Some plumbing problems can wait until Monday. Others can damage your home or put your family at risk within minutes. Our licensed Atlanta plumbers explain how to tell the difference, what to do while you wait for help, and when to call for emergency service.
Call an Emergency Plumber Right Away For
Burst or Major Leaking Pipes
Water spraying from a pipe or pouring through a ceiling needs fast action. Shut off your main water supply, stay away from wet electrical areas, and call for help. The longer water runs, the more it spreads into floors, walls, and insulation.
Sewage Backups
Sewage coming up through floor drains, tubs, or toilets is a health hazard. Stop using water, keep people and pets away, and call a plumber. It often means a blockage or damage in the main sewer line.
No Water at All
If your whole home suddenly has no water, it may be a problem with your supply line or a large leak somewhere. It can also be a utility issue, so check with neighbors. If they have water and you don’t, call a plumber.
A Leaking or Failing Water Heater
A tank that is leaking from the bottom, or water or steam coming from the relief valve, should be looked at quickly. Turn off the water supply to the heater and its power or gas if you can do so safely.
Overflowing Toilet That Won’t Stop
Turn the shutoff valve behind the toilet clockwise. If it won’t stop the water or keeps overflowing after plunging, you may have a main line clog.
Frozen Pipes
During an Atlanta freeze, no water from a faucet may mean a frozen pipe. Frozen pipes can split and flood when they thaw. Call a plumber before it becomes a burst pipe.
Gas Smell: Leave First, Then Call
A rotten-egg or sulfur smell can mean a natural gas leak. This is a life-safety emergency. Do this right away:
- Leave the building now. Get everyone out, including pets.
- Don’t create sparks. Don’t flip light switches, use appliances, start a car in an attached garage, or light anything.
- Don’t try to find the leak yourself.
- Call from outside, at a safe distance. Call 911 and your gas utility’s emergency line once you are away from the building.
- Don’t go back inside until emergency responders or the gas utility say it is safe.
After the gas utility makes the area safe, our licensed plumbers can help repair or replace damaged gas piping. Learn more about our gas line services.
🚨 Plumbing Emergency in Atlanta?
For water and sewer emergencies, call us any time, day or night. If you smell gas, leave first and call 911 and your gas utility from outside.
What Can Usually Wait for a Regular Appointment
These problems are annoying but usually not urgent, as long as they are not getting worse:
- A slow drain in one sink or tub
- A dripping faucet
- A running toilet (turn off its valve if needed)
- Low water pressure at one fixture
- A noisy garbage disposal
- Small leaks you can control by closing a fixture valve
Even so, don’t wait too long. Small problems tend to grow, and a slow drain can turn into a backup. Our drain cleaning and residential plumbing services handle these issues on a normal schedule. Same-day service is often available.
Quick Checklist: Is It an Emergency?
Ask yourself:
- Is water flowing that I can’t stop?
- Is sewage backing up into my home?
- Is water near electrical outlets, panels, or appliances?
- Do I smell gas? (If yes, leave and call 911 and your gas utility from outside.)
- Is my home without water?
- Will waiting cause more damage to floors, walls, or ceilings?
If you answered yes to any of these, call an emergency plumber now.
What to Do While You Wait for the Plumber
- Know your shutoffs. Find the main water valve and fixture valves before you need them.
- Stop the water. Close the nearest valve or the main.
- Stay safe around water and electricity. Only shut off breakers if you can reach the panel from a dry spot.
- Protect your things. Move valuables and furniture away from water.
- Document the damage. Take photos for your insurance company.
- Clear a path. Make it easy for the plumber to reach the problem area, water heater, and cleanouts.
Why Atlanta Homeowners Call RDP Plumbing
We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with 24/7 emergency plumbing across Greater Atlanta. Our plumbers are licensed and insured. We explain the problem and give upfront pricing before any work begins, and we test everything and clean up before we leave.
“Showed up on time, very professional. Completed the job to my satisfaction… Bonus is I called same day and received same day service…”
— Student Nurse, Google review
Read more customer reviews.
Emergency Plumber FAQs
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
A plumbing emergency is anything that can quickly damage your home or threaten your health or safety. Examples include a burst pipe, water you can’t shut off, sewage backing up, a leaking water heater tank, or no water in the house. If you smell gas, leave the building and call 911 and your gas utility’s emergency line from outside.
What should I do if I smell gas?
Leave the building right away with everyone inside, including pets. Don’t use light switches, phones, or appliances inside, and don’t try to find the leak. Once you are safely outside and away from the building, call 911 and your gas utility’s emergency line. Don’t go back in until they say it is safe.
Are you really available 24/7?
Yes. RDP Plumbing is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Call (678) 330-8439 any time you have a plumbing emergency in Greater Atlanta. Our licensed plumbers will help you get the problem under control and give upfront pricing before any work begins.
How can I shut off water in an emergency?
For a single fixture, turn the small valve under the sink or behind the toilet clockwise. For bigger leaks, use the main shutoff, usually where the water line enters your home, such as a basement, crawl space, garage, or utility room. Many homes also have a shutoff at the meter near the street.
Need an Emergency Plumber Now?
Licensed, insured, and available 24/7. Get upfront pricing before any work begins.