What is a Plumbing Emergency?
Any plumbing problems in the home can be a nuisance to deal with, but some will require you to get help immediately. Plumbing emergencies can cause damage to your home and are best tackled by a professional, so if your house or your safety is at risk it’s important to call an emergency plumber as soon as possible.
Plumbing emergencies can include gas leaks, frozen or broken pipes, sewer backups or central heating breakdowns.
Properly maintained plumbing will help to reduce the risk of an emergency occurring, but it is important to have the name of an emergency plumber to hand just in case. Read on to find out what you should do in the first instance of each of these plumbing emergencies.
What to Do In the Event of a Plumbing Emergency
Gas Leak
If you have a gas leak, the first thing you need to do is switch off the main valve, and then call an emergency plumber. A gas leak could result in injury or damage to property, so if you smell gas it is important to get the problem looked at as soon as possible.
Broken Central Heating
Central heating problems can also be classed as an emergency if they occur during winter and in a home with elderly people, people who are in poor health, or very young children. Some central heating problems can be easily solved, for example if the thermostat has been switched off, the circuit breaker has tripped or the oil tank is empty. If you’ve checked all of these and cannot find a reason for the heating to have stopped working, the next port of call is an emergency plumber.
Burst or Leaking Pipes
If your emergency has come in the form of burst or leaking pipes, the first step is to turn off the main water valve, and then you should call a plumber. If you’re not sure where your main water valve is, ask a plumber to inspect your home and advise which valves to turn off in an emergency.
Leaking pipes always need to be repaired or replaced by a professional plumber, who will also check the rest of your plumbing for damage. If you have a leak, stuff rags and towels around the pipes or place buckets underneath them to reduce any further damage to your home.
Sewer Backups
Sewer backups can be identified by a foul smell in your home, or by blocked drains causing water to rise back up into your system. If you spot anything like this, it could be a sign of sewage problems so you should call a plumber to investigate as soon as possible.
If you find yourself facing any of these situations, it’s time to call for professional help from an emergency plumber. Listen to any advice given by your plumber so you know how of any steps you should take to tackle the problem while waiting for help to arrive.
You can contact us online or phone us on 0203 488 1053 to make an appointment.