When something goes wrong with your plumbing, it rarely happens at a convenient time. It’s either 6 AM on a workday or right when guests arrive for dinner, right?
And while a slow-draining sink might wait a bit, some issues just can’t. They’re loud, messy, and downright stressful.
Minneapolis homeowners know: when water starts misbehaving, ignoring these early signs of plumbing problems only makes things worse.
Here’s a practical look at eight common plumbing emergencies you should never put off—and how the right pros can step in before things spiral.
1. Burst Pipes (a.k.a. The Indoor Waterfall)
You wake up to a strange hissing sound… and suddenly your basement’s doing its best impression of Niagara Falls. Whether caused by freezing temps, corrosion from old pipes, or just bad luck, a burst pipe is one of the most urgent disasters you’ll face.
Water damage sets in quickly, soaking floors, warping wood, and inviting mold to the party. Shut off the main valve, grab some towels, and call an emergency plumber immediately. This one can’t wait—not even an hour.
2. Overflowing Toilets (And We Don’t Mean Emotionally)
Nothing wrecks your morning like a toilet that won’t stop rising. Whether it’s a clog or a faulty float valve, that murky water creeping up is nobody’s idea of a good time.
This kind of emergency isn’t just gross—it can cause serious water damage to flooring and the structure underneath. Not to mention the sanitation concerns. A plumber will quickly identify the root cause, clear the blockage, and repair your toilet so it doesn’t become a repeat offender.
3. Sewer Backups (Yes, It’s as Bad as It Sounds)
This is where things go from inconvenient to “burn the house down” energy. If you’re smelling something foul or seeing multiple drains gurgling or backing up at once, it could mean a main sewer line blockage that calls for urgent sewer repair.
Tree roots, grease buildup, and collapsed pipes are often to blame. And if it’s a full backup, raw sewage could enter your home, posing a serious health risk.
This is one of those common plumbing emergencies where hesitation will cost you. Call a pro with camera inspection gear and jetting tools, stat.
4. No Hot Water (When Cold Showers Aren’t a Choice)
Maybe your water heater gave up overnight. Maybe it’s been grumbling and groaning for weeks. Either way, a cold shower in a Minneapolis winter? Nope.
No hot water usually points to a failed heating element, thermostat, or sediment buildup. A licensed plumber will assess the issue fast—sometimes even the same day—so you’re not left boiling pots just to wash your hair.
5. Leaking Water Heater (Tiny Drip, Big Trouble)
Here’s the thing about water heaters: they age like milk, not wine. A small leak around the base might seem harmless, but it’s often the first warning sign of tank failure.
That’s why it’s smart to have a professional plumber handle thorough leak detection, because if left alone, it can flood your utility room or worse. If you notice puddles, rust-colored water, or hear popping sounds, it’s time to call in backup.
A quick inspection can tell if you need a repair or a full replacement—before your water heater takes its last steamy breath.
6. Frozen Pipes (Minnesota’s Winter Booby Trap)
Around here, frozen pipes aren’t rare—they’re practically a rite of passage. But that doesn’t mean they’re harmless. When water freezes, it expands. And when it expands inside your plumbing? Cracks, leaks, or bursts are almost guaranteed.
If you turn on a tap and get nothing (or just a trickle), don’t wait. Thawing pipes the wrong way can cause more damage. A skilled plumber knows how to safely fix the frozen pipes, restore flow, and prevent future freeze-ups.
7. Gas Line Issues (Plumbing’s Silent Danger)
Okay, so it’s technically not a “water” problem—but it’s one of the most critical emergencies a plumber handles. If you smell sulfur or notice hissing near your gas appliances, you could leak.
Leave the house immediately and call your utility provider first. Then bring in a certified plumber to inspect and repair the line safely. Gas line repairs are highly regulated for a reason—you don’t want to DIY this one.
The same goes for gas stove installations and repairs: this is one area where it’s always best to call in the pros.
8. Sudden Drop in Water Pressure (No, You’re Not Imagining It)
If your once-powerful shower has turned into a sad drizzle, something’s off. A sudden water pressure drop could be caused by a hidden leak, a partially closed valve, or even mineral buildup in the lines.
Sometimes it’s subtle—just one faucet. Sometimes it’s everywhere. Either way, it’s worth a professional inspection. The longer you wait, the more damage that unseen leak could be doing inside your walls or under your floors.
When Things Go Sideways, You Deserve a Team That Knows What They’re Doing
Emergencies don’t send a warning. They don’t care about your calendar or your budget. But you know what helps? Having a go-to team that handles these problems day in and day out, with precision, speed, and zero drama.
Whether it’s one of the common plumbing emergencies listed above or something that doesn’t quite have a name yet, Do It Right Plumbing Sewer & Services is ready when you are.
We’ve seen it all—backups, blowouts, breakages—and they know how to get Minneapolis homes running smoothly again.
From kitchen plumbing installs and sump pump systems to full-scale plumbing remodeling, laundry fixtures, water softener replacements, and more, we handle it all with expertise, transparency, and zero hassle.
Proudly serving homeowners in Minneapolis, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, and surrounding neighborhoods, we bring dependable solutions with a neighborly touch.
So if your plumbing throws you a curveball, don’t wait until things get worse.
Call us now, because we always do it right the first time—and keep things flowing from there.