When Is It a Plumbing Emergency?
Not every plumbing problem needs an immediate response — but some absolutely do. Knowing the difference between a minor inconvenience and a true emergency can save you thousands of dollars in water damage, protect your family’s safety, and prevent a small issue from becoming a disaster. Here are the warning signs that mean you should call an emergency plumber right away.
1. Burst or Visibly Leaking Pipes
A burst pipe is the most obvious plumbing emergency. Water gushing from a wall, ceiling, or exposed pipe can cause severe structural damage in minutes. If you spot a burst pipe:
- Shut off the main water supply immediately
- Turn off electricity in the affected area if water is near outlets or panels
- Call a licensed plumber right away
Even a slow, steady leak in a wall or ceiling qualifies as urgent — hidden water damage leads to mold growth and weakened structures.
2. No Water at All
If you suddenly have zero water pressure throughout your home or apartment, and your neighbors still have service, the problem is likely on your side. Common causes include a main water line break, a frozen pipe, or a failed shutoff valve. This requires professional diagnosis and repair.
3. Sewage Backup
Sewage coming up through drains, toilets, or basement floor drains is both a plumbing emergency and a health hazard. Raw sewage contains bacteria and pathogens that can make your family sick. Signs of a sewer backup include:
- Multiple drains backing up simultaneously
- Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains
- Foul sewage odor coming from drains
- Water pooling around basement floor drains
A professional sewer line inspection and repair is needed to clear the blockage and identify the root cause — whether it’s tree roots, a collapsed pipe, or a city-side issue.
4. Gas Smell
If you smell rotten eggs or sulfur in your home, you may have a gas leak. This is the most dangerous type of plumbing emergency. Natural gas is explosive, and even a small leak can be lethal in an enclosed space.
If you smell gas:
- Do NOT turn on or off any lights or electrical switches
- Do NOT use your phone inside the building
- Open windows if you can do so quickly
- Leave the building immediately
- Call 911 and Con Edison’s gas emergency line (1-800-752-6633) from outside
- Call a licensed plumber for gas line repair once the area is deemed safe
5. Overflowing Toilet That Won’t Stop
A single clogged toilet you can plunge is annoying but not an emergency. However, if a toilet is continuously overflowing and you can’t stop it, or if multiple toilets are backing up, you likely have a deeper issue in the drain or sewer line. Shut off the water supply valve behind the toilet and call a plumber before wastewater damages your floors.
6. Water Heater Failure or Leaking
A water heater that’s actively leaking, making popping or banging noises, or producing rusty water is at risk of failure. A 40-to-80-gallon tank releasing all its water at once causes significant flooding. If your water heater is leaking from the tank itself (not just the pressure relief valve), turn off the power and water supply to the unit and call for service.
7. Frozen Pipes in Winter
NYC winters regularly bring temperatures below freezing, and frozen pipes are a serious concern — especially in older buildings with poor insulation. If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out on a cold day, a pipe may be frozen. Don’t try to thaw it with a torch or open flame. Call a plumber who can safely thaw the line and inspect for cracks before the pipe bursts.
What Doesn’t Count as an Emergency
These common issues are worth scheduling a repair for, but usually don’t require an after-hours emergency call:
- A slowly dripping faucet
- A single slow-draining sink
- A running toilet (unless it’s overflowing)
- Low water pressure that’s been gradual
- A small stain on the ceiling with no active dripping
Scheduling these during regular hours will save you on emergency surcharges while still getting the problem fixed properly.
What to Expect When You Call
When you call Karl’s Plumbing for an emergency, here’s what happens:
- A live dispatcher takes your call — no phone trees or voicemail
- We gather details about the issue so the right technician is dispatched
- A licensed plumber arrives with the tools and common parts needed for most emergency repairs
- You get a clear diagnosis and upfront pricing before any work begins
Karl’s Plumbing has been providing 24/7 emergency plumbing service across New York City since 1935. If you’re dealing with a plumbing emergency, call us now at (800) 721-3200 or (718) 263-8600. You can also request service online.
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