Plumbing emergencies can strike any day at any time, and when they do, you must act very quickly to prevent extensive and costly damage. Knowing the warning signs can help prepare you so you can avoid major issues like water damage, flooding and mold growth. 

Here are some of the top signs that you need to immediately call First In Restoration (470.748.0225) for our 24/7 on-call licensed emergency plumber.

1. Burst Pipes

A burst pipe can cause massive water damage in a matter of minutes. Whether it’s due to freezing temperatures, corrosion of an old pipe, or high water pressure, a ruptured pipe requires immediate professional attention. First In Restoration will stop the flooding in your home, repair the issue and restore your water.

2. No Water Supply

If you turn on your faucet and nothing comes out, then it could be due to a major plumbing issue, such as a broken water main, a hidden leak or an issue with your water supplier. First In Restoration’s licensed emergency plumber can quickly diagnose the issue and resolve the problem to return water to your home or business.

3. Overflowing Toilet

Most of us have had an embarrassing episode with an overflowing toilet. However, toilet overflow is more than a minor inconvenience—it can quickly lead to severe water damage and potential health hazards due to sewage exposure in Category 3 water. Immediately shut the water off on your toilet and start plunging. If plunging doesn’t fix the issue, and the water keeps pouring out, it’s time to call First In Restoration’s. We will send our emergency plumber and help prevent further damage to your home.

4. Sewage Backup

Don’t wait until sewage from your main drain starts backing in to your kitchen sink or laundry drain – things will get ugly fast from there. Watch out for these lead up signs before disaster strikes: If you notice a foul smell coming from your drains or if your sinks are slow to drain then it’s time to call a plumber for an inspection. If left and ignored then visible sewage including feces may back in to your sinks or bathtubs which is a clear signs of a sewage backup. This can pose serious health risks and needs immediate professional intervention.

5. Water Heater Failure

If your water heater stops working, or if you notice it’s leaking, or making strange noises, then you could be dealing with a major malfunction. Whether it’s a broken thermostat, sediment buildup, or a potential gas leak, our emergency plumber can diagnose the issue and fix your problem quickly. Don’t wait for major damage to set in to call.

6. Flooding or Major Leaks

Stepped into a puddle in the kitchen? Not sure if it’s a stray ice cube or something serious? Any unexpected pooling of water in your home—whether from an old pipe, faulty appliance, or leaky roof—should be addressed immediately. Standing water can cause structural damage and mold growth if not dealt with in a timely manner. Avoid serious water damage and call First In Restoration now: 470.748.0225.

7. Frozen Pipes

During the winter months if temperatures drop below freezing, especially for multiple days you may experience frozen pipes which can lead to pipe bursts and significant damage. If you notice a lack of (or no) water flow, visible frost and icicles on pipes, or bulging pipes, call us so we can send our emergency plumber before your pipes burst. If you hear a loud rushing sound or see water gushing from the inside or outside of your home or business, you need to call First In Restoration immediately for water extraction and mitigation cleanup.

8. Unusual Water Pressure Drops

If you are washing your hands or taking a shower and notice an abrupt and severe drop in water pressure then you should be alarmed, as this can indicate a serious leak, a blocked pipe, or even a serious issue with your water main. First In Restoration’s emergency plumber can pinpoint the cause of your water issue and restore your water pressure.

9. Gurgling Sounds from Drains

Drains and toilets shouldn’t make gurgling noises, if yours do then it may indicate a blockage or a problem with your sewer line. Do not ignore these signs because they can lead to sewage backups and costly repairs.

10. Persistent or Uncontrollable Leaks

A small leak may not seem like a big deal, or time sensitive, but if the leak worsens or can’t be controlled with temporary fixes, it can lead to disastrous and extensive water damage. First In Restoration’s emergency plumber can address the issue before it escalates. No matter the size of the leak, we can help.

Call First In Restoration for Emergency Plumbing Services

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, don’t wait! Contact First In Restoration for fast, reliable emergency licensed plumbing services in Georgia, specializing service in Gwinnett County, Hall County, Barrow County and Walton County. Our experienced team is available 24/7 to handle any plumbing crisis and prevent further damage to your home.

Don’t let a minor issue turn into a major disaster—call us today! 470.748.0225, www.firstinrestoration.com

Short answer yes. Losing power during freezing temperatures can put your home at real risk for frozen and busted pipes. When the power goes out, your heat usually goes with it. That means the temperature inside your home can drop fast, especially overnight. Pipes that normally stay warm suddenly are not protected anymore. This is most common in garages, crawlspaces, attics, and exterior walls.

When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands. That pressure can cause the pipe to crack or burst. The tricky part is that many pipes break while they are still frozen. You might not see a problem until the power comes back on and the ice melts. That is often when water damage shows up.

What you should do if the power goes out during a freeze

If you can safely do it, shut off your main water supply. Open a few faucets to relieve pressure in the lines and open cabinet doors under sinks to let warmer air circulate. Once power is restored, walk through your home and check for leaks, water stains, or damp areas.

Signs you may have a frozen or busted pipes

No water or very low water pressure

Frost on exposed pipes

Water stains or pooling water

Sounds of running water when nothing is on

If you lose power and notice water damage or busted pipes, call First In Restoration right away at 470.748.0225. We are available 24 7 for emergency response.

How old is your home? Some older homes are not as well insulated as newer ones. Recently Georgia experienced arctic temperatures that caused a deep freeze. 

We got a late night call from someone that found rushing water in the garage of their older town home. A neighbor’s frozen pipe was to blame, however, it could happen to any of the folks in that neighborhood because of the age of the construction. 

In Georgia deep freezing temperatures are not often seen since it is typically such a warm climate. 

To prevent this from happening we recommend:

1. Covering your outside spigots. 
2. Shutting off your water valve (usually inside your home) that leads to the exterior spigot.
3. Insulating your garage. 

Unfortunately garages aren’t climate controlled. However, by doing these simple steps you are not protecting just your pipes, you are also preventing a future accident.

Remember, that sometimes damage from a freeze is not visible until you turn your water back on in the spring to water your garden and come back inside to a flooded house.

Call us if your house floods from a frozen pipe.

www.firstinrestoration.com, 470-748-0225