Let’s face it: a plumbing emergency can be a real nightmare. It can happen at any time, on any day, and often without any word of warning. But like many adverse situations, how you deal with a plumbing emergency makes all the difference to how you get out of it.
So what’s the best way to tackle an urgent plumbing situation at home? A methodical approach is often the best way. Every property owner should be prepared for unexpected plumbing disasters and, with the right knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to deal with them when they happen.
What is considered a plumbing emergency?
Before we look at how to deal with a plumbing emergency, let’s first determine what actually constitutes a plumbing emergency.
As it happens, a plumbing emergency is typically any serious issue that needs immediate attention. That being said, what one person might consider a mild inconvenience just might be a serious issue to another person. Here are some common situations that most people would consider to be plumbing emergencies:
- Burst pipes – These can flood your home quickly and cause significant water damage.
- Blocked drains – When water stops draining properly, it can lead to flooding or sewage backups.
- Overflowing toilets – This can lead to water damage and unsanitary conditions.
- No hot water – If your hot water system fails completely, it may need urgent repair.
- Sewer backups – This poses serious health risks and should be addressed right away.
- Gas leaks – Usually first noticed by a rotten egg smell, gas leaks require urgent attention.
If you’re unsure whether your situation is an emergency, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult a plumber ASAP. An emergency after hours plumber will be able to help you resolve your issue no matter what the time of day.
With that in mind, let’s outline the steps to take before you call the plumber (and while you wait for them to arrive).
Step 1: Assess the situation
In any plumbing emergency, the first thing to do is calmly assess the situation. You need to know just how bad the problem is before you call the plumber and describe it to them. Is it a small leak or a burst pipe flooding your home? Look for signs like water pooling, dripping ceilings or strange sounds like gurgling or hissing.
Knowing what you’re dealing with helps you determine what to do next. For example, a slow drip is a relatively minor problem that you’ll be able to temporarily contain, while more serious issues like a sewer backup need immediate attention. Take a moment to assess the risk. If you feel it’s too dangerous, or beyond your control, then it’s time to call a plumber.
Step 2: Shut off the water
When you’re face to face with an emergency plumbing situation at home, the next step – your first practical step – is to shut off the water at the mains. If said emergency involves water gushing from a burst pipe or an overflowing fixture, turning off the water will go a long way towards minimising damage.
Every home has a main water valve. You’ll usually find it near the water meter, but knowing exactly where it is before disaster strikes is essential. Once you’ve found the valve, turn it clockwise until the water shuts off. If you’ve isolated the issue to a specific fixture, like a toilet or the kitchen sink, they’ll typically have their own shut-off valves you can use instead.
Act fast to turn off the water and you’ll save time to assess the situation or call a plumber.
Step 3: Stop minor leaks
At face value, a minor leak from your kitchen tap may not seem like a big deal. Leave it unchecked for too long though, and you won’t just unnecessarily waste a lot of water (potentially over 12000L a year), but you can quickly encounter bigger problems too.
Once you’ve identified a small leak, your goal is to contain it as best as possible until your plumber arrives. As a temporary fix, you can use plumbers tape or a cloth wrapped around the leaky pipe. Place a bucket or container under the leak to catch any drips and keep the area dry to avoid slippery surfaces. The previous step of turning off the water supply to the affected fixture will also stop the leak for the time being.
These quick fixes won’t fix the problem permanently. However, they will buy you time and reduce the mess until a plumber can fix it properly.
Step 4: Unclog drains temporarily
If you have a blocked drain you can do a few things to unclog it temporarily and prevent further problems.
The trusty plunger should be the first tool in your arsenal – it can work wonders on sinks, toilets and showers by creating suction to dislodge whatever is causing the blockage. If that doesn’t work, you can use a drain snake or even a bent wire coat hanger to fish out any debris. Try and avoid using chemical drain cleaners though. These can corrode your pipes and often make the problem worse.
These quick fixes will give you some relief until your plumber can clear the drain properly.
Step 5: Turn off power (If you need to)
Some plumbing emergencies, particularly those where flooding has occurred, require you to turn off the power to maintain safety.
As we all know, the combination of water and electricity is life-threatening, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. If there’s even the slightest possibility of water reaching powerpoints, appliances or any electrical wiring, you need to turn off the power in the affected areas.
Find your home’s fuse box or circuit breaker and turn off the power to the affected rooms. Don’t touch anything electrical if it’s wet or submerged. If you’re at all unsure or the situation feels unsafe, wait for professional help.
Step 6: Call an emergency plumber
If you haven’t done so already, call an emergency plumber once you’ve contained the situation. A licensed plumber can assess the emergency and resolve it properly without causing further damage.
When you call, be prepared to explain the problem as clearly as you can. The more detail you can provide, the more equipped the plumber can be to fix the problem quickly.
While quick fixes can help, they will likely only get you so far. For lasting peace of mind and long term protection of your home, you’ll need a professional repair.
Stay calm and take action
When faced with a plumbing emergency, staying calm and taking the right action can make all the difference.
By assessing the situation, turning off the water and managing minor issues like leaks or blockages you can prevent further damage and buy time. Always make safety a priority; turn off the power if necessary and never do anything that feels unsafe. Once you’ve contained the immediate problem don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber. They’ll have the skills and tools to fix the problem properly.
Being prepared with basic knowledge and an emergency plumber’s contact number will keep you in control when disaster strikes. With the right approach you can reduce stress and protect your home from damage.
