How to Handle a Plumbing Emergency

When a plumbing emergency strikes, it’s essential to get it fixed as soon as possible to minimise any damage to your home.

At EXPERT PLUMBING & SOLAR SERVICES we know plumbing emergencies come in all shapes and sizes. In this blog, we’ll be taking a look at some of the most common types of plumbing emergencies and what to do when you’re confronted with them.

What Qualifies as a Plumbing Emergency?

A plumbing emergency is any plumbing issue that could compromise the safety of those within your property or cause significant water damage.

Some of the most common types of plumbing emergencies include:

Burst Pipe

A burst pipe can result in thousands of dollars worth of damage, so it’s essential to get it fixed as soon as possible. If a pipe has burst in your home, the first thing that you need to do is switch off your water supply at the mains by turning the stopcock.

If the pipe is close to any electrical outlets, turn these off immediately and call your local plumber to assess the damage.

Gas Leak

Detecting a gas leak can be tricky, but if you suspect a leak due to strange smells or feeling nauseous, taking action straight away could save your life.

Turn off the gas at the mains immediately, open all of your doors and windows and leave the property. Then, call an emergency plumber to attend to the property as soon as possible and check your boiler.

Blocked Drains

The baths, showers, and sinks in your home are prone to becoming clogged with hair, soap, and other debris that can only be removed with strong chemicals.

If the clog is so severe that it’s stopping the flow of water entirely, you can try and use an at-home drain cleaner. If this doesn’t make a difference, it’s time to call your plumber to fix your blocked drains.

Clogged Toilet

Your toilet is one of the most frequently used plumbing installations in your home, so it’s more susceptible to general wear and tear.

If your toilet has become clogged and isn’t attended to quickly, it can become a health hazard. There are several methods you can use to unclog a toilet, from using a plunger to pouring hot water and dish soap down the basin.



If these attempts are unsuccessful, don’t be afraid to get in touch with your plumber to rectify the issue.

Leaking Taps

If a tap in your home won’t turn off properly and is dripping constantly, it can also cause your water bill to add up and can even encourage mould to grow.

It can be difficult to fix a leaking tap yourself, so give your plumber a call as soon as possible.

No Hot Water

There’s nothing more frustrating than realising that your shower and taps are running cold. A lack of hot water can be due to several factors, including a faulty boiler or a blockage.

If you’re not sure what’s causing the problem, get in touch with your plumber so they can investigate and perform any repairs.

If you’re struggling to deal with a plumbing emergency, get in touch with the experts here at Expert Plumbing and Solar Services Bathurst and we’ll be happy to help.