What To Do While You Wait For An Emergency Plumber

Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time and without warning, which is why it’s often vital to act quickly. While waiting for an emergency plumber to arrive, there are key steps you can take to minimise damage and maintain safety.

An emergency plumbing situation is any plumbing issue that requires immediate attention to prevent further damage or risk to your health, safety or property. These can include burst pipes, gas leaks, overflowing toilets and hot water system malfunctions.

A broken or burst pipe is a common plumbing emergency that can cause significant damage to your property. Common causes include freezing temperatures, corrosion and high water pressure. If you discover a burst pipe, turn off the main water supply to your home. If the burst is in a hot water system, turn off the stop tap located adjacent to the system in a clockwise direction. 

A gas leak can be very dangerous and requires immediate attention from a professional gas fitter. Common causes include a damaged gas line or faulty gas appliances. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas supply to your home and call an emergency plumber or gas fitter.

A blocked drain can cause water to back up and overflow, leading to water damage and unpleasant odours. Common causes include flushing non-degradable materials down the toilet, pouring grease down the drain and debris build-up in the shower. If you discover a blocked drain, turn off the water supply to the affected area and try to clear the blockage using a plunger or drain snake.

An overflowing toilet can also cause water damage and create unsanitary conditions in your home. Common causes include a blocked toilet or a faulty float mechanism in the cistern. If you discover an overflowing toilet, turn off the water supply to the toilet and attempt to clear the blockage using a plunger.

If you have no hot water and have an electric hot water system, check the fuse box and make sure the hot water switch is turned on. Alternatively, if you have a gas hot water system, check the gas cylinder isn’t empty. Instructions on how to relight the hot water service can generally be found within the inside panel of the hot water service.

While waiting for an emergency plumber to arrive, it’s often a good idea to turn off the main water supply to your home or, if you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas supply immediately. You should also turn off any electrical appliances or devices that could be affected by water damage.

Soak up any standing water to prevent it from spreading using towels or a mop. Do not attempt to fix the issue yourself unless you have the necessary knowledge and tools to do so. This could result in more damage and potentially harm you or other household members.

When the emergency plumber arrives, be sure to provide them with as much information as possible about the issue and inform them of any steps you've taken. They’ll be able to quickly assess the situation and provide a solution.

We understand that plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, which is why we offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services. Depending on your location, our plumber can typically arrive at your home within half an hour. To ensure your issue is resolved as quickly as possible and that damage is minimal, contact us as soon as you discover a problem. Our experienced and licensed plumbers will be able to advise you on temporary measures to take until they can reach you.