Understanding Different Types of Plumbing Emergencies

Gas Leaks

The most pressing and hazardous plumbing emergency is a gas leak. Uncontained gas is highly dangerous as it can ignite if exposed to naked flames or sparks or cause serious medical symptoms such as dizziness if inhaled.

Gas leaks can often be identified by a hissing noise from gas pipes or appliances as the gas escapes or the distinct smell of sulphur or rotten eggs. If you notice these signs, you need to evacuate immediately and then contact your local emergency services and emergency plumber for repairs.

Burst Pipes

Burst pipes can cause serious water damage to your property and even health hazards if there is sewage in the pipe. This makes them an obvious plumbing emergency.

Burst pipes aren’t difficult to notice. They may start with a subtle leak or drip, but once they burst you’ll have a flood of water in your house or yard. 

The first step here is to shut off the water supply ASAP to minimise the flow and then call in backup. If the water stops, you can use your time while you wait for the plumbers to start mopping up the water to prevent serious water damage and mould growth.

Severe Drain Blockages

Drain blockages are more than just an inconvenience, they can also be an emergency if they are severe enough. This could include if the water isn’t draining at all, sewage is starting to back up or if the blockage is stopping you from completing your normal routine such as cleaning dishes or showering.

You will often be able to spot a drain blockage by its inability or slowness to drain, sewage smells emanating from the pipes or gurgling sounds. All of these signs are red flags and indicate it’s time to call in the experts.

Hot Water System Failures

Malfunctioning or broken hot water systems can also be a plumbing emergency. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience to struggle through a cold or fluctuating shower, this could be a sign of more serious problems with your system.

If you lose hot water completely or intermittently without explanation it could indicate that your hot water system leaks, the heating element is broken or an issue with the valves or connections. Any of these issues can cause serious damage or present safety risks from electrical or gas issues. It can also present a risk of scalds if your water does heat up past the safe temperature when fluctuating.

For this reason, it’s essential to get an experienced plumber to check it out as soon as possible.

Sewage Backups

Sewage water is a health and safety hazard, especially if it is backing up into your internal plumbing fixtures and property. Not only will the stench linger and potentially destroy your belongings and property, but the fumes are also dangerous to breathe in.

Strong sewage smells can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, and the bacteria contained in it can cause serious illnesses. So, if you ever notice water backing up from your drains or toilets, get out of the room and call an emergency plumber. 

Flooding and Water Damage

Finally, flooding is a clear plumbing emergency. Sitting or flowing water can cause significant water damage to structures and items as well as promote mould growth as the moisture lingers. So, whether it’s an overflowing toilet, a broken tap or shower head spraying water everywhere or a burst pipe, the associated flooding is a major emergency.

Similar to dealing with a burst pipe, shutting off your water supply should be your first port of call and then getting on the phone to contact an emergency plumber for repairs. Then, again, while you wait you can start to mop up and dry as much water as possible to protect your property.

Manage Different Plumbing Emergencies with Expert Help

Regardless of the nature of the plumbing emergency or cause, for any of these situations, you need a reliable plumbing team on your side. There’s only so much shutting off the water and picking up a mop can do, you need experienced plumbing professionals to complete comprehensive repairs and stop the issue at the roots.

If you ever find yourself experiencing any of these problems, contact our qualified and experienced emergency plumbers at Essendon Plumbing Services. We are on call any time of the day or night and are always ready to lend a helping hand to get your plumbing working as it should.