During a plumbing emergency, things can quickly worsen before you know it. While calling a nearby emergency plumber should be the first thing to do, certain steps can also be taken to contain the damage as much as possible. But to seek timely help, it is important to recognise the early indicators of a plumbing emergency, so you know exactly what to do while the plumber is on their way to your Engadine home.
Signs of a Plumbing Emergency
The following situations call for immediate professional intervention to save you from hefty repair costs and serious property damage:
- Pipe bursts – A burst water pipe can flood your entire home, ruining your walls, furniture and flooring. The water can even come in contact with electrical wiring, turning into a potential safety risk.
- Water leaks – Water leaking from an unidentified source can not only damage your property but can significantly increase your water bill if left unattended for long.
- Blocked drains – Drain blockages are pretty common in every household. What starts as a slow drainage problem can quickly escalate, causing a complete drain blockage.
- Overflowing toilets – Even nastier than it sounds, an overflowing toilet is a serious health hazard for you and your family. It gets more embarrassing when your guests need to use the toilet. To avoid embarrassment, call your nearest emergency plumber in Engadine at the first sign of trouble.
- No hot water – A malfunctioning hot water system creates quite an inconvenience, especially when you have kids or elderly family members at home. Since fixing a water heater involves working close to scalding hot water, make sure to hire only a licensed plumber in Engadine for emergency repairs.
- Contaminated water – Turning the tap on, only to get smelly or discoloured water, indicates a plumbing emergency. It is not advisable to use the water until the issue is resolved by a professional.
- Sewer line backup – Any obstructions in your sewer pipe can lead to wastewater backing up inside your home. This can lead to an unhealthy indoor environment, requiring you to engage experienced Engadine plumbers as soon as possible.
Now that you know the problems that classify as plumbing emergencies, here’s what you can do until help arrives:
Turn Off the Water Supply
Once you’ve made the call, there’s no point in sitting idle. Find where the main water supply valve is and turn it off to prevent further water damage. If you are unaware of the exact location of the valve, look for it near the water meter or ask your plumber in Engadine to help you find it. Plumbers are often aware of different places where these valves can be found.
Be Careful About Electrical Safety
After turning off the main water supply valve, make sure to switch off all electrical appliances around the site. Ideally, you can switch off the main power supply if the water has started to flood inside your home. That way, you can prevent water from coming in contact with electricity, and save yourself and others from any possible electrical hazards.
Clean the Mess
Until your emergency plumber arrives at your Engadine property, start cleaning the mess. Remove any standing water from the flooring before the water starts to seep into your walls or carpets, and ruins your furniture. Don’t let the water sit for long. Grab some old towels and mops to soak the water so it becomes easier for the plumbers to attend to the actual problem quickly and efficiently.
Clear the Passageway
For the plumber to enter your property without any hindrances, you’ll need to move any vehicles parked in your driveway. Do that beforehand, so that when the emergency plumbers arrive at your doorstep, they can easily find a place to park their van and unload their equipment without wasting any precious time.
Remove Your Belongings
Removing the furniture and other belongings out of the way allows your Engadine plumbers to assess the problem and perform necessary repairs with ease. For instance, if there’s a pipe burst in your kitchen, you might need to remove your crockery and other kitchen essentials from the cabinets. Not only will this provide your plumbers with all the space they need to keep their equipment, but will also keep your stuff from getting dirty or damaged during the repair work.
Prompt and Efficient 24-Hour Plumbers in Engadine, NSW
If you haven’t found a reliable local plumber in Engadine, your chances of surviving a plumbing emergency are very slim. Priority Plus Plumbing is a full-service plumbing company, operating in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire and all surrounding suburbs including Engadine. Our plumbers are swift and responsive, and provide dependable service for after-hour emergency call-outs, saving your home or commercial property from structural damage and extensive repairs.
Call us anytime.
