A woman sitting on the floor of her bathroom in Springfield, IL with a blue bucket under her sink’s plumbing system that is experiencing an emergency leak.

What Is Considered A Plumbing Emergency?  

Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, but some plumbing issues are more urgent than others. Generally speaking, most homeowners in Springfield, IL, know what constitutes a plumbing emergency and which plumbing issues should be considered non-emergencies. For instance, a leaky faucet happening in your home’s kitchen sink is not necessarily considered an emergency. So, what constitutes an emergency in plumbing? Use these guidelines to help you determine whether or not your plumbing problem requires immediate attention.

1. Burst Pipes

Pipes can burst for several reasons, but the most common one is freezing temperatures that cause the water in your pipes to freeze and expand. When the water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the walls of your pipes. A pipe that has been under pressure will burst, causing water damage to whatever area of your home it’s in. If this happens at night, then you could have thousands of dollars in water damage by the time morning comes around. If you have a burst pipe on your hands, you need an expert plumber in Springfield, IL, who can get things back to normal ASAP. At Eddington Plumbing, we’re available 24/7 for any plumbing emergency, so if you have a burst pipe, don’t hesitate to call us—day or night.

2. Clogged Sewer Line

A sewer backup can be a scary and potentially dangerous situation for homeowners. You don’t want to smell sewage or have sewage overflow into your living space or backyard. Unfortunately, that’s the situation you may find yourself in if your sewer line gets clogged. The problem with clogged sewer lines is that they’re difficult to identify and even more difficult to fix. If a clog in your sewer line means that sewage is backing up into your basement, you need Eddington Plumbing, Inc.

3. Overflowing Toilet

The most common plumbing emergency is an overflowing toilet. While it may seem like a minor issue, a toilet overflow puts your family at risk for serious health issues due to bacteria being present in the water that has spilled out of the bowl onto nearby surfaces—and let’s not forget about the possibility of mold growing on those surfaces as well. You should also be concerned because the water can cause damage to your flooring, walls, furniture, and other items in your home. If you notice that your toilet is overflowing or has a strange smell coming from it, make sure to turn off the water supply valve immediately and contact Eddington Plumbing, Inc. right away.

4. Gas Leaks

When people think of plumbing emergencies, they probably imagine a burst pipe or a clogged drain. But there’s another source of danger in your home that could cause even more urgent problems: gas leaks. Your home’s plumbing system isn’t just comprised of water pipes and drains. It also includes your pipes for natural gas. This is the gas that heats your water heater and powers the range in your kitchen, but it can be dangerous if not handled properly. Natural gas is odorless on its own, but the utility company adds an additive to help you detect leaks. This additive gives the gas a sulfurous scent that’s similar to rotten eggs. If you notice this smell in your home, you should leave immediately and call the fire department from outside the building. When you’re done with them, call us at Eddington Plumbing, Inc. for help repairing your gas line as soon as possible.

5. Sump Pump Failure

First things first: sump pump failure is an emergency. Why? Because if your sump pump fails, that means you have water pooling in your basement or crawl space. And that’s a big problem! If you notice pooling water anywhere in your home, especially coming from drains like bathtubs or sinks, call Eddington Plumbing, Inc. right away! We’ll get our expert plumbers to your door as quickly as possible so we can assess the issue and prevent any further damage.

Have a Plumbing Emergency in Springfield, IL? No Problem! Eddington Plumbing Is Here To Help.

A plumbing emergency can vary from an overflowing toilet to a clogged sink drain to a burst water pipe. The best way to determine whether you have a plumbing emergency is to speak with a plumber in Springfield, IL, like the ones at Eddington Plumbing.

Serving the Springfield, IL, area for years, Eddington Plumbing has been providing fast and reliable service to local homeowners. And we’re here to answer your questions about what constitutes a plumbing emergency so that you know exactly what to do in case of an emergency.

If your toilet is overflowing or your sink drain is clogged or any other plumbing disaster strikes, just give us a call at 217.529.1000 or fill out our online form for more information. We’ll take care of it as quickly as possible and get your home back in order with minimal hassle for you.

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