🔧 Emergency Plumber Checklist: 30+ Hazards Requiring 24/7 Water & Sewage Control

Plumbing emergencies can quickly lead to expensive water damage, mold growth, or exposure to unsanitary sewage. If you cannot stop a major leak, if your basement is flooding, or if sewage is backing up, you need to call a professional immediately. Our Emergency Plumber Hotline provides 24/7 dispatch. Use this checklist to determine if your issue requires urgent, immediate dispatch. Locate and shut off your main water valve (often near the water meter) before calling.

Category 1: Extreme Risk & Immediate Dispatch (Issues 1-10)

These issues involve severe property damage risk, health hazards, or total loss of essential services.

#	Emergency Plumbing Issue	Risk Assessment
1.	Burst Pipe or Major Leak that you cannot stop, causing active flooding inside the walls or ceiling.	EXTREME: Catastrophic Water Damage & Structural Risk
2.	Sewage or Black Water Back-up from toilets, drains, or floor drains in the basement.	EXTREME: Biohazard & Severe Health Risk
3.	Sump Pump Failure during heavy rain or snowmelt, resulting in basement flooding.	EXTREME: Basement Flood & Foundation Damage
4.	Frozen and burst main water line requiring immediate excavation and repair in winter.	HIGH: Total Loss of Water Service & Massive Leak
5.	Loss of all running water to the entire house (not related to utility shut-off).	HIGH: Health & Sanitation Failure
6.	Hot Water Heater Tank Leak that is rapid and cannot be contained or shut off at the tank.	HIGH: Flooding & Appliance Damage
7.	Gas leak detected near a gas appliance (furnace, water heater). Call 911/utility first.	HIGH: Explosion & Fire Hazard (Plumber can address piping after utility shuts gas)
8.	Toilet Back-up (single toilet) that overflows and cannot be cleared by plunging.	HIGH: Localized Sanitation Risk & Floor Damage
9.	Sewer Odor that is strong, persistent, and permeating the main living spaces.	HIGH: Health & Gas Exposure Risk
10.	Shut-off valve fails when trying to contain a major leak (the valve is spinning or stuck).	HIGH: Unstoppable Water Flow Risk

Category 2: Urgent Mitigation & Repair (Issues 11-20)

These issues require attention within 24-48 hours to prevent escalation to a Category 1 event, mold, or extended inconvenience.

#	Component Type	Urgent Failure Description
11.	Drainage	All sinks/tubs/showers are draining extremely slowly (indicates a partial main line blockage).
12.	Water Heater	Pilot light keeps going out or the water heater is producing no hot water for essential needs.
13.	Fixture Leak	Constant drip leak from a faucet or shower that cannot be stopped and is wasting large amounts of water.
14.	Frozen Pipe	Visible piping is frozen solid, causing loss of water to a critical area (but not yet burst).
15.	Toilet Repair	Toilet is constantly running or overflowing slowly, requiring tank repair or float replacement.
16.	Disposal Unit	Garbage disposal is jammed, leaking heavily, or causing sink backup.
17.	Septic System	Septic field or tank is backing up into the yard or causing visible standing water.
18.	Main Shut-off	Main water shut-off valve is corroded, leaking, or impossible to turn when needed.
19.	Noise	Loud banging or “water hammer” sounds when fixtures are used (needs immediate pressure check).
20.	Foul Water	Cloudy, rust-colored, or sulfur-smelling water coming from all hot and cold taps.

Category 3: Maintenance & Scheduled Service (Issues 21-30+)

These issues are non-emergency but require scheduled service to improve system efficiency or prevent future failure.

#	Component Type	Maintenance Indicator
21.	Water Heater	Scheduling annual tank flushing or anode rod replacement.
22.	Appliance Hookup	Installing a new dishwasher, washing machine, or fridge water line.
23.	Pressure	Water pressure is consistently too low (needs booster pump or regulator check).
24.	Fixtures	General upgrades to new faucets, shower heads, or sinks.
25.	Inspection	CCTV camera inspection of the sewer line for preventative maintenance.
26.	Basement	Installation of a backwater valve to prevent future sewage backup (non-urgent).
27.	Winterizing	Draining outdoor spigots and preparing pipes for winter temperatures.
28.	Minor Leak	Very small, contained drip under a sink (can be placed in a bucket until appointment).
29.	Drainage	Hair clog in a single bathroom sink drain (can be addressed with minor tools/liquid drain cleaner).
30.	Disposal Unit	Replacement of an old, loud, but still functional garbage disposal unit.

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