As professional plumbers serving Brisbane for over 20 years, we’ve responded to countless plumbing emergencies that required immediate attention. From burst pipes and sewage backups to gas leaks and loss of water supply, these urgent situations can quickly spiral into costly nightmares when not handled promptly.
Knowing how to identify and properly react to plumbing crises is an essential skill for every Brisbane homeowner. Delays in shutting off water, evacuating areas or calling for professional help can lead to widespread property damage, safety risks and expensive remediation down the line.
Here are the emergency plumbing situations you need to be prepared for, and the steps our licensed team recommends taking:
Burst pipes and water supply line ruptures
Few things can flood a home faster than a catastrophic pipe failure spewing water everywhere. If you discover a ruptured water line:
- Immediately shut off the main water supply valve to your home
- Open taps to relieve pressure in the remaining pipes
- Call a 24/7 emergency plumber to repair the break
- Start removing standing water with mops and buckets
Shutting off the main valve and draining pipes is crucial to minimise ongoing water dispersal until repairs can be made.
Sewage backups and drain blockages
Raw sewage overflows are extremely hazardous events requiring immediate action:
- Don’t attempt to unclog drains or flush toilets
- Evacuate the home and any affected areas
- Call an emergency plumber to hydro-jet and clear blockages
- Have proper protective gear for re-entering the home
Sewage carries toxic bacteria, viruses and contaminants – attempting DIY fixes can expose you to extreme biohazards. Evacuate and let the professionals handle it safely.
Major leaks and hidden moisture problems
Sometimes slow, hidden leaks inside walls or floors can go undetected for long periods. Signs of major problems include:
- Drywall / ceiling stains, bubbling or moisture damage
- Buckled, warped or spongy flooring underfoot
- Visible mould or strong musty odours
- Uncommonly high moisture readings or humidity levels
If the leak is severe, shut off water and call a plumber immediately. Unchecked moisture creates mould health hazards and structural damage rapidly.
Complete water supply outages
Whether it’s from area water main breaks or isolated line failures on your property, being without running water is an emergency for any household. Our team can:
- Diagnose the cause of the outage
- Arrange temporary water buffalo provisions if needed
- Repair municipal service line failures or private plumbing
- Disinfect and restore systems once water is restored
In the interim, have bottled water and emergency toilet facilities ready until service is back. Don’t attempt drinking from old water heaters!
Serious gas leaks and carbon monoxide risks
Few things are as dangerous as gas line ruptures or blocked flues creating carbon monoxide hazards. Signs include:
- Distinct gas odour or hissing/blowing noises
- CO alarms sounding and symptoms like nausea/headaches
- Soot or smoke around gas appliances
If a serious gas leak is suspected, immediately evacuate the home while opening windows. Shut off gas at the main metre and don’t re-enter until an emergency plumber has cleared the area.
Conclusion
From burst pipes and water shutoffs to sewage disasters and gas hazards, there are a variety of plumbing emergencies that require immediate action to mitigate ongoing damage and risks. Knowing the proper steps can mean the difference between minor repairs and catastrophic safety threats or property damage.
If you encounter any of these urgent plumbing events, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals! Our emergency plumbers in Brisbane are available 24/7 with rapid response times for any residential plumbing crisis. With over 20 years of experience, we have the expertise and equipment to resolve any plumbing emergency swiftly and safely.