What do you do when a plumbing disaster strikes in the early hours of the morning? Of course, you call an emergency plumber and request emergency plumbing services!
Immediate care from a professional plumber for plumbing issues in your plumbing system is essential for the long-term safety of appliances and parts. If plumbing problems are left untreated, they can worsen over time and may lead to irreparable damage to household equipment. Undoubtedly, it’s wiser to fix the issue as soon as you spot it rather than wait for it to get out of control.
Besides, plumbing issues are more accessible to treat if dealt with immediately. Calling Sydney emergency plumbers gives you immediate solutions and saves you time and money from otherwise long-term property damage.
But the question arises — What constitutes an emergency plumbing problem that requires urgent attention from professional plumbers? Well, read on to find out.
Why Should You Identify A Plumbing Emergency?
It might be easier to distinguish plumbing issues that can be considered emergencies from those that are not. A dripping tap is a plumbing issue, but it’s hardly an emergency that requires urgent plumbing repairs, and you go out of your way to call trusted local plumbers for that.
Most plumbing companies have two types of plumbers on standby: routine and emergency plumbers. There isn’t much difference between the two since both are equally qualified and equipped to handle any plumbing job that might need attention. The only difference is that routine plumbers are available during business hours, while emergency plumbers are on call 24 hours a day.
Now, even though the qualifications of all plumbers are the same, there is generally a higher fee for emergency plumbers. So, if you can identify a plumbing emergency, you can determine when to call an emergency plumber. In other words, knowing if the regular plumber can handle the task in the morning will help you save on extra fees.
7 Reasons To Call An Emergency Plumber In Sydney
1. Gas Smell/ Leak
A gas leak needs immediate attention because it can be hazardous. If you can smell gas in your kitchen, the first thing to do is turn the gas off. Next, open all the windows and doors in the kitchen and adjoining rooms so fresh air can enter and the collected gas can dissipate.
Call your qualified gas fitters to inspect and fix the gas pipes immediately. As you can imagine, the volatile nature of the gas makes a leakage one of the most significant emergencies you can face. Also, do not turn on any electrical devices like fans or lighters around the leak area, and if required, you may need to call emergency services depending on the severity.
2. Burst Pipe
Burst water pipes can cause severe damage and add considerable costs to your water bill. Once a water pipe bursts, it can damage wooden floors, carpets, walls, and even cabinets. Although the reasons vary, a pipe may often burst because of something heavy colliding or accidentally falling on it.
It could also be that the previous work on the pipe was incorrect, causing it to fail. Additionally, wear due to the pipe’s age and low-quality fixtures can lead to sudden pipe bursts.
If you face this issue, switch off the main water pipe next to the meter to avoid flooding your home. Call a local plumber immediately and have it fixed. Plus, the technicians will clean up the mess before leaving.
3. Blocked Sewer
If you notice an overwhelmingly smelly toilet, something is not correct. A pungent stench in the toilet can indicate that the downpipe has issues or is clogged, which could be directly connected to the sewage system in your home. This main sewer carries wastewater from the toilets, bathtubs, showers, sinks, and washing machines to the community sewer.
If this pipeline is blocked or leaking, it will not be able to carry the waste properly, resulting in stinky bathrooms and toilets. It is better to fix this issue immediately unless you want a foul mess.
4. No Water In Taps
Water from the pipes could shut off for various reasons, but it is not common for this to happen. If the water flow suddenly drops or shuts off, it could mean a critical leak or a problem with the main water line. Check the other taps in the house, including hot and cold water systems, to confirm.
It’s possible that the leak originated in one part of the house, but the absence of water in any of the taps might mean severe damage to the mainline. So, if none of the fixtures are running, there is a high chance of a burst pipe somewhere in the system.
Make no delay and call an emergency plumber to check the pipes.
5. No Hot Water/ Water Heater Issues
Has this happened? You turn on the pipes for your energising morning shower, ready to take on the day. The water that hits your back is not warm and comforting but stinging, cold, and bone-chilling. The heater may have a few issues that need fixing but check the hot water unit power supply.
Alternatively, it could be a harmless case of excessive water use throughout the day, and the heater cannot keep up. But if it looks like hot water storage tanks or heater damage, it is not something you should meddle with yourself. It would be best to consult a professional to identify and fix the issue with your hot water system and water pressure.
6. Hearing Running Water
There is one incident that can occur without homeowners even knowing about it. The problem is often discovered when someone hears water running at night or during the quiet hours of the day without turning on the taps. Undoubtedly, hearing this can be considered an emergency.
The reason you must take this seriously is the simple fact that internal leaks can wreak havoc on several systems simultaneously. They can go unnoticed for a long time and damage walls and property, requiring hundreds of dollars in repair.
7. Leaking Pipes
Leaks in the corners, water collecting on the roof, or dripping through the ceiling are signs of leaking or faulty pipes. The situation is tricky if the water has already started to organise into a pool on your floors or is coming through the pavers in your driveway. Don’t postpone the issue by placing buckets to collect the dripping water, and call your nearest emergency plumber instead.
Another situation people might observe is tiny leaks from random pipes or the more common issue of the shower leaking despite being turned off. If the water flow is low, a routine check should be enough. But if you and the house are getting drenched in water, call the emergency plumber immediately.
Hiring A Licensed Plumber For Emergencies
You may think that DIY videos online are enough to fix household plumbing issues. And while that may be possible if you know your way around fixtures and equipment, most people don’t have the expertise to handle emergencies. It can damage the pipeline further if it is not handled with care.
If you are not trained in handling plumbing repairs, it’s best to hire a licensed technician to do the job for you. They can make safe, quick repairs and will deliver high-quality work, meaning you can rely on them for emergencies and all your plumbing needs.
Besides, a few states do not allow homeowners to perform plumbing fixes that affect household health. For example, you need a license before undertaking any plumbing operation in New South Wales.
Knowing When To Contact A Sydney Emergency Plumber
These seven issues are the most common reasons to consult an emergency plumber in Sydney. To stay safer, check your plumbing for any problems that can be prevented before they escalate to full-blown complications.
We hope this short guide can help you identify situations that are considered emergencies. So, the next time a plumbing scare occurs, you can distinguish between an emergency plumber and a routine plumber.
For affordable plumbing services, check out our emergency plumber in Sydney. Our excellent customer service representatives are on standby for your urgent call for emergency plumbing service, including burst pipes, faulty hot water systems, backflow, etc. We also cater to minor plumbing work like blocked drains, leaking taps, bathroom and shower repairs, and overflowing toilets.
With that, we will see you soon, bye!