Not all plumbing issues can wait…yet some can. How do you know what can wait and what can’t? The physical signs may not always be visible, yet there may be a serious problem looming. To avoid any unexpected emergencies it is vital to stay informed on the appliances around your house and their maintenance needs. This blog will outline some common plumbing emergencies and how to notice them right away to avoid a plumbing mishap. Let’s go.
#1 AND BURST…
It is fair to say that the most common plumbing emergency is a burst pipe or ruptured hot water unit. You’ve seen it in movies, but yes this is a real life emergency that happens way too often. The good news is that there are often signs leading up to the burst.
Look out for the following:
- High water pressure from taps.
- Frayed flexible hoses.
- Water hammer causing the pipe work to vibrate, which can lead to a burst.
- Age of the hot water unit, most rupture at around the 12 year mark.
- Unusual increased water bill
If you notice any of the following, it would be wise to call a plumber to give your home a look over.
#2 GAS LEAKS
ALL GAS LEAKS ARE CONSIDERED EMERGENCIES. This is THE most sensitive and important emergency to act on due to the danger it can yield. Gas leaks can be extremely dangerous and if not treated correctly, can end in catastrophe.
Some common warning signs to look out for are:
- Foul smell in the home (e.g. rotten eggs/ sulphur)
- Orange or yellow glow protruding out of gas appliances
- Feeling nauseous or dizzy every time you enter a certain room
- An unusual spike in your gas bill
#3 SEWAGE LEAKS AND OVERFLOWS
Sewage leaks and overflows relate to your toilet and can become a nasty issue if not noticed and treated swiftly. Some signs to look out for include:
- Odours from floor traps.
- If your toilet bowl fills and goes down slowly.
- Noticeable wastewater overflowing into garden or other areas of the home
#4 WATER AND ELECTRICITY
Water and electricity should never cross paths. Therefore it is vital when you have a water leak, to notice its proximity to any electrical fixtures or appliances. Firstly move away what you can from the area, but if there are unmovable things e.g. a light switch, this is a plumbing emergency and you should call a plumber as soon as possible to avoid any serious damage or harm.
#5 NO WATER
If you find you have no running water and have not been contacted by your local council to inform you of this, there you may be having a serious plumbing issue. Not only is this frustrating, but it is also a safety concern. Lack of running water will also prevent you from using any related facilities in the kitchen, bathrooms, etc.
To put things into perspective, here is a list of less urgent plumbing issues that do not require immediate plumbing attention:
- Inspections
- Remodelling work
- Updating appliances
- Minor repairs (e.g. dripping tap)
- Maintenance (e.g. tap tune-up or water heater flush)
The good news about most plumbing emergencies is that there are often signs leading up to them. However if you do not notice these signs and find yourself in situation, the team at SM Plumbing & Gas are here to help. We are a locally owned and operated business in the south of Adelaide (Sheidow Park), providing services in all aspects of plumbing and gas-fitting – including plumbing emergencies. In saying this, even if you are not experiencing an emergency, If you are ever unsure or worried about something in your home, it may be worthwhile employing a plumber to check over everything.