The words “plumbing emergency” are enough to strike fear into the hearts of any homeowner.

But how do you know when you have a truly pressing situation on your hands, and you need to enlist the help of a trusted plumbing professional immediately?

Watch out for these situations in your home.

Your pipes burst. This is an emergency that commonly happens when temperatures plunge to 20 degrees or colder, causing your pipes to freeze. Water molecules expand when they freeze, increasing water pressure between the blocked ice and the faucet. There are some simple things you can do to prevent your pipes from freezing. Consumer Reports recommends keeping garage doors closed and opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to let warmer air in around your pipes.

You should also let cold water drip from a faucet that’s connected to exposed piping, and keep your thermostat set at the same temperature around the clock.

If you’re leaving town when a cold snap is expected to hit, don’t turn off the heat – keep your thermostat set to 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

A leak in your house is causing water damage. Water damage is one of the top reasons for homeowners’ insurance claims. A major leak could cause major, sudden damage to your home. But a smaller leak is more subtle—you could go for months without even noticing it’s happening. Meanwhile, mildew and mold are growing. According to the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), mildew and mold can start forming as soon as 24 hours after water exposure. This can lead to health problems, including respiratory issues, eye irritation, nasal congestion, and skin problems, to name a few things.

Keep up to date on your home maintenance, including appliances, and monitor your water bill. If your bill is significantly higher one month, that could be a clue that you have a leak somewhere in your house.

Your sump pump failed. If this piece of equipment breaks, your basement will flood – and that’s a major problem. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make sure it stays in proper working order. When it’s dry outside, check whether your sump pump is working by pouring water into the sump pit. And don’t forget to clear the filter screen of debris, plus the pump and pit. If the pump starts to make strange noises, that’s also a sign that it could be at the end of its lifespan.

READ MORE: Keep Your Sump Pump Clean, It’ll Keep You Dry

A sump pump lasts about seven years, on average.

If you’ve got a plumbing emergency on your hands, get in touch with one of our experts. Contact us today at 1-877-BEN-1776!

READ MORE: When Do You Need to Hire a Plumber?