When a plumbing issue suddenly makes an appearance in the middle of the night, your first instinct may be to reach for your tools and fix the problem yourself. This may be a good idea if you simply have a change a valve or fix a minor leaking tap. 

Expert plumbers commend your eagerness to resolve your plumbing issues on your own, but warn that fiddling with your home’s plumbing can cause more harm. This is especially the case if you’re a novice or don’t know where the issue originates from. Avoid this by calling the 24 hour emergency plumber Brisbane locals have on standby. 

Emergency Plumbing Shouldn’t be a Nightmare

The sound of running water in the middle of the night when everyone is sleeping is enough to send anyone into a huge panic. Not only is this a sign that something may have burst, but it also means that your flooring, walls, and furnishings are at risk of severe damage. 

Another reality is that the average person doesn’t have an emergency plumber’s phone number on hand when they need it. Ignoring a plumbing emergency can cause significant damage to your home and property. We take a quick look at the most common plumbing issues that require a plumber, no matter what time they happen. 

1. The Smell of Gas

Some plumbing emergencies are more urgent than others because of the risk to life and property they pose. Smelling gas in your home when no one is using an appliance is a serious emergency that should never be ignored. Never attempt a gas repair, as this is not only dangerous but also illegal. 

If you smell gas in your home or you suspect your family are showing symptoms of gas exposure, switch the gas off and open windows. Get your family out of the home and call your emergency plumber immediately. 

They will have the expertise and tools to deal with your gas problem, no matter how big or small. Don’t wait for a minor gas smell to become worse before taking it seriously. Call your plumber for an immediate assessment of the situation. 

2. Burst Water Pipes

Pipes don’t usually burst in a wild and dramatic fashion from one minute to the next. There are usually smaller signs, such as leaks and drips. If you already leak somewhere, it’s essential to have these repaired to avoid a smaller issue escalating. 

However, if you are faced with a burst pipe, turn the water off and call your emergency plumber. Clean up as much water as possible to avoid further damage to your floors, furnishings, and electrical cables and wiring. 

Plumbers also advise looking out for leaks that may not be out in the open. Possible leaks inside walls may present in the following ways:

• Sounds of water running somewhere else when you open a tap in the kitchen or bathroom
• Sewage smells in different areas of the house 
• Water dripping or running behind walls, causing stains, peeling paint cracked plaster
• Gurgling sounds in the walls that happen when the burst pipe lets air in

3. A Badly Blocked Drain

Blocked drains can either happen outside or become so clogged that they start flowing back up into the sink. No matter where your drain is blocked and overflowing, it always requires urgent attention. Ignoring a blocked drain will result in additional damage to your home and property. 

If your bathroom or kitchen sink is overflowing and not draining, turn the water off to avoid making the issue worse. Scoop the bulk of the water out of the sink and use a plunger and drain snake to try and loosen a blockage. 

If your outdoor drain is also blocked, it’s a sign that there is a major blockage somewhere along the pipeline. If this is the case, your plunger will have little success. Call your plumber and clean as much of the overflow as possible. Water flowing into your home from a blocked sink or drain can expose your home to various types of bacteria. 

Avoid this by keeping an eye on your sinks and drains, and take action when you first notice that your sinks are draining more slowly than usual. Foul odours from pipes, sinks, and drains are also a clear sign that there’s a blockage close to your drains. Routinely washing your drains with hot water and vinegar will not only help to unblock minor blockages but will also eliminate bacteria and odours. 

Final Thoughts

Not all plumbing issues require a plumber to rush over your home at all hours of the night. However, if there’s a risk to your family or your property, it’s crucial to call your emergency plumber immediately. Be sure to switch off the main water supply and clean up any leaks before any damage is done. 

If you’re not sure if your plumbing issue is an emergency, speak to your local plumber for advice. This will give you peace of mind that your home and plumbing system aren’t at risk!