8 Reasons To Call An Emergency Plumber (and When It Can Wait)

Plumbing Emergency? Not sure if it’s a minor annoyance or a major crisis? This guide helps you identify true plumbing emergencies. You’ll learn what situations require immediate action and what problems can wait.

Certain plumbing issues can’t wait. These situations pose immediate risks to your health, safety, and property. If you experience any of the following, call an emergency plumber right away:

A burst pipe is a dramatic and stressful plumbing emergency. It requires immediate action to mitigate damage and prevent further complications. Here’s why:

• Water Damage: Even a small crack in a pipe can unleash a torrent of water, quickly flooding your home and damaging flooring, walls, furniture, and personal belongings.
• Mould Growth: The damp environment created by a burst pipe becomes a breeding ground for mould, posing health risks and requiring costly remediation.
• Structural Integrity: Prolonged exposure to water can weaken your home’s structural components, leading to expensive repairs and potential safety hazards.

Attempting DIY fixes for a burst pipe is rarely successful and can often worsen the situation. A professional plumber has the experience, tools, and expertise to:

• Quickly locate and isolate the source of the leak.
• Repair or replace the damaged pipe section.
• Recommend and implement drying solutions to prevent mould and further damage.

We often dismiss slow-draining sinks or gurgling toilets as minor annoyances. However, these can be early warnings of a blocked drain, potentially escalating into a significant plumbing issue if left untreated.

Blockages don’t disappear on their own. Instead, they worsen over time. Here’s how:

• Pressure Build-Up: Trapped water behind the blockage exerts immense pressure on your pipes, leading to leaks, cracks, and even burst pipes in severe cases.
• Sewage Backup: Blockages in drains connected to your sewer line can cause unsanitary and hazardous sewage backups into your home, a serious health risk demanding immediate attention.
• Complete Stoppage: A blocked drain may eventually stop water flow entirely, rendering essential fixtures unusable and disrupting your daily life.

Ignoring a slow drain can be tempting, but watch out for these signs that scream “Emergency Plumber Needed”:

• Multiple Blocked Drains: This often indicates a deeper issue within your main sewer line.
• Foul Odours: Pungent smells emanating from drains signal trapped waste, potentially hazardous to your health.
• Gurgling Sounds: Strange gurgling noises from your drains, especially after using another fixture, indicate air struggling to pass through a blockage.
• Water Backing Up: If water backs up into other fixtures (e.g., your shower drains when you flush the toilet), it’s a clear sign of a serious blockage.

An overflowing toilet is an unpleasant experience that can quickly escalate into a serious plumbing and health hazard if ignored. Here’s why swift action is crucial:

• Contamination: Overflowing toilets, especially those involving sewage backup, release harmful bacteria and contaminants into the bathroom, which poses significant health risks to families and pets.
• Water Damage: The longer an overflowing toilet goes unaddressed, the more water spills onto your bathroom floor. This can damage flooring, seep into subfloors, and even impact surrounding rooms, leading to costly repairs.
• Mould Growth: The damp environment created by an overflowing toilet provides ideal conditions for mould growth, which poses respiratory risks and requires professional remediation.

The key to minimising damage and health risks is a rapid response. Here’s what you should do:

• Turn Off the Water: Locate the shut-off valve behind your toilet and turn it clockwise to stop the water flow.
• Call a Plumber Immediately: Contact a licensed plumber experienced in handling overflowing toilets and potential sewage issues.

That constant drip, drip, drip from your faucet might seem like a minor annoyance but don’t underestimate its potential to escalate into a costly and damaging plumbing emergency. Here’s why even minor leaks demand attention:

• Hidden Damage: A leaky faucet often indicates a worn-out component or a more serious problem within your plumbing system. Ignoring the leak allows the underlying issue to worsen, potentially leading to a burst pipe or major leak later on.
• Water Waste: Even a slow drip can waste thousands of litres of water per year, significantly increasing your water bill and harming the environment.
• Structural Damage: Over time, persistent leaks can damage your sink, cabinets, and surrounding walls. The constant moisture creates a breeding ground for mould, compromising your home’s integrity.

If left unattended, a malfunctioning water heater can disrupt your daily routine and pose significant risks to your home. Understanding the common causes of water heater failure and the importance of timely intervention is key to preventing further damage and ensuring your safety.

Several factors can contribute to water heater failure, including:

• Age: Water heaters have a limited lifespan, typically 8-12 years. Older units are more prone to malfunctions, like taking a long time to heat up.
• Corrosion: Sediment buildup and corrosion within the tank can weaken its structure, leading to leaks and eventual failure.
• Thermostat Issues: A faulty thermostat can cause the heater to malfunction, resulting in no hot water or, conversely, dangerously hot water.
• Pressure Relief Valve Failure: This crucial safety valve can malfunction, leading to pressure buildup and potential explosions.

Lack of hot water is often the first sign of a failing water heater. While this might seem like a mere inconvenience, ignoring it can exacerbate the underlying issue and lead to:

• Complete Breakdown: A malfunctioning heater left unaddressed can stop working, requiring costly replacement.
• Water Damage: Leaks from a faulty water heater can quickly escalate, causing extensive damage to your property.
• Safety Hazards: Electrical problems within the heater can pose fire and electrocution risks.

A gas leak is not just a plumbing issue; it seriously threatens your health and safety and demands immediate action. Unlike other plumbing problems that can wait, even a suspected gas leak requires immediate evacuation and professional help.

Natural gas is odourless and colourless, making leaks challenging to detect without specialized equipment. Gas companies add a distinctive “rotten egg” smell to alert residents of potential leaks. However, more minor leaks or those in poorly ventilated areas might go unnoticed, posing significant dangers:

• Explosions and Fires: Gas leaks create a highly flammable environment, putting your home at risk of explosions or fires from even a small spark.
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Natural gas contains carbon monoxide, a toxic, odourless, deadly gas.

Licensed plumbers are equipped to handle gas line issues safely and effectively. They have:

• Gas Leak Detection Equipment: Specialised tools can pinpoint the source and severity of the leak with precision.
• Knowledge of Gas Lines: Plumbers who are licensed gas fitters understand the complexities of gas piping systems and can identify potential problem areas.
• Safe Repair Procedures: Repairing gas lines requires specific knowledge and adherence to strict safety protocols to ensure a secure and leak-free solution.

If you suspect a gas leak, follow these steps:

1. Evacuate Immediately: Get everyone out of the house and move safely away.
2. Do Not Use Anything That Could Create a Spark: Avoid turning on lights, appliances, or using phones as they can ignite the gas.
3. Call Your Gas Company and a Licensed Plumber: From a safe location, contact your gas company and a qualified gas fitter to report the suspected leak. Do not re-enter your home until it’s deemed safe by professionals.

When temperatures plummet, water in your pipes can freeze and expand, putting immense pressure on your plumbing system. If ignored, frozen pipes can lead to burst pipes, costly water damage, and a very inconvenient situation.

Water expands as it freezes. When this happens inside a pipe, the pressure can build up significantly, exceeding the pipe’s capacity and causing it to crack or burst. This is more likely to occur in:

• Exposed Pipes: Pipes located in uninsulated areas like exterior walls, crawl spaces, and attics are particularly vulnerable.
• Poorly Insulated Homes: Homes with inadequate insulation allow frigid temperatures to reach plumbing systems more easily.
• Prolonged Cold Spells: The longer the temperature remains below freezing, the greater the risk of frozen pipes.

If you suspect a frozen pipe, it’s essential to act fast:

1. Turn Off the Water Supply: Locate your main water shut-off valve and turn it clockwise to stop the water flow.
2. Apply Gentle Heat: Use a hairdryer, space heater (kept a safe distance away), or towels soaked in warm water to thaw the frozen section of the pipe. Never use an open flame!
3. Call a Plumber: If you can’t thaw the pipe yourself or suspect a burst pipe, contact a licensed plumber immediately. They have the experience and tools to thaw pipes and address any damage safely.

A major water leak is a plumbing emergency that demands immediate attention. Unlike a dripping faucet, a major leak unleashes a torrent of water, quickly causing extensive damage and requiring swift, decisive action.

The signs of a major leak are often impossible to ignore:

• Rushing Water Sounds: You may hear rushing water even when no fixtures are used, indicating a significant leak.
• Visible Water Flow: Large puddles, soaked carpets, or water from walls or ceilings indicate a serious problem.
• Rapidly Increasing Water Bills: A sudden and unexplained spike in your water bill can signal a hidden leak.
• Low Water Pressure: A significant leak can impact water pressure throughout your home.

A major water leak can inflict severe damage in a short amount of time:

• Structural Damage: Water weakens building materials, potentially compromising the structural integrity of your home.
• Mould Growth: Excessive moisture breeds mould, leading to health hazards and costly remediation.
• Electrical Hazards: Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Leaks near electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring pose a severe risk of electrocution.

What to do immediately if you suspect a major water leak:

1. Turn Off the Main Water Supply: Locate your main water shut-off valve clockwise to stop the water flow.
2. Call a Licensed Plumber: Contact a professional plumber immediately to assess the situation, locate the source of the leak, and make necessary repairs.
3. Document the Damage: Take photos or videos for insurance purposes.

Some plumbing problems aren’t immediate emergencies. However, ignoring them can lead to more serious (and costly) issues down the line. Here are a few situations that may require a plumber soon:

• Dripping Faucet: A dripping faucet wastes water and money. While it may seem minor, it often indicates a problem with your fixtures that needs addressing.
• Slow Draining Sink: A slow draining sink can signal a partial clog. Addressing the clog early can prevent a complete blockage.
• Running Toilet: Similar to a dripping faucet, a running toilet wastes water and increases your bills unnecessarily. It’s best to have a plumber fix the issue promptly.
• Low Water Pressure: Low water pressure may indicate a hidden leak or problem with your water main. A plumber can diagnose the cause and recommend solutions.

Not all plumbing problems require urgent attention. Here are some common issues you can usually schedule a regular plumber appointment for:

• Clogged Sink: While inconvenient, a clogged sink is rarely an emergency unless it is overflowing. You can often clear the clog yourself with a plunger or drain cleaner.
• Leaky Tap (Not Causing Damage): A slow drip that isn’t causing damage can often wait for a regular appointment, especially if it’s not significantly impacting your water bill.
• Running Toilet (That Can Be Shut Off): If your toilet runs but you can shut it off using the valve behind the toilet, you can likely schedule a convenient repair time.

Plumbing problems are never convenient. However, understanding the difference between an urgent situation and one that can wait can save you time, stress, and money.

Experiencing a plumbing emergency? Don’t hesitate! Contact our team of expert emergency plumbers on the North Shore for immediate assistance. We’re available 24/7 to handle any plumbing crisis.