Common Plumbing Emergencies and How to Handle Them

Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, and knowing how to respond quickly can help minimize damage to your property. Here's a guide to common plumbing emergencies and the immediate steps you should take.

1. Burst Pipes

A burst pipe can quickly cause extensive damage to your property. If you discover a burst pipe:

• Turn off the main water supply immediately
• Open all cold taps to drain the system
• Turn off your heating system
• Begin removing excess water if possible
• Call an emergency plumber

2. Blocked Drains

While not always an emergency, severely blocked drains can cause flooding and hygiene issues:

• Stop using all water outlets
• Check if multiple drains are affected
• Avoid using chemical drain cleaners
• Contact a professional for proper drain clearing

3. Leaking Water Heater

A leaking water heater requires immediate attention:

• Turn off the water supply to the heater
• Switch off the power supply (gas or electric)
• Drain the tank if possible
• Call a qualified engineer

4. Overflowing Toilet

An overflowing toilet can be both unsanitary and damaging:

• Close the toilet's water supply valve
• Remove the tank lid and lift the float to stop water flow
• Clean any spillage with appropriate disinfectant
• Contact a plumber if plunging doesn't resolve the issue

Emergency Prevention Tips

To minimize the risk of plumbing emergencies:

• Know the location of your main water shut-off valve
• Regularly inspect visible pipes and connections
• Address minor leaks promptly
• Keep basic tools handy (plunger, adjustable wrench)
• Schedule regular maintenance checks

When to Call an Emergency Plumber

Contact an emergency plumber immediately if you experience:

• Flooding or severe water leaks
• No water supply
• Sewage backup
• Gas leaks (call emergency gas service)

Remember, Dixon Brothers provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services. Save our emergency number: 07825 760 181