toward the clogged line. We typically use camera inspections to locate the obstruction and choose the best clearing method, such as hydro jetting or root removal.
Major Water Leaks
Not every leak qualifies as an emergency, but a major leak demands immediate attention. When water drips steadily from ceilings, swells baseboards, or creates warm or soggy spots on your floor, you may have a hidden leak that threatens structural components. Some leaks originate from broken supply lines, cracked fixtures, or damaged water heater tanks.
As soon as you find a major leak, shut off the closest isolation valve or turn off the home’s main water supply. You can place towels or buckets underneath dripping water, but the most important step is to call a plumber. Our team can locate the exact point of failure, repair or replace the damaged pipe, and verify that water hasn’t spread into areas that require remediation.
Overflowing Toilets
An overflowing toilet creates panic fast, especially when the water rises toward the rim. The issue often stems from a blockage in the trap, main line, or sewer system. When you see water rising, lift the tank lid and push the flapper down to stop more water from entering the bowl. Next, shut off the toilet’s supply valve located at the wall behind the fixture.
You can attempt a simple plunge if the problem appears limited to that toilet. However, if the clog won’t clear or multiple drains gurgle at once, you may have a deeper blockage that requires a plumber. Overflowing toilets can spread contaminated water across floors and into seams where mold and odor develop, so fast professional service prevents long-term damage.
No Hot Water
When your home suddenly loses hot water, your water heater may have failed. Gas water heaters can experience ignition issues or thermocouple failures, while electric models can suffer from malfunctioning heating elements or tripped breakers. Some failures pose genuine safety risks, such as gas leaks or overheating tanks.
You should check your breaker panel or pilot light to identify obvious problems. If you smell gas or see water pooling around the tank, leave the area and call a plumber immediately. Water heaters store and heat large volumes of water under pressure, so they require professional diagnostics and repairs.
Water Heater Leaks or Tank Failure
A leaking water heater tank qualifies as a plumbing emergency because tanks often release large amounts of water in a short time. You may notice water dripping from the base, leaking from valves, or spraying from supply lines. A failing temperature-pressure relief valve can also create dangerous conditions.
If you see a leak, shut off the water supply to the heater and turn off power to the unit. With electric heaters, shut off the breaker. With gas heaters, turn the gas supply to the off position. Once you secure the area, contact our team. A leaking tank usually indicates corrosion or internal damage that requires replacement rather than repair.
Clogged or Slow Drains Everywhere in the Home
One slow drain might not seem like an emergency, but when multiple drains slow down or back up at the same time, you may face a blockage in your main sewer line. Tree roots, grease buildup, collapsed pipes, and foreign debris often create these problems. When you ignore early signs, wastewater can return through floor drains or toilets.
If your home shows signs of system-wide slow draining, stop using water immediately and call us. We will inspect the sewer line, locate the blockage, and use methods such as hydro jetting to restore flow.
Frozen Pipes
Even mild winter climates can produce cold snaps that freeze exposed pipes. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and places intense pressure on the pipe walls. Frozen pipes may crack or burst without warning. You may notice no water flow at certain faucets or hear unusual creaking behind walls.
If you suspect a frozen pipe, thawing attempts require caution. You can apply gentle heat using a space heater in the room or warm towels on the pipe section. You should never use open flames or high-heat devices, and do not apply heat from the space heater directly on the pipe. Call for help if the pipe remains inaccessible or if you hear hissing or dripping, which can signal a developing break.
What You Should Do During a Plumbing Emergency
A plumbing emergency requires fast thinking, but you can follow a simple process to limit damage. You should shut off the closest water source or the entire home’s supply. You should cut electricity to wet areas to avoid electrical hazards. You can move valuables and furniture out of water-affected areas. Once you take those steps, call our team so that we can assess the issue and repair the damage. We bring specialized tools, advanced diagnostic equipment, and years of training that protect your home from additional damage and safety risks.
Contact a Reliable Plumber Today
Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time. Regardless of your plumbing situation, taking prompt action will help prevent damage and reduce the need for repairs. At Pacific Plumbing & Rooter Inc, we have been serving the Eugene area since 2013, so we know the type of plumbing emergencies that occur in this area. For our reliable plumbing services, contact us today!
