Emergency plumbing is plumbing assistance you can receive on short notice. Usually, people hire emergency plumbers when they have a large leak or another issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Preparing for an emergency plumbing situation can save you lots of money in repairs, so it’s essential to know who to call and what to do when things break down.

You should keep the number of a plumber that does emergency plumbing on hand. Know what real plumbing emergencies look like, and take time to understand the difference between a regular plumbing issue and an emergency plumbing issue.

Times When You Need Emergency Plumbing Services

Only some plumbing problems are full-on emergencies. Sometimes, you need a plumber to address a few issues or perform maintenance on your home. In these instances, you can save money by waiting for regular business hours.

Other times, you will need a plumber to make repairs immediately. You should always turn your water off while you wait for the emergency plumber to arrive. Turn off the electricity to the affected area and clean up excess moisture if possible.

1. Burst Pipes

A burst pipe is a massive plumbing emergency. You should turn off the main line to your home and contact an emergency plumber immediately to fix a broken pipe in your home.

Burst pipes can cause water damage to your home and drive your water bill through the roof.

2. Overflowing Toilet

Fixing blocked toilets is not usually an emergency, overflowing toilets are always plumbing emergencies. They can cause extensive water damage to your home, and dirty sewage may spill over.

If your toilet is overflowing, turn off the water to your toilet and contact a professional plumber immediately.

3. Water Heater Problems

Water heater problems may seem minor, especially in the summer when you don’t need much hot water, but a hot water system malfunction is a plumbing emergency. Hot water heaters boil water in enclosed spaces and often run on gas, which can be dangerous when malfunctioning.

If you notice a problem with your water heater, turn off the gas to the water heater, shut off the water valve, and contact emergency plumbing services immediately.

If you need a local professional plumber who can help you repair your hot water system. Check these links below:

4. Gas Leak

Gas leaks are hazardous emergencies. If you believe you have a gas leak in your home, dial emergency services and then a plumber. Open all the doors and windows outside your house, and evacuate.

Never light any fire or spark if you have a gas leak. Even turning on electronics or plugging things in can cause enough of a spark to cause an explosion, so it’s important to be careful the second you notice anything amiss.

Never try to repair a gas leak yourself. Gas can be deadly if you breathe it in confined spaces, so always give yourself as much access to fresh air as possible.

Related article: 4 Factors That Impact Emergency Plumbing Cost

How to Choose an Emergency Plumber

When you’re looking for a local plumber to take care of your home in a plumbing emergency, you want to make the right choice. Look at reviews of a reliable emergency plumber, or check with friends and family to see who they use for plumbing services.

You can also look for a master plumber, which is a plumber that has the highest level of training possible. However, the best way to avoid emergencies is to take preventative measures, such as regularly maintaining your pipes and fixtures and following tips to prevent plumbing emergencies.

In a genuine emergency, you might not have time to look at reviews or websites and compare possible prices. That’s why keeping the number for a local plumber that does emergency plumbing service on hand is essential.

In addition to saving you time and money, keeping the contact on your phone or fridge will bring you peace of mind. Reviewing your policy to determine if your homeowner’s insurance covers these plumbing issues is worth checking.

FAQs

Is a Plumbing Leak Considered an Emergency?

A plumbing leak is considered an emergency in most cases.

You can turn off the water and wait until morning to address minor drips, but in the case of large leaks or if water is pooling or flowing where it shouldn’t, you should call a professional plumber immediately.

Does a Clogged Toilet Count as an Emergency?

A clogged toilet is not an emergency unless it is overflowing or it is your only bathroom access.

A good rule of thumb is that it is considered a plumbing emergency if it cannot wait until morning, it will get worse if left alone for more than a few hours, or it is a danger to you and your home. A blocked drain is rarely a plumbing emergency.

Can You Call a Plumber in the Middle of the Night?

Yes, you can call a plumber in the middle of the night if you have a plumbing emergency, gas leak, or another issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

Plumbers that you hire in the middle of the night or on short notice are called emergency plumbers. Their rates are often higher than regular plumbers, but you will save yourself money in the long run when you consider home repairs that you will need if you leave the emergency untreated.

Always be Ready for a Plumbing Emergency

Having your home flood or dealing with a gas leak can be alarming, but you can save yourself a headache and time by being prepared. Keeping the number for a local emergency plumber on hand and hiring a licensed plumber is a wise decision.

Ensure that you and everyone in your household know where water shut-offs are, what gas smells like, and who to call if things go wrong.

Take good care of your plumbing system, and it should last you a long while. But if the worst happens and you need a Sydney emergency plumber, call Damien McEvoy Plumbing 24 hours a day at (02) 8599 4593.