Flooded floor from plumbing emergency
Emergency

When to Call an Emergency Plumber — And What to Do First

January 30, 2025 · Integrated Plumbing, Wolfe City TX

When something goes wrong with your plumbing, it's not always obvious whether you need to call a plumber right now or if it can wait until morning. Here's how to tell the difference — and the first things to do while you wait for help.

Situations That Are Definitely Emergencies

A burst pipe or major water line break: water actively flooding your home causes damage fast. Turn off the main shut-off immediately and call us — our emergency plumbing service covers Wolfe City and all of East Texas.

Sewage backup into your home: raw sewage is a health hazard. Don't use any drains or toilets until it's resolved. This often points to a main sewer line blockage that needs professional attention.

A gas leak: leave immediately, call 911, then your gas utility. Don't call a plumber until the scene is cleared by emergency services. See our guide on gas line safety for East Texas homeowners.

Complete loss of water: if you've confirmed the issue is on your side of the meter and not a utility outage, it may be a water main problem that needs a plumber.

Situations That Can Usually Wait Until Morning

A single slow drain — annoying, but not urgent. See our tips on preventing and clearing clogged drains.

A running toilet — wastes water, but not an emergency.

Low water pressure in one fixture — likely a fixture issue, not a main line problem.

A dripping faucet — worth fixing soon, but not tonight.

If you're unsure, it's always fine to call us. We'd rather take a call and tell you it can wait than have you sit on a real problem overnight.

The First Thing to Do in Any Water Emergency

Know where your main water shut-off is before an emergency happens. It's typically near where the main line enters the house, or near the water meter. Turning it off immediately stops the flow of water and limits damage while you wait for help.

If you don't know where your shut-off is, find it now — before you need it. Walk your house, locate the valve, and make sure it actually turns. Old shut-offs can seize up and need replacing. If yours won't budge, a service call to replace the valve is well worth the peace of mind.

Integrated Plumbing

Licensed plumber serving Wolfe City and East Texas. Have a question? We're happy to help.

(903) 217-7209
Call (903) 217-7209