Don't Panic! Knowing Plumbing Emergencies and When to Seek Expert Assistance

Posted by Sutherland 24 Hour Plumber on 17 Dec 2025

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

It is crucial to deal with these issues quickly and effectively to minimize the damage and ensure your home is safe. We’ll discuss the most commonly encountered kinds of plumbing issues and what you should do in case of an emergency.

Common Types of Plumbing Emergencies

Burst Pipes

What causes burst pipes?

The majority of burst pipes are caused by freezing temperatures, aging pipes, or high water pressure.

Signs of burst pipes

The signs of a burst pipe include low water pressure, strange sounds coming from pipes, wet spots on walls or ceilings, and a decline in water quality.

What should you do in the event of a pipe burst

If you suspect the possibility of a burst pipe, shut off the main water supply immediately , and contact an experienced plumber.

Clogged Drains

Causes of clogged drains

Clogged drains are typically caused by the buildup of hair soap scum, soap, and other debris in pipes.

Signs of clogged drains

The indicators of a blocked drain include the slow drainage of water loud gurgling sounds emanating from pipes, and unpleasant odors.

What to do in case of a blocked drain

Try using a plunger or drain snake to clear the drain. If these methods don’t work, contact an experienced plumber.

Leaking Fixtures

Causes of leaking fixtures

Leaking fixtures are often caused by worn or damaged parts.

Signs of leaking fixtures

The signs of leaking fixtures are water spots that drip, wet areas on walls or ceilings, and an unexpected increase in water bills.

What to do in case of a leaky fixture

Try tightening any loose connections, or replacing damaged components. If this doesn’t solve the issue, contact a professional plumber.

Gas Leaks

Causes of gas leaks

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

Gas leaks are a sign of trouble.

Signs of gas leaks include whistling or hissing sound close to devices that use gas, rotten egg smell, as well as dizziness or headaches.

What to do in the event of the possibility of a gas leak

If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate the house immediately and call an experienced plumber.

When should you call for professional Assistance

It is important to call an experienced plumber

Professional plumbers have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to handle plumbing emergencies quickly and efficiently. If you attempt to fix a plumbing emergency yourself can put your life and safety at risk.

The signs that suggest you require professional help

Signs that indicate you need professional assistance include an abrupt increase in your water bill or a decline in the quality of water, and the inability to resolve the issue by yourself.

What can you expect to find out when you reach out for help

When you call a professional plumber and you will receive rapid response time and a thorough evaluation of the issue, and an estimate of the cost upfront.

Prevention Tips

Regular maintenance for plumbing

Regular plumbing maintenance can help prevent plumbing emergencies through a quick identification and fix of minor issues before they become larger ones.

Simple steps to avoid common plumbing problems

Simple methods to avoid common plumbing issues include using drain screens, not pouring grease down drains, and avoid flushing items that are not flushable in the toilet.

When to schedule plumbing inspections

Plan plumbing inspections every year or bi-annually in order to detect and address potential issues before they turn into emergencies.

Conclusion

Plumbing emergencies can be stressful and expensive, but dealing with these issues quickly and efficiently will lessen the impact and protect your family. Make sure to contact a professional plumber for assistance and to make preventive steps to avoid the most common plumbing issues. By following these tips to ensure that the system you have in place runs smoothly and prevent costly and stressful emergencies. If you’re in the middle of an emergency with your plumbing, don’t hesitate to call Sutherland 24 Hour Plumber at 1300 961 421. Our team of highly skilled and knowledgeable plumbers are available 24 hours a day to assist you with any plumbing emergency you’re experiencing.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What should I do in case of an emergency plumbing situation?

In the event of an emergency in plumbing, shut off your main supply of water right away and call an experienced plumber.

Do I have the ability to repair a plumbing problem myself?

It’s not recommended to try to fix a plumbing issue yourself. It could put your life and property at risk. It is recommended to contact a professional plumber for help.

What do I know about when I should call for help from a professional?

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

What can I do to prevent the possibility of plumbing problems?

You can prevent plumbing emergencies from occurring by scheduling regular maintenance for your plumbing and taking the necessary steps to avoid typical plumbing issues, and scheduling plumbing inspections annually or bi-annually.

What do I be looking for in a professional plumber?

Look for a professional plumber who is licensed, insured, experienced, and has an excellent reputation.

What’s the price to hire an experienced plumber?

It is expensive to hire a professional plumber can vary depending on the nature of the emergency and the extent of the damage. Get in touch with Sutherland 24 Hour Plumber for an upfront cost estimate.