A Homeowner's Guide to Plumbing Emergencies: What to Look for and When to Get in Touch with South West 24 Hour Plumber in South West Sydney

Posted by South West 24 Hour Plumber on 12 Feb 2025

Plumbing emergencies are the worst nightmare for homeowners. Pipes that burst, blocked drains, leaking fixtures, and gas leaks could cause significant destruction to your home and put your family’s safety at risk.

It’s crucial to take care of the issues swiftly and effectively to limit the damage and ensure that your home is secure. In this article, we’ll go over the most frequent kinds of plumbing emergencies, and what you should do in case of an emergency.

Common Types of Plumbing Emergencies

Pipes Burst Pipes

What causes burst pipes?

Burst pipes are usually caused by cold temperatures, old pipes or high pressure water.

Signs of burst pipes

Signs of burst pipes are low water pressure, strange noises coming from pipes, water spots on walls or ceilings, and a decrease in the quality of water.

What should you do in the event of a burst pipe

If you suspect the possibility of a burst pipe, turn off your main supply of water immediately , and seek out a professional plumber.

Clogged Drains

The causes of blocked drains

Clogged drains are usually caused by the buildup of hair or soap scum and other debris in pipes.

Signs of clogged drains

The signs of a blocked drain are slower draining of the water, loud gurgling sounds emanating from pipes, and bad smells.

What should you do in the event of a blocked drain

Try using a plunger or drain snake to unclog the drain. If none of these solutions succeed, you should call a professional plumber.

Leaking Fixtures

The causes of leaky fixtures

Leaking fixtures are often result of worn or damaged parts.

The signs of leaky fixtures

Signs of leaky fixtures include dripping sounds, wet spots on ceilings or walls, and a sudden increase in water bills.

What to do in the event of a fixture that leaks

Try tightening any loose connections or replacing damaged parts. If this doesn’t solve the issue, you should contact an experienced plumber.

Gas Leaks

The causes of gas leaks

Gas leaks are usually caused by damaged pipes or faulty gas appliances.

Signs of gas leaks

The signs of gas leaks include a hissing or whistling sound near the gas appliance, or a rotten egg smell, and dizziness or headaches.

What to do in case of a gas leak

If you suspect that there is a gas leak, you should evacuate your home immediately and contact a professional plumber.

When to Call for Professional Help

It is important to call an experienced plumber

Professional plumbers have the knowledge of experience, expertise, and the equipment to tackle plumbing emergencies efficiently and quickly. Trying to fix a plumbing emergency yourself can put your life and safety at risk.

Signs that indicate you need professional assistance

Signs that indicate you need professional help include a sudden rise in your water bills and a drop in the quality of water and inability to fix the problem your self.

What to expect when you contact to get help

When you reach out to a professional plumber, you can expect a quick response time, a thorough assessment of the problem, and an estimate of the cost upfront.

Prevention Tips

Regular maintenance for plumbing

Regular maintenance of plumbing can prevent plumbing issues in identifying small issues before they become bigger ones.

Simple steps to avoid plumbing problems that are common

Simple ways to prevent common plumbing problems include using drain screens, not dissolving the grease into drains and avoiding flushing things that aren’t flushable down the toilet.

When to schedule plumbing inspections

Plan plumbing inspections every year or bi-annually to identify and correct potential problems before they become emergencies.

Conclusion

Emergencies with plumbing can prove stressful and expensive, but dealing with them swiftly and effectively can minimize the damage and ensure your family’s safety. Remember to call an expert plumber for assistance and to make preventive steps to avoid common plumbing problems. By following these tips, you can make sure the plumbing runs smoothly and prevent stress and expense in the event of an emergency. If you’re experiencing any plumbing issues do not hesitate to contact South West 24 Hour Plumber at 1300 952 520. We have a team that is highly skilled and knowledgeable plumbers is on call 24/7 to help you with any issue you might be experiencing.

Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do in the case of an emergency plumbing situation?

If you experience an emergency in plumbing, shut off the main water supply right away and call an experienced plumber.

Do I have the ability to fix a plumbing emergency myself?

It is not advised to attempt and fix a plumbing emergency yourself. This can put your safety and property at risk. It is recommended to contact a professional plumber to help.

What should I do to know when I should call for help from a professional?

Signs that suggest you need professional help include a sudden increase in your water bill, a decrease in water quality and the inability to fix the problem by yourself.

What can I do to prevent plumbing emergencies from happening?

It is possible to prevent plumbing emergencies from happening by scheduling regular plumbing maintenance by taking a few steps to avoid typical plumbing issues making sure you schedule plumbing checks every year or bi-annually.

What should I look for in an experienced plumber?

Find a professional plumber who is insured, licensed and experienced. They also have a good reputation.

What is the cost to employ an experienced plumber?

It is expensive to hire a professional plumber will vary based on the type of emergency and the extent of the damage. Contact South West 24 Hour Plumber for an upfront cost estimate.