When your plumbing system starts acting up in the middle of the night, you may want to wait til morning to call an emergency plumber. The problem is, some issues can’t wait that long. As a Wilmington, NC, homeowner, you know this all too well — Coastal Carolina’s environment puts unique demands on pipes and fixtures, making some issues more urgent than others.
But how can you tell what can’t wait until regular business hours? At Odyssey Mechanical, we’ve seen the consequences of ignoring genuine emergencies: extensive water damage, health hazards, or even complete system failure. That’s why we put together this helpful list, so you can make informed decisions and protect both your property and your wallet.
Here are five signs you should call your local Odyssey Mechanical plumber right away.
1. You can’t get the water to stop flowing.
A broken pipe with water actively flowing is a major plumbing emergency. Water damage can spread rapidly, and it destroys your floors, furniture in the process. It can even compromise the structural integrity of your home — in mere hours. In coastal Carolina’s humid environment, standing water can also lead to all kinds of mold growth or pest infestations.
So, don’t hesitate. When you discover a burst pipe, immediately shut off your main water supply and call for emergency plumbing repair. Don’t attempt temporary fixes with tape or clamps – these rarely hold under pressure and can worsen the situation. Professional pipe technicians have the tools and expertise to provide permanent solutions quickly.
As Wilmington locals, we know broken pipes are commonly caused by one of three things: an occasional cold snap, salt air corrosion affecting older plumbing systems, or tree roots infiltrating underground pipes. Especially in established neighborhoods with mature landscaping, those gorgeous Carolina trees can be a hazard to underground pipe systems.
2. Multiple drains are blocked, and you smell sewage.
When sewage backs up into your home or multiple drains become blocked at the same time, you need a plumbing professional on the spot as soon as possible. These are serious health emergencies. Sewage is more than smelly — it contains dangerous bacteria and pathogens that create unsafe living conditions.
A single clogged drain might wait for regular business hours, but multiple blocked fixtures indicate mainline problems that need urgent attention. These situations often worsen rapidly, potentially affecting your entire plumbing system and neighboring properties. Better to call Odyssey now than to deal with an involved rehaul later.
Professional plumbers have specialized equipment like sewer cameras and high-pressure jetting systems to quickly diagnose and resolve mainline blockages. Pro tip: Don’t use chemical drain cleaners on sewage backups – these products can create toxic fumes and worsen the contamination.
3. There’s no water coming out of your pipes.
Complete water loss is serious business. You can’t do any of your essential daily activities, like cooking, cleaning, and showering. In a humid Wilmington summer, we know that last one hits hard. While municipal water outages require utility company intervention, problems with your service line or main shutoff valve need immediate plumbing repair.
If you know about Odyssey Mechanical’s 24/7 plumbing services, you won’t have to Google “plumber near me” in panic. Instead, just call your friendly local professionals. We’ll be there on the double. In the meantime, check with neighbors to see if the outage is only in your home. If you’re the only property without water, the problem likely lies within your plumbing system and requires a professional diagnosis.
We know all about frozen pipes, damaged service lines, and faulty pressure regulators — all of which can cause sudden water loss. Plus, we’re familiar with Coastal Carolina’s sandy soil, which can shift and damage underground pipes.
4. You smell gas.
Don’t ever sit tight when you smell the telltale odor of a gas leak. Especially when they’re near water heaters, gas-fired appliances, or plumbing connections, gas leaks can create immediate safety hazards requiring emergency response. Never ignore gas smells or attempt DIY repairs on gas lines – that’s how you cause explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Instead, evacuate your home immediately. Avoid using electrical switches or creating sparks, and call emergency services before contacting a plumber right away. Professional pipe technicians, like Odyssey’s experienced techs, have the specialized training and equipment necessary to safely repair gas line leaks and restore service.
Water heater problems involving gas leaks often indicate corroded connections, faulty fittings, or damaged supply lines. These components deteriorate faster in coastal environments due to humidity and salt air exposure.
5. There are pools of water… or worse.
Significant water leaks from pipes, fixtures, or appliances can cause thousands of dollars in damage within hours. Ceiling leaks, wall moisture, or pooling water indicate serious problems requiring immediate plumbing repair.
No one needs mold eating away at their home or pools of water destroying their family heirlooms. In Wilmington’s humid climate, though, these problems accelerate rapidly without prompt intervention.
Emergency flooding situations include toilet overflows with contaminated water, water heater leaks, or washing machine supply line failures. Call Odyssey Mechanical’s plumbers — they’ll locate leak sources and implement effective repairs while minimizing property damage.
Not sure if it’s urgent? Call us for a quick local opinion — no charge.