Burst pipes, sewage backups, no water, sump pump failure, gas leaks. Five signs you need an emergency plumber in Wilkes-Barre, and what to do first.
Plumbing problems never happen at a good time. It’s always 11 PM on a Sunday, or Christmas morning, or the coldest night of the year. And while some things can wait until morning, others can’t. Knowing the difference can save you thousands in water damage, and maybe your home.
We’ve been handling plumbing emergencies in Wilkes-Barre and the Wyoming Valley for over 100 years. Here are five signs you need to pick up the phone right now.
1. Burst or Frozen Pipes
NEPA winters are brutal. When the temperature drops below freezing, pipes in unheated areas (basements, crawl spaces, exterior walls) can freeze solid. And when water freezes, it expands. That expansion can crack or burst the pipe. You might not even know it happened until the ice thaws and water starts pouring out.
If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out, or you spot frost or a bulge on a pipe, call us immediately. If a pipe has already burst, shut off your main water valve and call (570) 822-8158 right now. Most of these are avoidable, and preventing frozen pipes takes an afternoon in the fall.
2. Sewage Backing Up
If sewage is coming up through your drains, tubs, or toilets, that’s not a plumbing annoyance. That’s a health hazard. Raw sewage carries bacteria and pathogens that can make your family sick. Usually it means there’s a blockage in your main sewer line or a problem with your septic system.
Don’t try to fix this yourself. Call a licensed plumber. We have the equipment to clear the blockage safely and deal with the mess.
3. No Water Anywhere in the House
Turn on every faucet in the house and nothing comes out? That’s a big problem. It could be a burst pipe somewhere you can’t see, a failed well pump, or a problem with the main water line. Check with your neighbors first. If they’ve got water, the problem’s on your property and you need a plumber now.
4. Sump Pump Failure During a Storm
In the Wyoming Valley, heavy rain is a regular thing. Your sump pump is what keeps your basement from flooding. If it stops working during a storm, or if it’s running nonstop and not keeping up, you need help fast. A flooded basement can ruin everything stored down there, damage your foundation, and start growing mold within 24 to 48 hours.
5. Gas Leak: Get Out
Smell gas? That rotten egg odor? Get everyone out of the house. Don’t turn on lights, don’t use your phone inside, don’t create any sparks. Once you’re safely outside, call your gas company first, then call a licensed plumber. Gas leaks are life-threatening. Never try to find or fix one yourself.
How Fast Does This Need to Happen?
The longer a plumbing emergency goes, the worse the damage gets, and the more it costs to fix. We answer the phone 24/7, 365 days a year. Our Master Licensed plumbers are based right here in Wilkes-Barre, we handle emergency plumbing around the clock, and we’ve been doing this since 1921. Call (570) 822-8158 anytime, day or night.