Identifying Plumbing Disasters: When to Reach Out to for Professional Assistance

Posted by South Auckland Plumber on 2 Jan 2025

Plumbing emergencies are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Burst pipes, clogged drains leaky fixtures, gas leaks can cause serious damage to your property and put your family’s safety at risk.

It’s important to address these emergencies quickly and efficiently to limit the damage and keep your home safe. This article will look at the most commonly encountered kinds of plumbing issues and what you should do in the event in the event of an emergency.

Common Types of Plumbing Emergencies

Burst Pipes

Causes of burst pipes

Pipe bursts are typically caused by cold temperatures, old pipes or high pressure in the water.

The signs of bursting pipes

Signs of burst pipes include low pressure in the water, odd noises emanating from pipes wet spots on walls or ceilings, and a decrease in water quality.

What should you do in the event of a pipe burst

If you suspect a burst pipe, turn off water to the source immediately and call a professional plumber.

Clogged Drains

Causes of clogged drains

The majority of blocked drains are caused by hair buildup, soap scum, and other sludge in pipes.

Signs of clogged drains

Signs of clogged drains include the slow drainage of water gurgling noises emanating from pipes, and foul smells.

What should you do in the event of a blocked drain

Try using a plunger or a drain snake to free the drain. If these methods don’t work, call a professional plumber.

Leaking Fixtures

The causes of leaky fixtures

Leaking fixtures are typically caused by worn out or damaged parts.

Signs of leaking fixtures

Signs of leaking fixtures include water spots that drip, wet areas on walls or ceilings, and a sudden increase in water bills.

What should you do in the event of a leaky fixture

Try tightening any loose connections or replacing damaged parts. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, call an experienced plumber.

Gas Leaks

Causes of gas leaks

Gas leaks are often caused due to damaged pipes or defective gas appliances.

Signs of gas leaks

The signs of gas leaks include a hissing or whistling sound near the gas appliance, or a musty egg smell, dizziness, or headaches.

What to do in the event of a gas leak

If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate the home as soon as you notice a gas leak and then call an experienced plumber.

When to Call for Professional Help

It is important to call a professional plumber

Professional plumbers are equipped with the knowledge, experience, and equipment to tackle plumbing emergencies efficiently and quickly. Doing the repair of an issue with plumbing yourself could put your life and safety at risk.

Signs that indicate you need professional assistance

Signs that suggest you require professional help include a sudden rise in your water bills or a decline in the quality of your water and inability to resolve the issue yourself.

What should you expect when you call to get help

When you reach out to a professional plumber, you can expect prompt response as well as a thorough analysis of the problem, and an upfront cost estimate.

Prevention Tips

Regular plumbing maintenance

Regular plumbing maintenance can help prevent plumbing emergencies through a quick identification and fix of small problems before they turn into bigger ones.

Simple steps to prevent common plumbing issues

Simple ways to prevent common plumbing issues include using drain screens, refraining from pouring grease down drains, and avoid flushing items that are not flushable into the toilet.

When to schedule plumbing inspections

Plan plumbing inspections every year or bi-annually to identify and fix potential problems before they turn into emergencies.

Conclusion

Emergencies with plumbing can prove difficult and expensive, but dealing with them quickly and efficiently can lessen the impact and ensure your family’s safety. Remember to call an experienced plumber for assistance and to take preventive measures to avoid plumbing issues that are common. With these suggestions, you can ensure the plumbing is running smoothly and avoid stress and expense in the event of an emergency. If you’re facing an emergency with your plumbing do not hesitate to contact South Auckland Plumber at 0800 001 969. We have a team that is highly trained and skilled plumbers is available 24/7 to assist you with any issue you might be experiencing.

Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can I do in the case of an emergency with plumbing?

In the event of an emergency with plumbing, switch off your main supply of water immediately and contact a professional plumber.

Do I have the ability to fix a plumbing emergency by myself?

It’s not recommended to try to repair a plumbing problem yourself. This could put your health and your property in danger. It is recommended to contact an experienced plumber to assist you.

What should I do to know when I should call to get help from a professional?

Signs that indicate you need professional assistance include an abrupt increase in water bills, a decrease in the quality of water and the inability to solve the issue your self.

How can I prevent plumbing issues from occurring?

It is possible to prevent plumbing emergencies from occurring by scheduling regular maintenance for your plumbing, taking simple steps to avoid common plumbing problems making sure you schedule plumbing checks every year or bi-annually.

What do I need to be looking for in an experienced plumber?

Choose a reputable plumber who is licensed, insured, experienced, and has a good reputation.

How much does it cost to hire a professional plumber?

Cost of employing an experienced plumber can vary depending on the type of emergency that is being faced and the severity of the damage. Contact South Auckland Plumber for an upfront cost estimate.