Plumbing problems don’t always happen at a convenient time. A pipe can burst overnight. A drain can back up during a weekend gathering. A leak can suddenly turn into flooding before you even know where it’s coming from.

Knowing when to call an emergency plumber near you and when not to wait can help protect your home from serious water damage and costly repairs.

In the Chicago suburbs, late winter is one of the most common times for plumbing emergencies. Freezing temperatures, aging pipes, and sudden thaws can cause problems to escalate fast. That’s why understanding what qualifies as a plumbing emergency is so important.

What Counts as a Plumbing Emergency?

A plumbing emergency is any issue that threatens your home, safety, or ability to use essential water systems. These problems typically get worse quickly and shouldn’t be delayed.

Common plumbing emergencies include:

Burst or Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are a major concern during late winter cold snaps. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and can cause the pipe to crack or burst once temperatures rise.

Signs you may need burst pipe repair include:

• Water pouring from walls or ceilings
• Sudden drops in water pressure
• Frost on exposed pipes
• No water coming from faucets

A burst pipe can release gallons of water in minutes, leading to flooding, structural damage, and mold growth.

Major Water Leaks

Not all leaks are small drips. Large leaks from supply lines, appliances, or hidden pipes can quickly soak drywall, flooring, and cabinets.

If you notice:

• Water spreading across floors
• Stains forming rapidly on ceilings or walls
• A constant sound of running water

You may need professional help right away. Services like professional leak detection can locate hidden leaks before damage spreads further.

Sewage Backups

Sewage backing up into tubs, toilets, or floor drains is always an emergency.

This often indicates a blocked or damaged sewer line and can expose your home to harmful bacteria. If wastewater is coming back up instead of draining away, contact an emergency plumber immediately.

Overflowing Toilets or Fixtures

A single overflowing toilet may be manageable if it stops quickly. But repeated overflows or multiple fixtures backing up at once usually point to a deeper drain or sewer problem.

Professional drain cleaning is often needed to safely restore proper flow.

Sudden Loss of Water

If your home completely loses water, the problem may involve a damaged main line, frozen pipe, or supply failure. Issues with main water lines require immediate professional attention to prevent contamination or additional damage.

Why Plumbing Emergencies Escalate So Fast

Water moves quickly, and damage spreads quickly. Even a short delay can lead to:

• Warped flooring and drywall
• Electrical hazards
• Mold growth within 24 to 48 hours
• Structural damage inside walls and ceilings
• Higher repair and restoration costs

Many homeowners try temporary fixes, but emergency plumbing issues rarely stay contained for long.

What You Can Safely Do While Waiting for Help

While you should avoid complex DIY repairs, there are a few safe steps you can take while waiting for a same-day plumber to arrive:

• Shut off the main water valve if water is actively leaking
• Turn off the water heater if the water supply is disrupted
• Move valuables away from affected areas
• Use towels or buckets to control the spreading of water
• Avoid using plumbing fixtures until the issue is resolved

Why 24/7 Emergency Plumbing Matters in Late Winter

Late winter is one of the busiest times for emergency plumbers in the Chicago suburbs.

As temperatures fluctuate:

• Frozen pipes thaw and rupture
• Small cracks become full breaks
• Underground lines shift
• Older plumbing systems fail under pressure

Problems often surface at night or during weekends when standard service isn’t available. That’s why access to a 24/7 plumber is critical during cold weather months.

Waiting until morning can mean hours of additional water damage.

When It’s Time to Call a Professional

You should contact an emergency plumber if you experience:

• Active flooding or leaking
• Burst or frozen pipes
• Sewage odors or backups
• Multiple drains are clogged at once
• No running water
• Water near electrical areas

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, it’s always safer to call and ask.

Trusted Emergency Plumbing Services from Lifeline

For more than 15 years, homeowners across the Chicago suburbs have trusted Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for emergency plumbing help.

Our family-owned team has over 5,000 A-rated reviews and provides fast service with clear, upfront pricing. Our technicians are available 24/7 for urgent issues like burst pipes, major leaks, sewer backups, and water line problems.

If you’re dealing with a plumbing emergency, don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Contact Lifeline today to schedule emergency plumbing services.