Pipe Disasters 101: What They Are and When to Call for Assistance

Posted by North Sydney Emergency Plumbing on 21 Jun 2025

Plumbing emergencies are the worst nightmare for homeowners. Clogged drains, burst pipes, leaking fixtures, and gas leaks could cause significant destruction to your home and put your family’s security at risk.

It’s important to address the issues swiftly and effectively to minimize the damage and ensure your home is safe. In this article, we’ll look at the most common types of plumbing emergencies and the best way to handle them in case in the event of an emergency.

Common Plumbing Emergencies

Burst Pipes

Causes of burst pipes

Burst pipes are usually caused by cold temperatures, old pipes or high pressure water.

The signs of bursting pipes

Signs of burst pipes are low pressure in the water, odd sounds coming from pipes, wet spots on walls or ceilings, as well as a decrease in the quality of water.

What to do in the event of a burst pipe

If you suspect a burst pipe, shut off your main supply of water immediately , and contact an experienced plumber.

Clogged Drains

Causes of clogged drains

Clogged drains are typically caused by the buildup of hair, soap scum, and other debris that has accumulated in pipes.

Signs of blocked drains

The indicators of a blocked drain include slower draining of the water, loud gurgling sounds coming from pipes, and bad smells.

What to do in case of a blocked drain

Try using a plunger or a drain snake to unclog the drain. If these methods don’t work, contact a professional plumber.

Leaking Fixtures

Causes of leaking fixtures

Leaking fixtures are typically result of worn or damaged components.

The signs of leaky fixtures

Signs of leaking fixtures include drips, damp spots on walls or ceilings, and an unexpected increase in water bills.

What to do in the event of a fixture that leaks

Try tightening any loose connections or replacing damaged components. If this doesn’t solve the issue, contact a professional plumber.

Gas Leaks

Gas leaks are caused by a variety of reasons.

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

Signs of gas leaks

Signs of gas leaks are a hissing or whistling sound near devices that use gas, rotten egg smell, and dizziness or headaches.

What to do in case of the possibility of a gas leak

If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate the house immediately and call a professional plumber.

When to Call for Professional Help

The importance of calling a professional plumber

Professional plumbers have the knowledge skills, experience and equipment to tackle plumbing emergencies swiftly and effectively. If you attempt to fix an issue with plumbing yourself could put your life and safety at risk.

These are signs that you may require professional assistance

Signs that indicate you need professional assistance include an abrupt increase in your water bill or a decline in the quality of water and inability to solve the issue your self.

What should you expect when you contact for assistance

If you contact a professional plumber, you can expect rapid response time as well as a thorough analysis of the issue, and an estimate of the cost upfront.

Prevention Tips

Regular plumbing maintenance

Regular plumbing maintenance can help prevent plumbing emergencies in identifying small problems before they turn into bigger ones.

Simple steps to avoid common plumbing problems

Simple steps to avoid common plumbing issues include using drain screens, refraining from pouring grease down drains and avoiding flushing non-flushable items into the toilet.

When is the best time to schedule plumbing inspections

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

Conclusion

Emergencies with plumbing can prove difficult and costly, but addressing these issues quickly and efficiently will minimize the damage and keep your family safe. Remember to call an experienced plumber for assistance and take preventive measures to avoid plumbing issues that are common. By following these tips, you can ensure that the system you have in place runs smoothly, and you can avoid expensive and stressful situations. If you’re experiencing a plumbing emergency, don’t hesitate to call North Sydney Emergency Plumbing at 0480 024 272. We have a team that is highly trained and skilled plumbers is on call 24/7 to assist you with any issue you might be facing.

Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)

How should I proceed in the case of a plumbing emergency?

In case of a plumbing emergency, turn off your main supply of water right away and contact a professional plumber.

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

It is not advised to attempt and fix a plumbing emergency by yourself. It could put your life and property at risk. It is recommended to contact a professional plumber for help.

How do I know when I should call for help from a professional?

Signs that suggest you need professional help include a sudden increase in water bills and a drop in the quality of water, and the inability to fix the problem 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 do I look for in an experienced plumber?

Choose a reputable plumber who is licensed, insured, experienced, and has a good reputation.

How much does it cost to hire a professional plumber?

Cost of employing a professional plumber is contingent upon the nature of the emergency and the extent of damage. Call North Sydney Emergency Plumbing for an upfront cost estimate.