Emergency plumbing issues include burst pipes, major leaks, sewage backups, overflowing toilets, or total loss of water. These issues can damage your home quickly and often require immediate attention. In case you face a plumbing emergency, shut off the main water supply and call a licensed emergency plumber, who are typically available 24/7.
Old pipes, worn valves, and heavy rain in Boerne, Texas, can lead to sudden leakages, flooding, or sewer system backups. Waiting too long can ruin floors, damage walls, and increase repair costs. Knowing what to do in an emergency can limit the damage.
In this guide, you will learn what qualifies as a plumbing emergency, what steps to take, and when to call a licensed plumbing company.
If you need immediate help, call Gottfried Plumbing at 830-331-2055. Our plumbers are available 24 hours to handle your emergency plumbing needs in Boerne.
What’s a Plumbing Emergency vs. What’s Not
Here are the common signs that indicate you mig
| Emergency Plumbing Issue | Needs Immediate Attention? |
| Burst pipe causing active flooding | ✅ Yes |
| Water heater leaking or not working | ✅ Yes |
| Sewer lines backing up into drains | ✅ Yes |
| No running water in the home | ✅ Yes |
| Slab leak | ✅ Yes |
| Dripping faucet | ❌ No |
| Low water pressure | ❌ No |
| One slow drain | ❌ No |
| Toilet that flushes slowly | ❌ No |
When in doubt, call an emergency plumber near you!notice any of these issues, quickly confirming and addressing the leak is crucial to preventing further damage.
Causes of Slab What Are Common Plumbing Emergencies in Boerne?Leaks
Plumbing emergencies include burst pipes, leakages, sewage backups, overflowing toilets, no running water, water heater failure, slab leaks, and gas line issues. These plumbing problems cause flooding, health hazards, or disruption in daily activities and must be fixed immediately.
Burst Pipes
A burst pipe is a serious plumbing issue because it causes immediate flooding.
Pipe lines can fail due to freezing, corrosion, or sudden pressure changes. In Boerne, soil shifts and aging pipe materials make this problem more common.
If you have a burst pipe:
- Shut off the main water valve immediately.
- Move valuables out of the affected area.
- Call an emergency plumber right away,
Remember: Delays increase the risk of water damage to floors, walls, and your foundation.
Major Leaks
Leakages from pipes, fixtures, or valves can quickly turn into a flood.
Unlike a slow drip, these leaks release significant water in minutes. Common causes include failed shutoff valves, cracked pipes, or broken supply lines to bathroom and kitchen drains.
- Look for puddles on floors or spraying from connections.
- Use towels or buckets to contain water until help arrives.
Remember: Even if the leak slows down, it still requires emergency repairs.
Sewage Backups
Sewage coming up through bathroom fixtures or drains signals a blockage in your sewer line or septic system.
Raw sewage emits very bad smells and carries bacteria that make your home unsafe.
If there is a sewer system overflow:
- Avoid using any other tap in the house, as it adds pressure to the sewer line.
- Do not try chemical cleaners, as they often make the problem worse.
- Call a plumber immediately for professional drain clearing and cleanup.
Remember: Sewage backups are a health hazard. Quick response protects your family’s safety and prevents costly damage to floors, walls, and drains.
Overflowing Toilets
An overflowing toilet creates unsanitary conditions and can quickly damage flooring and drywall.
In many cases, clogs in the trap or sewer line keep water from draining, causing the bowl to fill and spill over.
If your toilet is overflowing:
- Turn off the toilet shutoff valve (behind or beside the toilet).
- Avoid flushing again.
- If the overflow doesn’t stop, call an emergency plumber to clear the blockage.
Remember: Even one overflow can spread contaminated water into the flooring and walls. Acting fast reduces cleanup costs and keeps your home safe.
No Running Water
Losing all running water in your home disrupts daily life and often signals a serious issue.
A broken main supply line, valve failure, or frozen pipes can cause a lack of water. In Boerne, older plumbing systems and sudden pressure changes can also trigger this problem.
If you have no running water:
- First, check with neighbors or the city to confirm it’s not a municipal outage.
- If it’s only your home, inspect visible shutoff valves to make sure none are closed.
- Call an emergency plumber if the problem isn’t from the water company.
Remember: A total loss of supply may indicate underground leakage or broken pipelines. Taking immediate action minimizes disruption and ensures your home remains livable.
Water Heater Failure
osing all running water in your home disrupts daily life and often signals a serious issue.
A broken main supply line, valve failure, or frozen pipes can cause a lack of water. In Boerne, older plumbing systems and sudden pressure changes can also trigger this problem.
If you have no running water:
- First, check with neighbors or the city to confirm it’s not a municipal outage.
- If it’s only your home, inspect visible shutoff valves to make sure none are closed.
- Call an emergency plumber if the problem isn’t from the water company.
Remember: A total loss of supply may indicate underground leakage or broken pipelines. Taking immediate action minimizes disruption and ensures your home remains livable.
Slab Leaks
A slab leak occurs when service lines underneath your home’s foundation break and release water into the concrete.
These are often hidden but can cause major structural problems if ignored. Signs of slab leaks include unexplained high utility bills, damp spots on floors, or warm areas underfoot.
If you suspect a slab leak:
- Watch for continuous water meter movement when all fixtures are off.
- Look for cracks in walls or flooring caused by shifting foundations.
- Call a licensed plumber to perform leak detection and begin repairs.
Remember: Slab leaks weaken foundations over time. Early detection and repair protect your home and save thousands in potential structural damage.
Gas Line Issues
Gas leaks are dangerous and should be handled by plumbers.
If you smell gas or hear hissing near gas lines, treat it as an emergency.
- Leave your home immediately and avoid using electronics or flames.
- Call your gas company to report the leak.
- Contact a licensed plumber to inspect and repair the gas line once the area is safe.
Remember: Gas leakage is life-threatening, so never try to repair gas lines on your own.If there is flooding, sewage is present, or you’ve lost access to your water supply, treat it as a plumbing problem and call us at 830-331-2055 for inspection. We are available 24 hours for emergency plumbing services in Boerne, TX, and nearby areas.
First Steps to Take in a Plumbing Emergency
In a plumbing emergency, immediately locate and turn off the main water shutoff valve to stop the supply. To minimize damage, contain the leak, avoid using chemical drain cleaners, and turn off electricity if water is near any electrical sources.
1. Locate and Turn Off the Shutoff Valve
The main shut-off valve is usually found near the water meter or where the main line enters your home. Turn it clockwise to stop the flow of water.
For localized issues like a sink or toilet, use the small fixture valves located under or behind the unit.
2. Contain Leaks and Overflow
Use buckets, towels, or pans to catch excess water. Move valuables and electronics away from the affected area. If safe, open lower faucets to relieve pressure in the plumbing system and slow the leak.
3. Avoid Quick Fixes with Drain Cleaners
Even if the problem is related to clogs, resist the urge to pour in chemical drain cleaners. They often damage pipes and rarely fix the root issue in an emergency. Instead, wait for professional help.
4. Avoid Electrical Contact
If water is near outlets, appliances, or wiring, turn off the power at the breaker panel. Do not touch wet electrical devices and wait for a professional to confirm when the area is secure.Remember: The first 10 minutes of a plumbing emergency matter most. Taking quick action keeps damage limited and helps restore your home’s plumbing system safely.
When to Call an Emergency Plumber in Boerne
Hiring a professional plumber is the beCall an emergency plumber when water is spreading, the sewer system is overflowing, or you can’t restore your water supply. These situations risk property damage and health hazards, and they often get worse quickly if left alone.
Signs you need to call for emergency plumbing service:
- Uncontrolled leakage or burst pipes even after turning off fixture valves.
- Sewer system backups, such as foul odors, bubbling drains, or wastewater coming up through toilets or tubs.
- Lack of water supply, which is not caused by a city outage or a neighbor-wide problem.
- Overflowing toilets despite shutting off the valve.
- Apparent leaks or cracks in the water heater or sudden loss of hot water.
- Multiple clogs in sinks, tubs, and toilets.
Remember: If you’re unsure, call for assistance anyway. A licensed plumber can confirm whether it’s an emergency and guide you while you wait.st course of action when DIY efforts don’t yield clear results. Professionals use advanced tools and techniques to accurately locate slab leaks with minimal disruption:
Understanding the Cost of Plumbing Repairs
Some plumbing companies charge extra for urgent services, parts, and off-hour work.
Most emergency plumbers in Boerne charge based on:
- Time of day – night, weekends, and holidays usually mean higher rates
- Type of repair – burst pipes cost more than clearing a simple clog
- Severity of damage – minor drips may be fixed quickly, while slab repairs take hours
- Parts and labor – expect added fees for replacement pipes, valves, or fittings
When scheduling a plumbing service, always ask for:
Warranties on parts and labor
Upfront pricing or flat fees
Written estimate before work begins
Preventative Maintenance to Avoid Emergencies
Regular plumbing maintenance helps prevent emergencies and saves money on costly repairs and replacements.
Boerne homeowners can avoid many emergencies with seasonal checks and minor plumbing repairs.
Schedule these tasks twice a year:
- Inspect all visible pipes for signs of corrosion, moisture, or bulges
- Test shutoff valves under sinks, behind toilets, and at the main line
- Flush water heaters to remove sediment buildup
- Check toilets and faucets for constant running or dripping
- Clear slow drains before they become full clogs
Keep a lookout for early warning signs:
Rising utility bills without a change in usage
Low water pressure
Gurgling noises in drains
Hot spots on floors (may signal a slab leak)
Rust-colored water
Call Gottfried Plumbing for 24-Hour Emergency Plumbing Services in Boerne
When plumbing problems strike, you need a trusted team ready to respond fast. At Gottfried Plumbing, our nearby plumbers provide fast and affordable inspections and repairs.
- Licensed and insured technicians
- 24/7 availability, including nights and weekends
- Award-winning service trusted by Boerne homeowners
- Fast response times and affordable repair options
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Call 830-331-2055 for help – anytime!
FAQs
What is the most common plumbing emergency?
The most common emergency is a burst pipe, which can cause flooding and damage in a very short time. Other frequent issues include sewer backups and clogs.
How much does it cost to have a plumber come out after hours?
After-hours service usually costs more due to overtime rates and immediate response. In Boerne, you can expect prices to start around a few hundred dollars, depending on the repair needed and the time of day.
What if I can’t find my shutoff valve?
Look near the street, driveway, or where the main water line enters your home. If you’re in an older home, call a plumber to help locate and label it.
When do clogs in a sink require professional help?
Small clogs in a sink can often be cleared with a plunger, but repeated blockages may point to a deeper problem. If the sink backs up frequently or multiple fixtures clog at once, professional service is needed.