When to Call an Emergency Plumber in Collierville, TN

Knowing the difference between a minor plumbing issue and a true emergency can save you thousands of dollars in damage. Collierville Plumbing Co provides urgent plumbing response throughout Collierville, TN. Here is how to recognize a real plumbing emergency and what to do while you wait for help.

Burst or Broken Pipes

A burst pipe is the most clear-cut plumbing emergency. When a pipe breaks, it can release several gallons of water per minute, rapidly flooding your home and causing catastrophic damage to floors, walls, ceilings, furniture, and electronics. Every second counts. The first thing you should do when you discover a burst pipe is shut off the main water supply to your home. Every household member should know where the main shut-off valve is located and how to operate it.

After shutting off the water, open faucets to drain the remaining water from the pipes and relieve pressure. If the burst is near any electrical outlets, switches, or your electrical panel, turn off the electricity to that area. Then call an emergency plumber. While you wait, start removing standing water and move valuable items away from the affected area to minimize damage.

Common causes of burst pipes include freezing temperatures, excessive water pressure, corroded pipes, and physical damage from construction or shifting foundations. In Collierville, TN, pipe bursts are most often caused by aging pipe materials and corrosion, though freezing can occur during unusual cold snaps.

Sewage Backup

If sewage or wastewater is backing up through your drains, floor drains, or toilets, this is a serious emergency that poses immediate health risks. Raw sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause illness. Do not attempt to clean up sewage yourself without proper protective equipment, and keep children and pets away from the affected area.

A sewage backup usually indicates a blockage in your main sewer line. This can be caused by tree root intrusion, collapsed pipe sections, severe clogs from years of buildup, or problems with the municipal sewer system. Do not use any plumbing fixtures in your home until the problem is resolved, as flushing toilets or running sinks will add more water to the backed-up system and worsen the flooding.

Call an emergency plumber immediately. A professional will use a sewer camera to locate the blockage and determine the best method to clear it, whether that is mechanical snaking, hydro jetting, or in some cases, emergency excavation and pipe repair.

Major Water Leaks

Not all leaks are emergencies, but some qualify. A small drip under the kitchen sink can usually wait until regular business hours. However, a leak that you cannot stop, that is causing visible damage, or that involves large volumes of water is an emergency. Signs of a major leak include water pooling on floors, water stains spreading on ceilings or walls, the sound of running water when all fixtures are off, a sudden spike in your water bill, or your water meter spinning when nothing is running.

Hidden leaks behind walls or under slabs can be particularly dangerous because they cause extensive damage before they are discovered. If you suspect a hidden leak, shut off the water and call a plumber promptly. Modern leak detection equipment can pinpoint the leak location without tearing open walls, saving time and reducing repair costs.

No Water at All

Waking up to no water is alarming, though it is not always an emergency. First, check with your water utility to see if there is a planned outage or main break in your area. Check that your main shut-off valve is fully open. If your neighbors have water and you do not, and your shut-off valve is open, you likely have a serious problem with your main water supply line and should call a plumber.

A broken water main on your property can also cause sinkholes, soggy patches in the yard, or unusually green grass in one area. These are signs of an underground leak in the supply line from the street to your house, which is typically the homeowner's responsibility to repair.

Smell Gas? Act Immediately

If you smell natural gas (a rotten egg odor) near your water heater, gas line connections, or any gas-powered plumbing fixtures, treat it as a life-threatening emergency. Do not flip any light switches, use your phone inside the house, or create any sparks. Natural gas is explosive in the right concentrations. Evacuate your home immediately, move a safe distance away, and call 911 and your gas utility company from outside.

Gas leaks related to plumbing most commonly occur at the water heater gas connection, at gas line fittings that have corroded or loosened over time, or when gas lines are damaged during other plumbing or construction work. Once your gas utility has confirmed the area is safe, a licensed plumber can repair the gas line connection and ensure your gas appliances are operating safely.

Steps to Take Before the Plumber Arrives

While waiting for an emergency plumber, there are several steps you can take to minimize damage. Shut off the main water supply if the emergency involves a water leak or burst pipe. If only one fixture is the problem, use the local shut-off valve for that fixture. Use towels, buckets, and a wet-dry vacuum to contain water and prevent it from spreading. Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from wet areas. Open windows for ventilation if you suspect sewer gas.

Take photos of the damage for insurance purposes. Document the water level, affected areas, and any damaged property. This documentation will be valuable when filing an insurance claim. Most homeowner insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, though they typically do not cover damage from neglected maintenance.

Call Collierville Plumbing Co for Emergency Plumbing

Do not let a plumbing emergency cause more damage than it has to. Collierville Plumbing Co provides 24/7 emergency plumbing in Collierville, TN. Our licensed plumbers respond quickly, arrive equipped to handle any situation, and provide upfront pricing even on emergency calls. Save our number in your phone so you are ready when you need us: 9014394798 .