Plumbing Emergencies 101: What They Are and When to Call for Help

Posted by South Auckland Plumbers on 15 Jul 2025

Plumbing emergencies are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Pipes that burst, blocked drains or fixtures that leak, as well as gas leaks can cause severe damage to your home and put the safety of your family at risk.

It is crucial to deal with these emergencies quickly and efficiently to minimize the damage and ensure that your home is secure. We’ll go over the most commonly encountered types of plumbing emergencies and the best way to handle them in case in the event of an emergency.

Common Plumbing Emergencies

Pipes Burst Pipes

What causes burst pipes?

Burst pipes are usually caused by freezing temperatures, aging pipes or high pressure in the water.

Signs of burst pipes

Signs of burst pipes include low water pressure, strange sounds coming from pipes, wet spots on walls or ceilings, and a decrease in the quality of water.

What should you do in the event of a pipe burst

If you suspect a burst pipe, turn off your main supply of water immediately , and contact an experienced plumber.

Clogged Drains

The causes of blocked drains

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

Signs of clogged drains

The indicators of a blocked drain include slow draining water, noises coming from pipes, and unpleasant odors.

What to do in the event of a clogged drain

Try using a plunger or drain snake to unclog the drain. If these methods don’t work, call a professional plumber.

Leaking Fixtures

Leaks in fixtures are caused by a variety of reasons.

Leaking fixtures are usually caused by worn out or damaged parts.

The signs of leaky fixtures

Signs of leaking fixtures include drips, damp spots on walls or ceilings, and an unexpected increase in water bills.

What to do in the event of a leaking fixture

Try tightening loose connections, or replacing damaged parts. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, contact a professional plumber.

Gas Leaks

The causes of gas leaks

Gas leaks are usually caused by damaged pipes or faulty gas appliances.

Signs of gas leaks

Signs of gas leaks include a hissing or whistling sound near the gas appliance, or a musty egg smell, 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 house immediately and call a professional plumber.

If you need professional help, call us. Assistance

Importance of calling an experienced plumber

Professional plumbers have the expertise of experience, expertise, and the equipment to tackle plumbing emergencies quickly and efficiently. If you attempt to fix a plumbing emergency yourself can put your safety and property at risk.

These are signs that you may require professional help

Signs that suggest you require professional help include a sudden increase in your water bill and a drop in the quality of water, and the inability to solve the issue by yourself.

What should you expect when you reach out for help

If you contact a professional plumber, you can expect a quick response time as well as a thorough analysis of the problem, as well as an upfront cost estimate.

Prevention Tips

Regular maintenance for plumbing

Regularly scheduled maintenance on plumbing can reduce the risk of plumbing problems by identifying and fixing minor problems before they turn into larger ones.

Simple steps to prevent common plumbing issues

Simple steps to avoid common plumbing issues are to use drain screens, avoiding placing grease in drains and avoid flushing items that are not flushable into the toilet.

When is the best time to schedule plumbing inspections

Conduct plumbing inspections each year or bi-annually in order to detect and correct potential problems before they escalate into emergency situations.

Conclusion

Emergencies with plumbing can prove difficult and costly, but addressing them quickly and efficiently can lessen the impact and keep your family safe. Remember to call an expert plumber in case you require assistance, and to make preventive steps to avoid common plumbing problems. If you follow these guidelines to ensure that the system you have in place runs smoothly and avoid stress and expense in the event of an emergency. If you’re facing any plumbing issues do not hesitate to contact South Auckland Plumbers at 0800 001 969. We have a team that is highly skilled and experienced plumbers are available 24 hours a day to assist you with any emergency you may be facing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

If you experience an emergency with plumbing, switch off water to the mains immediately , and call a professional plumber.

Can I fix a plumbing emergency by myself?

It is not advised to attempt and fix a plumbing emergency by yourself. This can put your safety and property at risk. It is recommended to contact a professional plumber for help.

How do I know when to call for help from a professional?

Signs that indicate you need professional help include a sudden rise in your water bills, a decrease in water quality and inability to fix the problem by yourself.

How can I stop the possibility of plumbing problems?

You can prevent plumbing emergencies from happening by scheduling regular maintenance of your plumbing by taking a few steps to avoid typical plumbing issues making sure you schedule plumbing checks each year or bi-annually.

What should I look for in an experienced plumber?

Choose a reputable plumber who is insured, licensed and experienced. They also have a good reputation.

How much does it cost to employ an experienced plumber?

The cost of hiring a professional plumber can vary depending on the type of emergency and the severity of the damage. Call South Auckland Plumbers for an upfront cost estimate.