We all know how frustrating it can be to have a plumbing problem in our home or business. Though a clogged drain or toilet that will not flush properly is an inconvenience, it’s not necessarily a plumbing emergency. It can probably be fixed by a non-professional or can at least wait until a plumber can make it to your home during their normal schedules.

However, some emergencies need immediate attention as they could easily cause damage to structures or could even pose a health risk to you and your family or employees.

Here is more information on what constitutes an emergency and when to call emergency plumbers near me.

What is a Plumbing Emergency?

A plumbing emergency is any issue that poses an immediate threat to your health or to your property’s safety or structural integrity. Examples of plumbing emergencies include burst pipes, backed-up sewer systems, severe leaks, or other issues that will cause damage or other hazards if they are not quickly addressed. Issues like a running toilet, dripping tap, clogged sink, or low water pressure are not considered emergencies and can usually wait for normal service.

Preventing Plumbing Emergencies

Though not all plumbing emergencies can be prevented, you can keep many at bay by doing the proper preventative maintenance. Things like regular inspections and servicing by professional plumbers and making repairs or upgrades when they are suggested are great ways to keep your plumbing system working efficiently and reduce the chances of an emergency.

What Does Emergency Plumbing Look Like?

When you make a call about a regular plumbing problem, you will often be told that a plumber can make it to your home within several hours, the next day, or within the next few days depending on their schedule. Plumbers who handle emergency cases are available 24/7, which means you can call and request service on a weekend or in the middle of the night—whenever your emergency occurs. Emergency plumbers also work during holidays. A rapid response team will be able to come out and handle your emergency as quickly as they are able—often within hours of your call. However, these emergency services come with an added fee. This is why it’s always best to perform preventative maintenance rather than wait until an emergency occurs.

How Do I Choose Emergency Plumbers Near Me?

If you’re in the midst of an emergency, it’s tempting to call the first plumber you come across. However, it’s important to do a little research—preferably prior to your emergency—so you make a solid choice. An experienced emergency plumbing company will have advanced tools and technology to handle any emergency, have comprehensive services outside of their emergency offerings, and will have transparent pricing so you’ll always know what you will pay. Other things to look for include local ownership and management and a majority of five star reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook.

Calling Emergency Plumbers Near Me

If you have a plumbing issue that is threatening to damage your home or business or is posing a risk to your health, you need to call an emergency plumber as soon as possible. While you wait for the plumber to arrive, turn off the main water supply to your home or business to prevent further damage. Depending on the situation, you may also want to collect leaking water in a bucket or use towels to prevent water from spreading any further.

In the best scenarios, you will already have a relationship with a plumber who has helped you with preventative maintenance and non-emergency issues so you’ll know exactly who to call and can trust they will help solve your problem promptly.