A small plumbing issue can turn into a big disaster faster than you think. A dripping tap today could be a flood tomorrow. And some problems, like sewage backups or gas leaks, can be life-threatening if left unresolved.
Whether you’re a homeowner or a tenant, knowing which problems are urgent and how to respond can save you thousands in repairs and keep you safe.
Here are five plumbing problems that need immediate attention, and what to do if they happen in your home.
1. Burst Pipe
One of the most damaging plumbing emergencies is a burst pipe. These issues can occur unexpectedly, sometimes during cold weather, at other times due to age, water pressure problems, or poor installation.
A burst pipe can unleash hundreds of litres of water in a short amount of time, soaking walls, ceilings and floors.
If not dealt with quickly, you could be looking at ruined plaster, warped flooring and costly structural damage.
Immediate response:
- Shut off the main water supply immediately. Most homes have the shut-off valve under the kitchen sink or near the front boundary.
- Turn off the electricity if there’s water near electrical outlets or appliances.
- Drain the taps by turning them on to release residual water from the pipes.
- Use towels, buckets or a wet/dry vacuum to manage the flood while waiting for help.
- Call an emergency plumber ASAP.
Water damage doesn’t always begin with a dramatic flood. Over time, even minor water ingress, especially in areas like balconies, bathrooms, and external walls, can cause structural decay, encourage mould growth, and affect a building’s overall safety.
“Water ingress remains a significant threat to building integrity and occupant health,” says Melbourne Plumber from Cyber Plumbers. “Following the Victorian Building Authority’s regulatory priorities, we emphasise proactive waterproofing inspection, especially in balconies and decks, to prevent moisture damage, mould growth and structural decay.”
These issues often go unnoticed until it’s too late. A small patch of damp today could mean hidden timber rot tomorrow, costing far more to repair than it would’ve to prevent.
2. Blocked Sewer Line or Overflowing Toilet
A single blocked toilet is annoying, but a sewer backup is a whole different issue. If multiple fixtures are backing up at once or you hear unusual gurgling noises from your drains, the problem is in the main sewer line.
Left unchecked, this can bring raw sewage into your home, something no one wants to deal with.
How to respond:
- Stop using water throughout the house to prevent further backups.
- Look outside, some homes have an inspection point you can open to check for overflow.
- Do not use chemical drain cleaners; they rarely solve deeper blockages and may corrode your pipes.
- Call a plumber with CCTV cameras and high-pressure jetting tools.
Sewage exposure can be life-threatening, with bacteria and parasites. Always treat it as an emergency.
3. Suspected Gas Leak (Where Plumbing Includes Gas Systems)
In homes with gas for cooking or heating, any unusual smell (often described as rotten eggs) could be a leak. Even a small leak can be dangerous and potentially cause fire, explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Gas-related issues sometimes fall under the plumber’s responsibilities, especially when dealing with hot water systems and gas cookers.
What to do:
- Turn off the gas at the meter immediately.
- Ventilate the area by opening windows and doors.
- Avoid any flames or sparks, this includes switches, lighters and electronics.
- Evacuate the property until it’s safe.
- Call a licensed gas fitter or your gas supplier’s emergency line.
Do not attempt to find the source yourself. It’s not worth the risk.
4. No Hot Water (Sudden Failure)
Waking up to no hot water isn’t always a crisis, but if your system has failed completely, it could be a bigger issue. Electric water heaters may have tripped, gas systems may have pilot light failure, thermostat faults or tank corrosion. In colder weather or for families with young children or elderly residents, being without hot water can be more than an inconvenience.
Steps to take:
- Check if the issue affects all taps or just one.
- Look at the fuse box to see if the water heater has tripped.
- For the gas unit, check if the pilot light is still lit.
- Inspect around the unit for puddles or leaks; this could mean tank failure.
- Call a plumber, especially if the unit is over 10 years old or making strange noises.
Sediment buildup or component failure can often be fixed, but in older systems, full replacement might be more cost-effective in the long run.
5. Persistent Leaks or Dripping Taps
A dripping tap might not seem urgent, but it adds up quickly. Even a slow leak can waste thousands of litres of water a year, not to mention the risk of mould, rot and increased water bills. More seriously, if a connection or seal fails, it could result in a major leak within a matter of hours.
What to look for and how to react:
- Check under sinks and behind appliances for moisture or swelling in cabinetry.
- Tighten the tap to see if it’s a user error.
- Shut off the local isolation valve (if available) to stop the leak.
- Call a plumber if the leak continues or if you’re not sure how to replace a washer or cartridge.
Repairing just one dripping tap can save up to 20,000 litres of water each year, according to Water Corporation.
Don’t Wait for It to Get Worse
When it comes to plumbing, time is rarely on your side. Small problems get bigger fast, and the costs, financial and emotional, are much higher once damage is done.
Whether it’s water on the floor or a strange smell from the drains, acting fast and informed is always better than reacting too late.
Keep your plumber’s number handy, know where your main shut-off valves are and inspect your fixtures regularly. The best plumbing emergency is the one you prevent.
