The Most Common Plumbing Emergencies (and What to Do First)

From your housewarming party to Thanksgiving dinner, complete with lots of out-of-town guests, plumbing emergencies rarely occur at a convenient time.

That said, we at G.T. Campbell Plumbing believe that even in plumbing emergencies, a proactive homeowner can save themselves a lot of stress and money by knowing how to respond. 

We get it—It’s not always fun! But part of being a homeowner is knowing the basics. So we wanted to use this space today to educate you around some of the more common plumbing emergencies and what you, as a homeowner, can do while you wait for the plumber.

Most Common Plumbing Emergencies: Overflowing Toilet

You’ve seen it happen in movies. You just never expected it to happen in your home. But it did—and you’re panicking. What do you do when everything in your toilet suddenly starts overflowing out of it?

First thing is first, do what you can to minimize water damage to flooring, baseboards, and even ceilings below. Do this by shutting off the toilet’s water supply valve (usually located behind the toilet near the floor). Once that is finished, grab some towels and mop up as much of the water as you can. Avoid flushing the toilet again.

Once things are cleaned up a bit, use a plunger to try to clear the clog. Often, an overflowing toilet is caused by clogs in the drain or sewer line. If plunging doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to call in a professional.

Most Common Plumbing Emergencies: Sewer Backup

If you thought an overflowing toilet was bad, allow us to present something worse: sewer backups. A sewer backup can usually be identified by multiple drains backing up, gurgling sounds, or unpleasant odors.

Should you experience any of these, you should immediately stop using all water in your home. Do not flush toilets or run sinks. Calling a plumber to investigate with specialized tools and technology is recommended to help prevent further damage or contamination.

Most Common Plumbing Emergencies: Water Line Leak

Let’s say you notice a leaking water supply line. Maybe it’s the one flowing to your kitchen sink or your main bathroom. Unfortunately, if left unchecked, a water line leak can quickly cause flooding and even structural damage. Obviously, noone wants that! So if you’re noticing wet spots, pooling water, or even an unexpected spike in your water bill, it’s worth noting that it could be a water line leak.

The first thing you’ll want to do is turn off your main water supply. Move any valuables away from the expected area and contact a plumber to come check things out. Early action may help reduce repair needs and costs.

Most Common Plumbing Emergencies: Water Heater Leak

Your hot water heater is a necessary appliance. However, they come with heaps of potential issues. Is it worth it for a hot bath or shower? Absolutely. But water heaters can leak from connections, pressure relief valves, or even the tank itself—all good things to know! And even a small leak can escalate if not addressed.

If you notice water pooling around your hot water heater, turn off the water supply to your heater. If it’s safe to do so, go ahead and also turn off power (electric) or set the gas control to “pilot.” From there, you’ll want to call a professional to conduct an inspection. They’ll let you know if it’s a simple fix or if your unit requires replacement.

At G.T. Campbell Plumbing, we understand how overwhelming a plumbing emergency can feel. We also know that quick action can make a big difference. So, take pride in learning more about your home and how it works. Find your main water line, study how your shut-offs work, and have a trusted plumber ready to call in the event you need one. It’s always better to be proactive rather than reactive, especially in the event of a plumbing emergency!