Everything You Need to Know About Plumbing Emergencies and When to Get Help

Posted by South Auckland Emergency Plumber on 15 Aug 2025

Plumbing emergencies are homeowners’ worst nightmare. Burst pipes, clogged drains leaky fixtures, gas leaks can cause serious damage to your property and put your family’s security at risk.

It’s important to address these emergencies quickly and efficiently to minimize the harm and keep your home safe. We’ll look at the most common kinds of plumbing emergencies, and what to do in the event of an emergency.

Common Types of 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

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

What to do in case of a burst pipe

If you suspect the possibility of a burst pipe, shut off water to the source immediately , and contact an experienced plumber.

Clogged Drains

Causes of clogged drains

Clogged drains are usually caused by buildup of hair soap scum, soap, and other debris in pipes.

Signs of clogged drains

The indicators of a blocked drain include slow draining water, loud gurgling sounds coming from pipes, as well as bad smells.

What to do in the event of a blocked drain

Try using a plunger or drain snake to unclog the drain. If neither of these approaches succeed, you should call an experienced plumber.

Leaking Fixtures

Causes of leaking fixtures

Leaking fixtures are often result of worn or damaged components.

The signs of leaky fixtures

Signs of leaky fixtures include drips, damp spots on walls or ceilings, and a sudden increase in water bills.

What should you do in the event of a leaky fixture

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

Gas Leaks

Gas leaks are caused by a variety of reasons.

Gas leaks are usually caused due to damaged pipes or defective gas appliances.

Signs of gas leaks

Signs of gas leaks are whistling or hissing sound near gas appliances, a rotten egg smell, as well as dizziness or headaches.

What should you do in the event of an gas leak

If you suspect that there is a gas leak, evacuate the house immediately and call an expert plumber.

When to Call for Professional Assistance

Importance of calling an experienced plumber

Professional plumbers are equipped with the knowledge, experience, and equipment to handle plumbing emergencies swiftly and effectively. If you attempt to fix a plumbing emergency yourself can risk your safety and your property at risk.

Signs that indicate you need professional help

Signs that suggest you require professional assistance include an abrupt increase in your water bill and a drop in the quality of your water and inability to fix the problem your self.

What should you expect when you reach out for assistance

If you contact a professional plumber to fix your plumbing issue, you can count on prompt response as well as a thorough analysis of the problem, and an estimate of the cost upfront.

Prevention Tips

Regular plumbing maintenance

Regular plumbing maintenance can reduce the risk of plumbing problems by identifying and fixing minor issues before they become larger ones.

Simple steps to avoid plumbing problems that are common

Simple ways to prevent common plumbing problems include using drain screens, refraining from placing grease in drains and avoiding flushing things that aren’t flushable into the toilet.

When should you schedule plumbing inspections?

Conduct plumbing inspections each year or bi-annually to identify and fix potential problems before they escalate into emergency situations.

Conclusion

plumbing emergencies are stressful and costly, but addressing these issues quickly and efficiently will lessen the impact and ensure your family’s safety. Remember to call an experienced plumber in case you require assistance and take preventive measures to avoid the most common plumbing issues. By following these tips will make sure that your plumbing system runs smoothly, and you can avoid costly and stressful emergencies. If you’re facing any plumbing issues, don’t hesitate to call South Auckland Emergency Plumber at 0800 001 969. The team we have of skilled and experienced plumbers is on call 24/7 to assist you with any issue you might be experiencing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do in case of an emergency with plumbing?

If you experience an emergency with plumbing, switch off the main water supply right away and call a professional plumber.

Do I have the ability to solve a plumbing issue myself?

It is not advised to attempt to repair a plumbing problem by yourself. This can put your safety and your property in danger. It’s recommended to call a professional plumber to assist you.

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

Signs that indicate you need professional assistance are a sudden increase in water bills, a decrease in the quality of your water, and the inability to resolve the issue by yourself.

What can I do to prevent plumbing issues from occurring?

It is possible to prevent plumbing emergencies from happening by scheduling regular maintenance of your plumbing by taking a few steps to avoid common plumbing issues, and scheduling plumbing inspections annually or bi-annually.

What should I look for in an experienced plumber?

Find a professional plumber who is licensed, insured, experienced, and has a good reputation.

What is the cost to employ an experienced plumber?

It is expensive to hire a professional plumber will vary based on the type of emergency and the extent of damage. Get in touch with South Auckland Emergency Plumber for an upfront cost estimate.