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

Plumbing issues range from minor inconveniences to full-blown disastrous emergencies. As a homeowner you need to know the difference between an urgent plumbing issue and one that can wait for a scheduled appointment. This will save you time, money and a lot of stress. At First In Restoration, we’re here to help you understand when you need our emergency plumbing services versus when a regular service call with your everyday plumber will suffice (we only handle emergencies but are happy to connect you with our favorite local plumber).

What is Emergency Plumbing?

Emergency plumbing means you need immediate attention to prevent serious damage to your home or business property. These are for serious issues that can lead to water damage, health hazards to your family and pets as well as costly repairs if you don’t handle them very quickly. Here are some common examples of plumbing emergencies:

1. Pipe Burst – A burst pipe can flood your home in a matter of just minutes, causing significant damage to your home’s walls, floors and your personal belongings.
2. Sewage Backups – If sewage is backing up into your home, it is a serious hazard to your health and you need to act quickly and immediately call a professional.
3. No Water – A sudden and complete loss of water from your supply could indicate a you have a major issue in your home’s plumbing.
4. Serious Leaks – If you experience large leaks that cause pooling water, this can damage your home’s structure and lead to mold growth.
5. Overflowing Toilets – Start with plunging but if that doesn’t resolve the issue and toilet water continues to rise, you need emergency service.

What is Regular Plumbing?

Regular plumbing services cover non-urgent issues. These smaller issues may be annoying and inconvenient but the y do not pose an immediate risk to your home or health. These problems can typically be scheduled at a convenient time and worked around your schedule. Examples of regular plumbing include:

1. Dripping Faucets – You may notice your bill has gone up a little. While wasteful of water and resources, a dripping faucet is not considered an emergency and can be scheduled and repaired during a regular weekday appointment.
2. Slow Drains – If a drain is taking longer than usual to empty, it may need cleaning (start with hair traps, and Drano), but this is not considered an urgent issue.
3. Running Toilets – Though it can increase your water bill and its sound can be a little aggravating, a running toilet does not require immediate attention from a plumber.
4. Low Water Pressure – Sediment buildup or minor leaks can cause low water pressure which can be addressed during a regular plumbing service visit.
5. Minor Leaks – Small leaks under kitchen or bathroom sinks or around pipes definitely need to be fixed, but a very small leak doesn’t typically require emergency intervention unless it gets larger and much worse.

When to Call First In Restoration

If you’re experiencing a plumbing emergency, don’t hesitate to call First In Restoration for immediate assistance. Our team is available to handle urgent issues and mitigate damage and restore service quickly. For non-urgent issues, we’re happy to direct you to our favorite local plumber and you can schedule a convenient appointment to resolve your plumbing needs efficiently.

Need emergency plumbing help? Contact First In Restoration today for expert service: 470.748.0225, www.firstinrestoration.com

Water damage can happen in a blink of an eye — a pipe burst, a hidden leak, or even flooding from heavy rain. Without the right homeowners insurance coverage, you could be left paying for the costly repairs out of your own pocket. 

At First In Restoration, we’ve seen firsthand how important it is for homeowners to have the right insurance policy in place and to make sure it covers water damage. Here’s what you need to know to make sure you’re fully covered.

What Types of Water Damage Are Covered in Your Homeowners Insurance Policy?

Homeowners insurance generally covers accidental and sudden water damage, but not all types of water damage are included. Here are the key areas your policy should cover:

1. Burst & Leaking Pipes

✅ Covered: Most policies will cover damage from a sudden pipe burst, as long as it wasn’t due to negligence (such as failing to heat your home in winter).

❌ Not Covered: Slow, gradual leaks that occur over time due to lack of maintenance.

2. Appliance Leaks (Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Water Heaters)

✅ Covered: If an appliance suddenly malfunctions and floods your home, the damage is typically covered.

❌ Not Covered: The cost to repair or to replace the broken appliance is usually not included.

3. Roof Leaks from Storms

✅ Covered: If a storm causes a leak by damaging your roof, the water damage that incurs inside your home may be covered.

❌ Not Covered: If the leak is due to an old or poorly maintained roof, you might be on your own and will have to come out of pocket.

4. Overflowing Toilets & Sump Pump Failures

✅ Covered: Some policies include water backup coverage, but you must add this as an endorsement to be protected.

❌ Not Covered: If you don’t have a water backup rider on your policy, damages from an overflowing toilet or failed sump pump may not be covered.

5. Flooding from Natural Disasters

❌ Not Covered: Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding from heavy rains, hurricanes, or overflowing rivers. You must purchase a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.

What Should Your Policy Include?

To ensure you’re fully protected against water damage, check that your insurance policy includes: 

• Water damage from sudden and accidental events
• Coverage for plumbing and appliance leaks
• Additional water backup coverage (for sump pump failures & sewer backups)
• Mold remediation coverage (since water damage can lead to mold growth)
• Flood insurance if you live in a high-risk area or flood zone

What to Do If You Experience Water Damage

If you suffer water damage in your home, act fast to prevent further issues. 

1. Shut off the water source (if possible). 
2. Document the damage with photos and videos. 
3. Contact First In Restoration for professional water extraction, mitigation, and reconstruction services. 
4. Call your insurance company to report the claim. (We can assist you in filing the claim).

Let First In Restoration Help!

We work with homeowners across Georgia to restore their homes after water damage. Our team can assist with insurance claims, providing detailed documentation and working directly with adjusters to make the process as smooth as possible.

📞 Need emergency water damage restoration? Call First In Restoration 24/7! 470.748.0225.

First In Restoration serves all of Georgia with a focus in Loganville, Walton County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Barrow County and Athens, Georgia.