Plumbing problems don’t always happen at a convenient time. A small leak can quickly become a major issue, while a blocked drain or sewer backup can disrupt your home and cause significant water damage.

For homeowners in Burnaby, knowing which plumbing problems require immediate attention can help prevent a stressful situation from becoming even more expensive.

Here are five plumbing emergencies you shouldn’t ignore.

1. A Burst or Rapidly Leaking Pipe

A burst pipe can release a large amount of water in a short period of time. Whether the pipe is located behind a wall, under a sink, or in another part of your home, fast action is important.

If you discover a significant leak, shut off your home’s main water supply if it’s safe to do so and contact a professional plumber. The sooner the source is addressed, the less opportunity there is for water to damage walls, flooring, and other parts of your home.

2. A Sewer Backup

A sewer backup is more than an unpleasant inconvenience. Wastewater entering your home can create extensive damage and requires prompt attention.

Signs of a potential sewer problem can include multiple drains backing up, toilets overflowing, unpleasant sewer odours, or wastewater appearing in showers and floor drains.

If these issues are occurring together, there may be a blockage or problem with the main sewer line.

3. No Water Throughout Your Home

A sudden loss of water can have several possible causes. While the issue may be related to the municipal supply, a plumbing problem within your property could also be responsible.

If your neighbours have water but your home doesn’t, check your main shut-off valve and look for obvious signs of a leak. If the cause isn’t clear, a professional can help determine what’s happening.

4. A Major Drain Blockage

A single slow drain isn’t always an emergency. However, when a drain becomes completely blocked or several drains throughout your home begin backing up, there could be a larger issue within your drainage system.

Multiple affected fixtures can indicate a blockage further down the line, including a potential problem with the main sewer line.

Ignoring recurring blockages can lead to backups and more extensive plumbing problems.

5. A Water Heater Failure or Major Leak

Your water heater is another part of your plumbing system that can cause significant problems when something goes wrong.

A leaking tank, large amount of water around the unit, or sudden loss of hot water can indicate a problem that needs attention. A failing water heater can also cause water damage if a leak continues unchecked.

If you notice water around your water heater, it’s important to have the source identified and addressed.

What Should You Do During a Plumbing Emergency?

When a serious plumbing problem occurs, acting quickly can help limit the damage.

If possible, shut off the water supply to the affected fixture or your home’s main water supply. Move valuables away from leaking water and avoid using affected plumbing fixtures until the problem has been assessed.

Most importantly, don’t wait for a serious plumbing problem to resolve itself. Leaks, sewer backups, and major blockages generally won’t improve simply by being ignored.

Plumbing Emergency Services in Burnaby

At Leak Busters Plumbing & Drainage, we provide plumbing and drainage services for homeowners throughout Burnaby and the Lower Mainland.

From burst pipes and sewer backups to major leaks and drainage problems, our team can help identify the source of the issue and determine the appropriate repair.

When a plumbing emergency happens, getting professional help quickly can make a significant difference.