We offer a 24/7 hour emergency plumbing service in Newcastle, Maitland and Lake Macquarie so we see our fair share of plumbing emergencies. We often see emergency situations with blocked drains, broken pipes and hot water.
1. Broken Water Pipe
A broken water pipe is one of the most common and damaging mishaps you can have at home. Pipe cracks and fractures can suddenly rupture and burst, leading to severe damage.
How to fix it:
- Shut off the water supply. You risk running up your water bill or damaging your entire home. Shut off the water supply as you figure out your next steps!
- Turn off the electric main. Water may reach sockets, plugs, and switches. Soon enough, it’ll be a deadly health hazard.
- Drain the pipes. Allow all the pipes to drain out. Let it run until all the water comes out.
- See if you can fix it yourself. Copper pipes benefit from cutting out damaged parts, incorporating a replacement, and then soldering the pieces together. Plastic pipes repeat the first step, but incorporate couplings, slip fixes, and solvent cement.
- Call a professional. If you’re unsure, call a local plumber to help you out!
You can also resort to temporary fixes. Tape – electrical, duct, or silicone – can secure your pipe until it can be properly repaired or replaced. Hose clamps and gaskets are also effective.
2. Blocked Sewer Line
A clogged sewer line results in a chain of inconveniences. Your home may suffer from slow drainage, bad odours and back-up waste. A clogged sewer line can result in severe pipe damage and further blockage.
How to fix it:
- Turn off the water. This prevents the situation from worsening. It can end up flooding into your home.
- Look into pressure. If you can get your hands on a high-powered jet or find a service that offers it, take the chance! In the same vein, turning off the water can release pressure as you drain out the line.
- Use tools to mechanically unclog the line. Rods, augers, and other tools can help clear out any blockages.
- Use chemicals. Biological products can go a long way in unclogging your drain. Always use caution when handling chemicals!
- Look into preventive methods. Once your sewer line is successfully unclogged, fix up pipes and avoid flushing debris in your bathroom.
3. Clogged Toilet & Sink
A simultaneous clog in your bathroom is sadly common. However, a clogged toilet and sink is straightforward enough in its solutions.
How to fix it:
- Use boiling hot water. For minor clogs, heating up water and adding dish soap or baking soda and vinegar might work. If the toilet and sink is still clogged, resort to the next methods.
- Plunge. For toilets, use a bell-shaped plunger. A flat-bottom plunger will be more apt for clogged sinks.
- Snake. A plumbing snake (not a real snake…) also works well in unclogging your toilets and sinks. Turn the auger handle until you feel resistance and then everything should be unclogged.
4. Water Heater Leak
You may start noticing puddles of water surrounding your water heater. When this happens, a leak in your water heater is usually to blame.
How to fix it:
- Try to identify where the leak is coming from first.
- Close the water supply. Turn off both the water and electric supply to aid you in identifying and fixing the causes of the leaks.
- Check the drain. The drain may be the culprit. Tighten up a loose drain or replace a defective one.
- Replace faulty valves. Alternatively, looking into the valves may uncover issues in pressure and temperature. Work on regulators or consider replacing them completely.
- Invest in maintenance. Regular check-ups and monitoring can prevent a water heater leak! Call in a professional every now and then.