Recognizing a plumbing emergency in the early stages helps prevent significant damage to walls, floors, and many other areas. Some plumbing issues require immediate attention, which is why knowing how to determine an urgent plumbing situation and acting fast is paramount.

This article will list the most common plumbing emergencies and ways to recognize them.

How to tell if there's a plumbing emergency in the house

Not all plumbing problems constitute a plumbing emergency. As a rule, plumbing emergencies refer to situations that involve a health or sanitation hazard, significant damage, or a major inconvenience.  Such cases include gas leaks, clogged drains, damaged pipes, and other scenarios that can compromise the occupants' safety if left unchecked. These cases typically lead to massive water loss, resulting in much higher utility costs.

Here are some of the most frequent plumbing issues and ways to tell if they constitute an emergency:

Damp or wet floors or walls

Damp or wet floors and walls are an emergency if the situation is rapidly getting out of hand. In other words, dampness or water is accumulating without a visible cause. However, the likely culprit is a burst pipe or leak under a floor or inside a wall.

On the other hand, this issue isn't a major inconvenience if the source is visible, meaning that it's usually located in areas that contain exposed pipes. This scenario is also less severe if you can shut down the water line to the burst pipe and start drying out the site.

Burst pipe

A burst pipe is an emergency if the fixture or piper's water line can't be stopped. The situation is also problematic if the only way to stop the water line is by shutting down the main water valve, cutting off water access to the entire household.

Conversely, this issue isn't urgent if it's possible to shut down the water line that leads directly to the burst fixture or pipe without closing the main water valve and leaving water supply to the rest of the house intact.

Leaky water heater or a gas leak

This matter becomes serious when the heater's water temperature can't be lowered, and when it's not possible to shut down the power source. If the water reaches exceptionally high temperatures, it significantly increases the water pressure. It gets even worse if your relief valve is damaged or broken since this can let the pressure build up and cause an explosion. Don't hesitate to call for help the moment you smell gas.

The water heater's power source can be shut down in less troublesome situations, and the water supply can be closed. If such is the case, it's easy to start draining the tank and drying out the area.

Jammed sewer line

If there are multiple clogged fixtures, sewage from the pipeline may end up in living spaces. This is a dire sanitation concern that puts the occupants' safety and health at risk.

But if the drains are running slowly and emptying the sewage eventually, there are no safety and health concerns. However, there's still blockage or damage in the sewer lines that require prompt attention.

Higher-than-usual water consumption

It may be an emergency when there's an abrupt and profound rise in water consumption (inspecting the water meter is a reliable verification method). The likely cause is a leaky water supply pipeline, which can bring about considerable property and structural damage.

On the other hand, if the water consumption increase is puzzling but moderate, it isn't as dangerous. Nevertheless, inspect the main water pipelines to make sure there's no extensive damage.

Water hammer with open faucets

Luckily, this is one of the plumbing issues that are rarely an emergency. Still, this phenomenon does signal that the pipe supports are deteriorating, making the affected pipe more prone to bursting. To avoid this, have a plumber inspect the line.

Keep your eyes and ears open

Don't leave the maintenance of pipes to chance. Whenever there are signs of plumbing problems, such as wet floors and walls, or a leaky water heater, don't let them attain greater magnitude and endanger everyone's safety and health in the house. Instead, call a professional to inspect the issue and handle it accordingly so that you can go back to enjoying a hazard-free home.

Guest Contributor: Richa Khandelwal