Plumbing emergencies can happen out of the blue and leave you in a spin. Knowing when to call an emergency plumber and what types of situations require immediate attention can save you from further damage to your property and money in the long run.
What Is Emergency Plumbing?
Emergency plumbing is when you have an unexpected plumbing situation and require a plumber to attend your site to fix it, outside of normal working hours. These situations usually involve large-scale or damaging water leaks that are beyond your ability to stop. Emergency plumbing situations can be plumbing issues that, if left unresolved, can cause damage, disrupt your daily routine or pose a health risk. Emergency plumbers are trained to respond quickly and fix the problem to stop further damage.
When Is Emergency Plumbing Required?
Emergency plumbing services are needed when a plumbing issue is urgent and requires attention to avoid damage to your property or health risks. This can be situations where water damage, flooding or leaks may occur or if your home or business is at risk of a hazardous situation, such as a sewage backup.
Emergency Plumbing Pricing: What To Expect
When it comes to emergency plumbing, pricing varies based on urgency, complexity and time of day. While some plumbing issues may be straightforward, others may require more work, such as pipe replacements or special equipment.
Factors That Affect Emergency Plumbing Costs:
There are various factors that affect the cost of needing a plumber after hours, including: Time of Day – Most emergency plumbing services charge more outside of business hours, such as late nights, weekends and public holidays. You’ll pay a premium for after-hours calls. Nature of the Issue – Simple issues like a blocked drain may be cheaper to fix than more complex problems like a burst pipe or sewage backup, which often require immediate and extensive repairs. Location – Where you live can also impact the cost. If you’re in a rural area, you may incur extra travel fees. Required Equipment – Some emergency plumbing issues may require special tools or equipment, such as a sewer camera or high-pressure water jetting, which can add to the cost of the service.
Examples of Emergency Plumbing Situations
Burst Pipes
A burst pipe can cause water damage in a short amount of time. If you notice a sudden loss of water pressure or hear the sound of rushing water, call an emergency plumber ASAP.
Blocked Drains
While blocked drains are manageable, a completely blocked drain can cause sewage backups, flooding or unpleasant odours. If you can’t clear a drain with a plunger or chemical-based drain unblocker and the water is overflowing, it’s time to call for emergency plumbing services.
Sewage Backup
Sewage backups are not only gross but also a serious health risk due to bacteria. If you see water backing up into your sinks, bath, shower or toilets, call an emergency plumber now.
Water Heater Failure
A faulty water heater can leave you without hot water, which can be inconvenient or even dangerous, especially during winter. If your water heater stops working suddenly, an emergency plumber can fix or replace it fast.
Overflowing Toilets
A toilet that overflows can quickly cause water damage, especially if it’s a recurring issue. You must address toilet overflows immediately to stop water from spilling into your home and damaging floors and walls.
What Do I Do If I Have An Emergency Plumbing Situation?
If you need emergency plumbing services, the first thing to do is turn off the water supply to prevent further damage. Find the water shut-off valve in your home and turn it off now. If you can’t do this, try to stop the water flow in any way you can. Once you’ve stopped the water flow, call a licensed emergency plumber. Describe the issue in as much detail as possible so the plumber can assess the urgency of the situation and come prepared with the right tools and equipment. In many cases, time is of the essence. It’s a good idea to save the contact details of a trusted emergency plumber in advance so you’re prepared when an emergency happens.
If you have a plumbing emergency, DMACK Plumbing & Gas is here to help. Call us on 0407 851 244, and we’ll fix your problem, 24/7.
