There are certain steps to take during a plumbing emergency to ensure that everything is safe and handled correctly. Contacting professional emergency plumbing services and performing small checks and tasks helps to prevent problems escalating during the issue. Here at Optimised Plumbing Services, we offer reliable Emergency Plumber services for us to expertly handle plumbing emergencies at any time.
The steps to take during a plumbing emergency are:
- Contact a 24/7 emergency plumbing service
- Switch off the main water shut-off valve
- Turn off the hot water system
- Find any water leaks or burst pipes
What Do I Do During a Plumbing Emergency?
The main steps to follow when experiencing a plumbing emergency are:
Find a Trusted Emergency Plumber
Finding a good plumber that is available 24 hours a day and can help with plumbing emergencies is an important first step. It is highly recommended to contact an emergency plumber first to have their opinion on whether a plumber is needed or not. The plumber might simply suggest at-home methods if the issue is small. Most will arrive as soon as possible to inspect the problem themselves. Before they arrive they may suggest a few tips to help ease the plumbing emergency and ensure the problem does not escalate or no further problems can develop.
Switch Off the Water Shut-Off Valve
It is often encouraged that during a plumbing emergency that the main water shut-off valve is switched off. This is to ensure that the plumbing concern which often involves water leaking, bursting or flooding does not escalate. The shut-off valve will most time be located outside and on the water meter which is often at the front or side of the home. Turning off the main water supply will not resolve the plumbing issue but prevent any water issues from occurring. Plumbing repairs will still need to occur to ensure the problem does not continue.
Turn Off the Hot Water Heater
When the shut-off valve is switched off then it is important to turn off the water heater system as well. If the electric hot water system runs but there is no water passing through then the system can heat up and can be damaged. When the water heater is gas-powered then turning off the gas is also important to prevent major damages.
Find Any Leaks or Burst Pipes
Finding where the leaking pipe or burst pipe is will help the plumber in quickly repairing the problem. Trying to tighten joints or pipes can be attempted but most times leaving it to the plumber is more effective. Often if water has pooled in one area is a good sign that the leak is coming from or near that location.
What are Common Plumbing Emergency Situations?
The common types of plumbing emergencies that people go through and plumbers are often called to handle are:
Burst Pipes
Burst pipe concerns often result in a plumber needing to resolve the problem. When a pipe bursts it can cause water to flood and damage the walls, ceilings, floors and surrounding objects. A pipe will burst most times from it being old, parts being damaged or incorrectly installed or from an accidental hit causing the pipe to burst water.
Blockages
A Blocked Drain is another type of plumbing problem where it can cause serious plumbing issues. Water may not be able to flow correctly through, the pipe could become damaged and there are more problems that can occur from blockages. A plumber will be able to repair the clog using professional techniques and ensure the system can be correctly used again.
Toilet Blockages and Issues
Toilet repairs often involve blockages or the system is broken and where a plumber needs to fix the issues. The wrong items could have been flushed down the toilet leading to a major blockage or a part of the toilet may have broken and needs replacing. When the toilet does not work it is important to contact a plumber as soon as possible so the problem can be resolved and the toilet can be used again.
Gas Leaks
Certified emergency plumbers can work with gas fitting systems and when there is a problem with them they can repair it. A gas leak is often the main repair needed and when the signs of a gas leak are noticed then it is important to contact a problem as soon as possible.
Roof Leaks
Roof leaks are often from damaged roof parts and lead to water leaking into the home. A plumber should be contacted as soon as possible to repair the roof because the water that leaks into the home can cause water damage which can be avoided.
Storm Damage
During or after a storm a plumber may need to be contacted due to plumbing being damaged and needing repairs.
Plumbing Flooding
House flooding can also occur from storms but also when plumbing systems around the home are damaged. A plumber will be able to find the reason for the flooding then repair the issue to stop the flooding from occurring.
Hot Water Heater Issues
Hot water system issues, such as water heater leaks, should always be addressed by a licensed plumber. Electric, gas and solar water heaters need to be repaired by a plumber to ensure no further issues occur and the system works perfectly again as soon as possible.
Overflowing Drains
Overflowing drains can be a result of broken or blocked pipes that result in water or sewage coming back into the home. If the problem is happening then contacting a 24 hour plumber is important so the plumbing can flow properly and not back from the pipe.
Professional Emergency Plumbers Helping at All Times
Optimised Plumbing Services is here to help with any plumbing emergency at any time of the day. Our fully qualified plumbers will arrive fast for all jobs in any place within Sydney, including South Western Sydney and Inner West. When needing urgent plumbers to resolve any type of plumbing emergency – rely on Optimised Plumbing Services!
