It’s 2 AM and you wake up to the sound of water dripping. Just a dream, right? Then, suddenly you hear water rushing! Should you call an emergency plumber in Calgary now or wait until morning? If you’re a Calgary homeowner half-asleep and panicking, this question and a million others are probably racing through your mind.
At Mr. Mike’s Plumbing, we get emergency calls all the time. Some need us right away, while others can wait a few hours. Today, we’re going to tell you when to pick up the phone and when you can get a couple more hours of sleep.
Call an Emergency Plumber RIGHT NOW If…
Some plumbing problems can’t wait until dawn. Call a plumber right away if:
You Have a Burst Pipe
A burst pipe will quickly flood your house. Gallons of water per minute will wreak havoc on everything in its path: floors, walls, furniture, EVERYTHING! Shut off your main water valve right away and call an emergency plumber. Every minute counts.
You Smell Gas
Smell gas in your Calgary home. Don’t ignore it. Get out of your house right away, don’t turn any lights on or off and call your gas company’s emergency line. Then, call a plumber to fix the leak when it’s safe to head back home.
You Have a Sewage Backup
When sewage backs up into your home, it’s a serious health hazard. The harmful bacteria and contaminants can make your family sick. If sewage is coming up through drains, toilets or into your basement, reach out to an emergency plumber right away.
Your Sump Pump Failed During Heavy Rain
Storms aren’t uncommon in Calgary. If your sump pump fails during heavy rainfall or rapid snow melt, your basement will flood. Reach out to a plumber right away, especially if you have a finished basement or store valuable items below ground.
You Have No Water in Winter
No water coming out of your pipes in the winter? They’re probably frozen. Frozen pipes can burst and result in water damage when they thaw. Get in touch with an emergency plumber to safely thaw the pipes before they crack.
You See Water Near Electrical Outlets or Appliances
Water and electricity are a deadly pairing. When water starts pooling around your electrical panel, furnace or water heater, shut off the power to that area and call a plumber.
Your Water Heater is Leaking Badly
If your water heater is dripping, don’t worry. However, a significant leak or water pooling around the base can’t. When your water heater starts to fail, it can flood your home or result in serious damage. Turn off the water supply to the tank and call for emergency service.
It Can Probably Wait Until Morning If…
You don’t need to call right away about every single issue. These are scenarios when you can wait until regular business hours:
You Have a Small, Slow Leak
While a dripping faucet or small leak under the sink can be annoying, it won’t cause major damage overnight. Put a bucket underneath to catch the water and call in the morning, but don’t forget about it!
Your Toilet is Running
While a running toilet can waste water and up your bill, it’s not an emergency. Stop it temporarily by jiggling the handle or turning off the water valve behind the toilet. It can be fixed during business hours.
You Have a Clogged Drain (But Only One)
When one sink or shower is draining slowly, it can be frustrating, but isn’t urgent. Just don’t use that drain and call a plumber in the morning. However, when multiple drains are backing up at the same time, you might have a problem with the main line. Call right away.
Your Water Pressure is Low
Low water pressure isn’t fun, but unless you have no water at all, it can wait. There can be many causes, but emergency service isn’t required.
You Need to Install a New Fixture
Need a new faucet or showerhead installed? That’s a regular appointment, not an emergency call. Schedule an appointment during normal business hours.
Your Water Heater is Making Noise
Rumbling, popping or banging sounds come from sediment buildup. Be sure to book an inspection. However, that can wait until morning unless there’s leaking or you have no hot water in the winter.
Make the Right Call
Should you call an emergency plumber or wait until morning? If you’re dealing with active flooding, sewage backup, gas leaks or safety hazards, call right away. If it’s a simple issue, it can wait until regular business hours. At Mr. Mike’s Plumbing, we’re here for you 24/7. Whether you have a regular issue or plumbing emergency on your hands, we’ll be there!
Calgary homeowners, we’re here when you need us. Contact us for a quote today!
