Plumbing Emergencies 101: Understanding Them and When to Call for Assistance

Posted by Dural Emergency Plumber on 2 Jul 2024

Plumbing emergencies can be the worst nightmare for homeowners. Pipes that burst, blocked drains or fixtures that leak, as well as gas leaks can cause severe destruction to your home and put the safety of your family at risk.

It’s crucial to take care of these emergencies quickly and efficiently to limit the damage and ensure that your home is secure. This article will discuss the most commonly encountered types of plumbing emergencies and what to do in case of an emergency.

Common Plumbing Emergencies

Pipes Burst Pipes

What causes burst pipes?

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

The signs of bursting pipes

Signs of burst pipes include lower water pressure, unusual noises coming from pipes, wet spots on walls or ceilings, and a decrease in water quality.

What to do in the event of a pipe burst

If you suspect a burst pipe, turn off the main water supply immediately and contact an experienced plumber.

Clogged Drains

What causes drains to become clogged?

The majority of blocked drains are caused by hair buildup or soap scum and other debris in pipes.

Signs of blocked drains

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

What to do in case of a clogged drain

Try using a plunger or a drain snake to unclog the drain. If neither of these approaches succeed, you should call a professional plumber.

Leaking Fixtures

Causes of leaking fixtures

Leaking fixtures are usually caused by worn out or damaged parts.

The signs of leaky fixtures

Signs of leaky fixtures include drips, damp spots on ceilings or walls and a sudden rise in the cost of water.

What to do in the event of a fixture that leaks

Try tightening loose connections or replacing damaged components. If this doesn’t solve the problem, call a professional plumber.

Gas Leaks

Causes of gas leaks

Gas leaks are often caused by damaged pipes or malfunctioning gas appliances.

Gas leaks are a sign of trouble.

The signs of gas leaks include a hissing or whistling sound close to gas appliances, a rotten egg smell, as well as dizziness or headaches.

What to do in the event of an gas leak

If you suspect that there is a gas leak, leave the house immediately and call a professional plumber.

When to Call for Professional Assistance

It is important to call a professional plumber

Professional plumbers have the knowledge skills, experience and equipment to tackle plumbing emergencies swiftly and effectively. Doing the repair of a plumbing emergency yourself can put your safety and property at risk.

These are signs that you may require professional help

Signs that indicate you need professional assistance include an abrupt increase in water bills or a decline in water quality and inability to fix the problem by yourself.

What to expect when you contact to get help

If you contact a professional plumber and you will receive rapid response time as well as a thorough analysis of the problem, as well as an upfront estimate of cost.

Prevention Tips

Regular plumbing maintenance

Regular maintenance of plumbing can help prevent plumbing emergencies through a quick identification and fix of minor issues before they become larger ones.

Simple steps to prevent common plumbing issues

Simple steps to avoid common plumbing problems include using drain screens, refraining from dissolving the grease into drains and avoiding flushing non-flushable items in the toilet.

When to schedule plumbing inspections

Conduct plumbing inspections each year or bi-annually to identify and fix potential problems before they escalate into emergency situations.

Conclusion

Plumbing emergencies can be stressful and expensive, but dealing with these issues quickly and efficiently will lessen the impact and protect your family. Remember to call a professional plumber for assistance and to adopt preventive measures to avoid the most common plumbing issues. If you follow these guidelines, you can ensure the plumbing is running smoothly, and you can avoid stress and expense in the event of an emergency. If you’re in the middle of an emergency with your plumbing do not hesitate to contact Dural Emergency Plumber at 1300 933 202. The team we have of trained and skilled plumbers is on call 24/7 to assist you in any emergency you may be facing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do in the event of a plumbing emergency?

In the event of a plumbing emergency, turn off the main water supply immediately , and make a call to a professional plumber.

Can I repair a plumbing problem by myself?

It’s not recommended to try to fix a plumbing issue yourself. This can put your safety and your property in danger. It’s recommended to call an experienced plumber for help.

How do I know when to reach out for help from a professional?

Signs that indicate you need professional assistance are a sudden increase in water bills, a decrease in water quality, and the inability to resolve the issue yourself.

How can I prevent plumbing issues from occurring?

You can avoid plumbing emergencies from happening by scheduling regular plumbing maintenance, taking simple steps to avoid common plumbing problems making sure you schedule plumbing checks every year or bi-annually.

What should I be looking for in a professional plumber?

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

How much does it cost to hire an experienced plumber?

Cost of employing a professional plumber can vary depending on the type of emergency and the extent of damage. Get in touch with Dural Emergency Plumber for an upfront cost estimate.