Don't Panic! Understanding Plumbing Disasters and When to Get Professional Help

Posted by Melbourne 24 Hour Plumber on 8 Apr 2025

Plumbing emergencies are homeowners’ worst nightmare. Burst pipes, clogged drains leaky fixtures, gas leaks can cause severe damage to your property and put the safety of your family at risk.

It is crucial to deal with these emergencies quickly and efficiently to minimize the harm and ensure your home is safe. We’ll discuss the most common types of plumbing emergencies and what you should do in the event in the event of an emergency.

Common Plumbing Emergencies

Burst Pipes

The causes of burst pipes

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

The signs of bursting pipes

Signs of burst pipes include lower water pressure, unusual noises coming from pipes, wet spots on walls or ceilings, as well as a decrease in the quality of water.

What to do in the event of a pipe burst

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

Clogged Drains

What causes drains to become clogged?

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

Signs of blocked drains

The signs of a blocked drain are slow draining water, noises coming from pipes, as well as unpleasant odors.

What to do in the event of a clogged drain

Try using a plunger or a drain snake to unclog the drain. If neither of these approaches succeed, you should call a professional plumber.

Leaking Fixtures

Leaks in fixtures are caused by a variety of reasons.

Leaking fixtures are often caused by worn out or damaged components.

Evidence of fixtures that are leaking

Signs of leaky fixtures include dripping sounds, wet spots on walls or ceilings, and a sudden rise in the cost of water.

What to do in the event of a leaking fixture

Try tightening loose connections or replacing damaged components. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, you should contact an experienced plumber.

Gas Leaks

Gas leaks are caused by a variety of reasons.

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

Signs of gas leaks

The signs of gas leaks include whistling or hissing sounds close to devices that use gas, bad egg smell, as well as dizziness or headaches.

What to do in case of a gas leak

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

When should you call for professional Help

It is important to call an experienced plumber

Professional plumbers have the knowledge skills, experience and equipment to tackle plumbing emergencies efficiently and quickly. Doing the repair of an issue with plumbing yourself could risk your safety and your property at risk.

Signs that indicate you need professional assistance

Signs that suggest you require professional assistance include an abrupt rise in your water bills, a decrease in the quality of water and inability to fix the problem by yourself.

What to expect when you call to get help

When you reach out to a professional plumber to fix your plumbing issue, you can count on rapid response time and a thorough evaluation of the problem, and an upfront estimate of cost.

Prevention Tips

Regular maintenance for plumbing

Regular maintenance of plumbing can prevent plumbing issues in identifying small problems before they turn into bigger ones.

Simple steps to avoid plumbing problems that are common

Simple methods to avoid common plumbing issues are to use drain screens, not placing grease in 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 in order to detect and correct potential problems before they escalate into emergency situations.

Conclusion

Emergencies with plumbing can prove stressful and expensive, however addressing these issues quickly and efficiently will lessen the impact and protect your family. Make sure to contact an experienced plumber in case you require assistance, and to adopt preventive measures to avoid plumbing issues that are common. If you follow these guidelines to ensure the plumbing runs smoothly and avoid costly and stressful emergencies. If you’re facing any plumbing issues do not hesitate to contact Melbourne 24 Hour Plumber at 1300 701 217. We have a team that is highly trained and skilled plumbers is available 24/7 to help you with any plumbing emergency you’re experiencing.

Most Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What should I do in the event of an emergency with plumbing?

In the event of an emergency with plumbing, switch off the main water supply immediately and make a call to an experienced plumber.

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

It is not advised to attempt to repair a plumbing problem by yourself. This could put your health and property at risk. It’s best to call an experienced plumber to help.

How do I know when to call for professional help?

Signs that suggest you need professional assistance are a sudden increase in water bills and a drop in water quality and inability to solve the issue your self.

What can I do to prevent plumbing issues from occurring?

You can avoid plumbing emergencies from occurring by scheduling regular maintenance for your plumbing and taking the necessary steps to avoid common plumbing problems, making sure you schedule plumbing checks annually or bi-annually.

What should I be looking for in a professional plumber?

Choose a reputable 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 an experienced plumber will vary based on the type of emergency that is being faced and the extent of the damage. Get in touch with Melbourne 24 Hour Plumber for an upfront cost estimate.