When to Call an Emergency Plumber During a Winter Storm

Winter storms, especially with snow, look great on a Christmas card. But the freezing temperatures are no friend of your plumbing. One storm and you could wake up to no running water because your plumbing froze, or pipes that cracked or broke because of the cold.

When this happens, do not wait. Frozen pipes or damaged plumbing after a winter storm is an emergency and needs a professional plumber. You could wait for the plumbing to thaw, should it get warmer, but we suggest calling an emergency plumber right away before there is major damage.

This blog will help you decide when you truly need an emergency plumber, what immediate steps to take in the first critical minutes, and how a 24 hour plumber can help you after a winter storm.

Takeaway

• No water from multiple faucets often means a frozen or damaged main line
• A burst pipe is urgent, shut off the main water immediately
• Turn off the water heater if you suspect low or no water in the system
• Open faucets to release pressure and reduce further cracking
• Avoid open flames when thawing pipes, use gentle heat only
• If you are unsure, call an emergency plumber early to limit damage

How winter storms damage plumbing systems

Extreme cold weather stresses your plumbing more than you can imagine. When temperatures drop rapidly, water inside pipes expands and even freezes in some cases. If those pipes are not winterized out or poorly insulated, they can crack or burst entirely. This is why winter storms are one of the most common triggers for a burst pipe emergency.

Winter storms also cause power outages, which means your water heater does not work. The lack of hot water can cause even indoor plumbing to freeze. Even newer plumbing is not immune to the damage a winter storm can cause, especially if the pipes run through crawl spaces, garages, or exterior walls.

When will you need an emergency plumber

Some plumbing problems are inconvenient, while others are urgent and need you to call a plumber. Here are some plumbing problems that can occur during a winter storm, and calling an emergency plumber near you is a safer thing to do.

There’s no running water in your home

It’s obviously a problem if you turn on every faucet and shower in your home and no water comes out. This typically means that your main supply line is frozen or has cracked open. You need water for hygiene, for sanitary purposes, for drinking, washing, and more. If this happens to you, you must call a 24 hour plumber to check if your line is frozen or damaged and take immediate steps to fix it.

Broken (and maybe leaking) pipes

A burst pipe emergency is a clear reason to call an emergency plumber. Even if your pipes are frozen, you need to get the pipes fixed before the water pressure kicks into action and releases gallons of water onto your walls, floors, and electrical appliances.

A broken or cracked pipe is not a “wait and see” situation. It’s a call “an emergency plumber near me” situation.

How to regain control before help arrives

Calling an emergency plumber is important, but there are some things you can do as soon as you detect a problem to reduce the damage.

Shut off the main water supply

If you suspect a burst pipe, turn off the main water valve to your home immediately. You will save your property and electrical systems a lot of damage. So make sure you know where your main shut off valve is beforehand.

Switch off the water heater

When water lines run dry, so do water heaters. Heaters with less or no water can overheat. Make sure you protect your water heater from damage by turning it off while you wait for a 24 hour plumber to arrive.

Relieve water pressure

Here’s how you can reduce the water pressure that could be building up in your pipes after a winter storm. Open a few faucets around the house and reduce further cracking in frozen pipes.

What’s truly urgent and what can wait

Not every plumbing issue needs an immediate visit from an emergency plumber. Knowing the difference between a slow drip and a burst pipe emergency can help avoid panic. A single frozen faucet, with water flowing freely in other parts of the house, may not require a 24 hour plumber, as long as you manage the situation closely.

Emergency plumbing visits during winter storms

However, you might want to call an emergency plumber anyway if you’re unsure. As you wait for your plumber, it helps to know what to expect during the visit.

Initial phone assessment

When you call an emergency plumber near you, give a quick but detailed overview of the problem over the phone. You will be asked about water flow, visible damage, and whether the main water is shut off.

On site inspection

The plumber will first check for any damage to your property and then find the source. In a burst pipe emergency, the plumber will check crawl spaces, walls, and ceilings.

Temporary fix or permanent repair

During an emergency, the first step your emergency plumber will take is to stop active damage with a temporary fix. Once things stabilize, you can expect a more permanent solution.

Should you wait during a winter storm?

The answer is a clear No, even if it’s tempting to wait and hope the issue will resolve on its own. Frozen pipes and cracked plumbing do not heal on their own. Call an emergency plumber near you and limit the damage. Waiting can lead to drywall removal, flooring replacement, mold cleanup, and electrical work.

Be ready before the next storm hits

Preparation reduces the risks of damaged pipes and emergency repairs. There are many things you can do to be ready for the next winter storm. Keep exposed pipes warm by insulating them, keep cabinets under sinks open during cold nights, and allow a slow drip in all your faucets when pipes freeze. Know where your shut off valve is and keep emergency contact numbers handy.

When not to wait

The answer is obvious, isn’t it? If you’re standing in water, can see or hear pipes crack, or have dry faucets during winter, it’s time to call a 24 hour plumber. A burst pipe emergency won’t go away with time. The sooner an experienced plumber steps in, the better.