When water is pouring from a ceiling, sewage is backing up into a tub, or a water heater is hissing and leaking, you need emergency plumbing repair right now. Watertight Plumbing provides fast, reliable 24/7 help for burst pipes, stubborn clogs, gas leaks, water heater failures, and more. If you are in Lake County, IL, or Kenosha County, WI, we are ready to take your call and get your home or business back to normal.

Water Tight Plumbing & Sewer is a family-owned company with more than 30 years of experience. Our licensed, bonded, and insured team serves Kenosha, Zion, Waukegan, Gurnee, Libertyville, and nearby communities with true around-the-clock service. For immediate assistance, call (847) 623-6810 in Lake County or (262) 484-4520 in Kenosha County.

When Is It a Real Plumbing Emergency?

Not every drip is an emergency, but some problems can cause major damage, health risks, or system failures if you wait. If the situation threatens your safety, can damage your property, or will worsen overnight, it is time to call for emergency plumbing repair.

  • Active water leaks that you cannot stop
  • Sewer backups or strong sewage odors inside your property
  • No water to the building or a sudden drop in water pressure
  • Flooded basements or sump pump failure during storms
  • Water heater leaks, hissing, or no hot water when needed for sanitation
  • Frozen pipes that have burst or are bulging
  • Gas odors or suspected gas leaks related to appliances or piping
  • Overflowing toilets or drains that will not clear

Top Emergency Plumbing Problems That Need Immediate Attention

Burst or Leaking Pipes

A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons in minutes. Even a slow leak can soak drywall, flooring, and framing, leading to mold and costly repairs. Cold snaps in Kenosha and Lake County are a common cause, but corrosion, high water pressure, and accidental damage also trigger pipe failures.

  • Shut off the main water valve right away
  • Open a faucet to relieve pressure
  • Move furniture and electronics out of the affected area
  • Call Watertight Plumbing for emergency plumbing repair

Sewer Backups and Main Line Clogs

If sewage backs up into a tub, floor drain, or toilet, do not flush or run water. This is more than a mess. It is a health hazard. Tree roots, collapsed lines, grease buildup, and foreign objects often cause main line clogs. Our team uses rodding, hydro jetting, and camera inspections to clear the blockage and diagnose the real reason it happened.

  • Avoid using any drains until the line is cleared
  • Keep children and pets away from affected areas
  • Call for emergency plumbing repair to stop further contamination

Watertight Plumbing handles urgent sewer rodding, drain cleaning, and line repairs for homes and businesses throughout Waukegan, Zion, and Gurnee.

Gas Leaks and Water Heater Emergencies

Smell rotten eggs or hear hissing near a gas appliance or line. Treat it as an emergency. Leave the property and call your gas utility or 911. Once safe, contact Watertight Plumbing for repairs and safe restoration of service. For water heater emergencies, signs include pooling water, banging or rumbling noises, scorching temperatures, or total loss of hot water.

  • Do not light matches or turn electrical switches on or off during a suspected gas leak
  • Turn off the gas valve to the appliance if you can do so safely
  • For water leaks, shut off the cold water valve on top of the heater
  • Call for emergency plumbing repair to protect your property and restore hot water

Overflowing Toilets and Drains

An overflowing toilet or floor drain can spread contaminated water quickly. While a plunger may clear a minor clog, repeated backups point to a larger blockage. In multi-story properties, an overflow can damage multiple units, which makes a fast response essential.

Sump Pump Failure and Flooded Basements

Heavy rains and rapid snowmelt can overwhelm an aging or undersized sump pump. If your basement starts to flood, unplug the pump if it is buzzing or overheating, then call for help. Watertight Plumbing installs, repairs, and upgrades sump pumps and battery backups to keep basements dry even during storms.

Frozen or Collapsed Pipes

In winter, pipes near exterior walls or in unheated areas can freeze and rupture. In older neighborhoods around Libertyville and North Chicago, aging materials and shifting soil can crack or collapse lines. If you suspect a freeze or hear water running when taps are off, get professional help immediately.

What To Do Before Your Plumber Arrives

  1. Shut off the water. Find the main valve, usually near the meter or where the main line enters your home, and turn it clockwise.
  2. Kill power to the water heater. For electric units, switch off the breaker. For gas units, turn the control to the off position.
  3. Isolate the problem. Close fixture shutoff valves under sinks and behind toilets to stop localized leaks.
  4. Relieve pressure. Open a cold tap on the lowest floor to drain standing water in the lines.
  5. Protect valuables. Move rugs, furniture, and electronics away from affected areas and place pots or buckets under drips.
  6. Document the damage. Take photos and note times. This can help with insurance claims.
  7. Ventilate if needed. For suspected gas issues, leave the building and call 911 or the gas utility from a safe location.
  8. Call Watertight Plumbing. For Lake County call (847) 623-6810. For Kenosha County call (262) 484-4520.

Why Choose Watertight Plumbing for Emergency Plumbing Repair

  • Rapid 24/7 response. Real people answer, dispatching the nearest team at any hour.
  • 30 plus years of experience. We know the homes, soils, and weather patterns of Lake County and Kenosha County.
  • Licensed, bonded, and insured. Your property and our work are protected.
  • Upfront pricing. We explain options and costs before work begins.
  • Fully stocked trucks. Most problems are fixed on the first visit.
  • Advanced tools. Sewer cameras, hydro jetting, and leak detection speed up solutions.
  • Clean, respectful service. We protect floors, minimize disruption, and clean up before we leave.
  • Residential and commercial expertise. From single-family homes to restaurants and warehouses, we handle it all.

Water Tight Plumbing & Sewer stands behind every job with proven workmanship and dependable parts. When you need emergency plumbing repair you can trust, choose the local team your neighbors call first.

Our Emergency Plumbing Repair Process

  1. Immediate dispatch. We collect basic details, confirm your location, and send the closest available technician.
  2. On-site assessment. We locate the source of the problem, check for hidden issues, and protect the area from further damage.
  3. Stabilize first. We stop active leaks, shut down unsafe equipment, and restore essential services where possible.
  4. Clear options and pricing. You get straightforward recommendations with line-item pricing before we proceed.
  5. Expert repair. From rodding a main line to replacing a burst section of pipe, we use proven methods and quality materials.
  6. Clean up and verify. We test the system, clear the workspace, and confirm everything is functioning correctly.
  7. Prevention plan. You leave with tips and options to reduce the chance of a repeat emergency.

Beyond Emergencies: Full-Service Plumbing and Sewer

Watertight Plumbing is here in a crisis, and we can help you get ahead of problems too. We offer a complete lineup of services to keep your systems safe, efficient, and up to code.

  • Plumbing installation and repair for water lines, fixtures, toilets, garbage disposals, and more
  • Sewer services including camera inspections, rodding, drain cleaning, and line repairs
  • Water heater installation and maintenance for gas, electric, and tankless systems
  • Sump pump solutions including repairs, new installations, and battery backup systems
  • New construction and remodeling support for homes, restaurants, offices, and retail spaces

Areas We Serve in Lake County and Kenosha County

We proudly serve Kenosha, Zion, Waukegan, Gurnee, Libertyville, Pleasant Prairie, Beach Park, Winthrop Harbor, Grayslake, Round Lake, Antioch, North Chicago, and surrounding communities. If you are nearby and unsure, call us and our team will confirm availability and dispatch times for emergency plumbing repair in your area.

Preventive Tips to Reduce Future Emergencies

Regular care can prevent surprise breakdowns and reduce repair costs. Add these simple steps to your maintenance plan.

  • Schedule annual plumbing checkups and sewer camera inspections if you have large trees near your line
  • Install hair catchers in showers and avoid flushing wipes, cotton products, or grease
  • Insulate pipes in attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls before winter
  • Test your sump pump every season and add a battery backup for storms or outages
  • Keep water pressure between 50 and 70 psi to avoid stressing pipes and fixtures
  • Replace water heaters near the end of their expected lifespan to prevent tank ruptures
  • Install smart leak detectors near water heaters, laundry areas, and under sinks
  • Know the location of your main water shutoff and label it for quick access

FAQ: Emergency Plumbing Repair

How fast can you get here?

Response times vary with distance and weather, but we prioritize emergencies and can often arrive within an hour in many parts of Lake County and Kenosha County. When you call, we will give you an accurate arrival window.

Do you charge extra for nights and weekends?

We offer 24/7 service with clear, upfront pricing. Some emergency situations may include after-hours rates. We will explain costs before work begins so there are no surprises.

Can I wait until morning for a small leak?

If a leak is active and you cannot contain it, do not wait. Shut off the water and call for emergency plumbing repair. For a slow drip you can control with a bucket and the leak is not near electrical systems, it may be safe to schedule a same-day appointment during regular hours. When in doubt, call and we will advise you.

Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

Yes. Water Tight Plumbing & Sewer is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Our technicians follow local codes and safety standards on every job.

What brands and systems do you service?

We service all major plumbing fixtures and water heater brands, including gas, electric, and tankless systems. We also handle commercial-grade equipment for restaurants, offices, and retail spaces.

Real-World Signs You Should Call Right Now

Not sure if your situation is urgent. If you see any of the following, contact Watertight Plumbing for emergency plumbing repair immediately.

  • Water stains spreading across ceilings or walls
  • Multiple drains gurgling or backing up at once
  • Hot water that looks rusty or smells metallic
  • A sump pump running constantly or making grinding sounds
  • Sudden spikes in your water bill without explanation
  • Persistent sewer odors inside your home or business

What Makes Local Experience Matter

Local homes and businesses have common patterns. Clay soils that shift, tree species with aggressive roots, and winter freeze-thaw cycles all affect plumbing in our area. With more than three decades serving Lake County and Kenosha County, Watertight Plumbing understands these conditions and brings the right tools and parts for fast fixes. That local knowledge translates into fewer callbacks and longer-lasting repairs.

Insurance and Documentation Tips

For water or sewer damage, good documentation helps with claims. Take clear photos before cleanup, keep receipts for emergency plumbing repair and restoration, and contact your insurer as soon as possible. We can provide detailed invoices and descriptions of the work performed to support your claim. If your policy requires it, we can also speak with your adjuster to explain the cause and verify repairs.

Call Now for 24/7 Emergency Plumbing Repair

Plumbing problems rarely wait for business hours. Do not let a small leak become a big disaster. Watertight Plumbing is ready day and night with the trained team, stocked trucks, and local experience to stop the damage and fix the problem. For fast help in Lake County call (847) 623-6810. For Kenosha County call (262) 484-4520. Your emergency is our priority, and we will work to make your home or business safe and comfortable again right away.

Emergency plumbing repair for burst pipes, leaks, and clogs that cannot wait until morning. We are on call 24/7 so you get fast, reliable help now. Call for service and get peace of mind today.