Note to readers: This post was updated on July 29, 2026 to clean up formatting and add links to our detailed guides for each emergency type. We refreshed the details below so the advice reflects how we approach this work today.
Plumbing emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time, and knowing what to do in the first few minutes can save you money and prevent serious damage. Here are the five most common plumbing emergencies we respond to, what usually causes them, and what to do until help arrives.
1. Clogs
Clogs can hit sinks, toilets, and showers, and they’re the most common call we get. Common causes include hair, food particles, soap scum, grease buildup, foreign objects flushed down the toilet, and tree roots growing into the sewer line.
What to do: Try a plunger first. If that doesn’t work, a plumbing snake can often clear it. For a bathroom sink specifically, see our guide on how to unclog a bathroom sink. If the clog keeps coming back, call us for a free sewer video camera inspection with any mainline cleaning service.
2. Water Leaks
A leak is water escaping from a pipe or fixture where it shouldn’t — and it isn’t always obvious until damage has already started. Common causes include cracked pipes, temperature-driven expansion and contraction, worn fixture seals, loose joints, and pipe corrosion.
What to do: Shut off the water at the main valve (or at the meter if needed), then locate the source. A cracked or corroded pipe usually needs replacement; a worn seal may just need a simple repair. If you can’t find the source, don’t wait — a hidden leak can lead to mold and structural damage. We handle leak repairs of all sizes.
3. Burst Pipes
A burst pipe means water flowing out fast, and it can cause serious damage in a short time. We see this most often in homes built before the 1970s. Common causes are freezing temperatures, excess pressure from a backed-up line, and old, brittle pipe.
What to do: Don’t attempt to fix a burst pipe yourself — shut off the main water valve immediately and call a licensed plumber. In most cases we can repair the affected section without replacing the entire line.
4. Sewage Backups
A sewage backup is a serious and potentially hazardous problem, often caused by a clogged or blocked drain, a broken or cracked pipe, or a failed sewage ejector pump.
What to do: Call a professional right away. We can often resolve backups with trenchless sewer repair, which avoids digging up your yard and keeps costs down.
5. A Running Toilet
A toilet that won’t stop running wastes water and usually points to one specific part. Common causes include a stuck handle, high water pressure, a float set too high, a worn flapper, or an incorrectly sized refill tube. Our running toilet guide walks through diagnosing each cause.
What to do: As a quick check, try adjusting the flapper or float first — that resolves a large share of running toilet calls. If it persists, the fill valve or flapper likely needs replacing.
When in Doubt, Call Us
If you’re dealing with any of the emergencies above, don’t wait for it to get worse. Western Rooter & Plumbing is available 24/7 at (626) 448-6455, and in most cases we can resolve the issue without needing to replace your pipes entirely — saving you time and money.
