Even the most seasoned DIY enthusiast should know that there’s a time when you need to lay down the tools and call a professional. This is especially the case when it comes to those dreaded plumbing emergencies that have a nasty way of happening at the most inopportune times.

Having to deal with these issues is what prompts many locals to use the emergency plumber Brisbane residents have on speed dial. With this in mind, it’s essential to know what qualifies as a plumbing emergency as getting a problem fixed early can prevent damage and additional costs.

Know What Plumbing Emergencies Are

Not everyone will agree on what classifies as a plumbing emergency. This is because emergency plumbing may involve a higher call-out fee as repairs take place outside of office hours. However, while some problems can hold until your plumber’s office opens, it’s essential to know which won’t.

Leaving a critical emergency to brew for hours can result in a much bigger problem that will end up costing far more than the emergency call-out fee. Here’s a list of the possible emergencies that will require an emergency plumber.

1.     A Pipe Burst

Some plumbing emergencies, such as water leaks, are a sign that some other problem is brewing. A burst pipe is not one of these signs. When you’re dealing with a burst pipe it’s an indication that the problem has already occurred and all you can do is minimise the damage.

Burst pipes that happen out in the open are easy to see. Those that occur behind walls can be challenging to identify. Not knowing when you leak into a wall can cause significant damage.

Our experts suggest looking out for the following signs that you may be dealing with a behind-the-scenes water leak:

• Sewage smells in different areas of the house
• Water dripping or running behind walls causing stains, peeling paint cracked plaster
• Gurgling sounds in the walls that happen when the burst pipe lets air in
• You can hear water gushing somewhere else when you open a tap in the kitchen or bathroom

2.     Your Home Smells Like Gas

When it comes to identifying plumbing emergencies, gas is always on the top of the list. Whenever there’s a gas smell in your home, it’s crucial to call your emergency plumber immediately.

You should also turn the gas off and get everyone out of the house until your plumber arrives. Teach younger kids that gas usually smells like rotten eggs so that they will be able to identify the sins when you’re not home. It’s also a good idea to invest in carbon monoxide alarms to help alert you to a gas leak.

3.     You Have a Severely Clogged Drain

Drains can quickly rise when there’s a blockage somewhere down the pipeline. While this is usually an issue that you can resolve on your own, a drain that’s already overflowing can be made worse by using a plunger.

If the drain is overflowing into the sinks and then onto your floors, this can cause significant damage to flooring, carpets, and furniture. This can also be a health hazard. If the blockage can’t be plunged, it’s a good idea to call the plumber.

4.     There’s a Sound of Running Water When the Taps are Closed

Any busy home will have water running throughout the day and sometimes into the night. People are bathing, and showering, washing machines and dishwashers are running, and taps are being opened and closed while food is being prepared.

However, if you hear water running when all the taps are closed, It’s an indication that you have a water leak somewhere. It’s essential to turn the water off and look for the leak.

Use towels and blankets to dry floors and furnishings to prevent any additional damage. Keep the water turned off until the plumber arrives to prevent an inflated water bill.

5.      You Have No Hot Water

When your usual shower stream of hot water is replaced by an icy cold blast, it’s another sign that there may be a large problem brewing. This type of issue is usually associated with a faulty water heater.

You could be dealing with anything from a tripped fused box to a faulty thermostat or heating element. Be sure to check your heater for signs of water leaks as this will help you identify the issue. If there is a leak, the problem could become worse if the water is continuously switched on. Switch the water off until your plumber arrives.

Final Thoughts

Essentially, the definition of a plumbing emergency is one that poses a risk to your family’s well-being or can cause potential damage to your property. Always assess the situation, turn off the water, gas, and even power if it’s necessary and call your emergency plumber. They will give you additional instructions on how to safeguard your property until they arrive. Use our list of common plumbing emergencies to help you identify what you’re dealing with. Tending to the problem as quickly as possible will save you time and money.