How To Handle a Plumbing Emergency
Plumbing and electrical are two essential services, which we cannot live without. So, when we experience any problems, we need them fixed, fast, sometimes urgently.
As a plumber and gas fitter, I tend to plumbing emergencies in Auckland on a daily basis, so for me, it’s just another job – no big deal. But to my customers, it is understandably a cause for concern. Often, they don’t know the cause of the issue, where it’s originating from, how long it will take to fix and how much it will cost to repair. And, in most cases, they also have no idea how to handle the situation. So today, I thought it would be a good idea to provide a reference guide on how to handle a plumbing emergency.
Continue reading to discover what to do in case of a plumbing emergency in Auckland.
Step 1: Determine the type of Plumbing Emergency
A plumbing emergency can be many things; it can be a burst pipe, blocked drain, broken hot water system, blocked toilet etc. And for plumbers like iSpecialise, who specialises in plumbing and gas works, it can also be a gas emergency.
The first step in handling a plumbing emergency is to determine what type of emergency you have on your hands; is it water-related or gas related? If it’s a water-related emergency such as a burst pipe, then the actions will be different from that of a gas-related emergency such as a gas leak.
It will also be helpful to the plumber if you could investigate the source of the issue so they can be prepared and have the correct fittings for the job ahead of arrival.
Step 2: Turn off the Mains Supply
The second step in a plumbing emergency is to turn off the mains. So, if it’s water-related emergency turn off your water supply at the meter and if it’s a gas-related emergency turn off your gas at your bottle or valve connection.
In the case where a water-related emergency has resulted in a flood, I also recommend that your turn off your electricity supply just to be safe. Water is a conductor of electricity, so things could quickly turn disastrous. It is also a good idea to turn on all taps to clear water from the pipes to reduce further damage.
Step 3: Call the Emergency Plumber
Once you have turned off the main supply, call iSpecialise emergency plumbers so they can attend to your property within a few hours. At this point, we will ask a few questions to assess the cause and severity of the problem and give you a definitive ETA for our arrival.
Step 4: Preparing for the Emergency Plumber
While you wait for iSpecialise emergency plumbers to arrive, and providing you have your mains turned off, you can clean up and take further measures to control the problem.
If you have had a water leak, you can tape around the leaking area and mop up any excess water. However, if you have a gas leak, evacuate the premises and wait for iSpecialise to arrive.
Conclusion
A plumbing emergency is never a good thing. Whether its water-related or gas-related, you need to know how to handle it to ensure safety and to minimise damage.
The first step to take in any plumbing emergency is to determine the type of emergency; is it water-related; i.e., a leak or blockage, or is it gas-related; i.e., a gas leak? Once you identify the issue, the next step is to turn off the mains; turn off the water supply for water-related issues and turn off the gas supply for gas-related issues. Then, call iSpecialise emergency plumbers immediately.
We have experienced emergency plumbers who specialise in both water and gas-related plumbing emergencies. In times of an emergency, you can count on us to prioritise your call and tend to your emergency promptly. Phone 09-2322 895 today.
