What counts as a plumbing emergency?

We spoke to Steven Campbell, an expert plumber and owner of Campbell West, about plumbing emergencies.

Based in Berkshire, Campbell West designs, installs and maintains mechanical and electrical systems, such as heating and cooling, plumbing, ventilation, lighting, fire, and security installations.

The company was founded in 2017 by directors Steven Campbell and Daniel West, who met while working together as apprentices. Campbell West works with clients in both commercial and residential sectors, with customers including NHS trusts, local government, and education settings.

Let's get into what plumbing emergencies are, and how to handle them.

Emergencies are broadly defined as serious situations which require immediate action. This is because, when left unresolved, they could have harmful consequences.

According to Steven Campbell, owner of Campbell West and expert plumber, "A plumbing emergency is any situation that poses an immediate risk to your home, property, or safety, requiring prompt attention.

"These can include flood risks, situations where property damage could occur, or where there is a health hazard risk such as a sewage leak or a gas leak.

"Though a gas leak is not a water issue, gas leaks from appliances or pipes are an extreme emergency. If you smell gas or hear hissing from a gas line, it can pose serious health and fire risks, requiring immediate evacuation and emergency service."

In short? If a plumbing issue will soon cause serious harm to your property – or to someone in the building – then it surely counts as a plumbing emergency.

Water – the lifeblood of plumbing – is quite accomplished at damaging properties. Even small leaks and blocked drains could result in larger problems.

People know that water damage can result in expensive repairs, so often err on the side of caution.

Unfortunately, the cost of hiring an emergency plumber is higher than the cost of a general plumber. Learning more about what can and cannot wait can help you avoid wasting money.

Let's explore some cases where you might need the services of a 24 hour emergency plumber.

Here are some of the most common plumbing problems that require emergency action.

1. Burst pipes

When a pipe bursts and releases a deluge of water, it causes all sorts of problems.

First and foremost, you need to worry about the damage it could cause to your property.

Buckets of water can wreck your furnishings, floors, and even undermine support structures.

Of course, low water pressure and higher water bills are also considerations.

Steven Campbell adds: "A burst pipe can cause significant water damage in a short period of time. Water leaking uncontrollably can damage walls, floors, ceilings, and even electrical systems. Immediate action is needed to stop the flow and prevent further damage."

Pro tip: check out our simple guide for how to turn water off under the sink yourself.

If you’re unable to turn the water off yourself, this is the kind of situation where 24 hour plumbers excel.

Acting quickly and efficiently, they can stem the flow of water before delivering a fix.

Learn more about repair expenses with our guide on burst pipe repair costs in the UK.

2. Leaks

As you might already know, leaks can vary in scale and severity.

Some leaks release only a few drops of water, here and there. They simply don’t have the volume to cause damage to your home. But circumstances can vary.

In some cases, leaking pipes and taps can spread harm throughout your property.

That kind of havoc can cause structural damage and often leads to the spread of mould and mildew (which is not to be confused with rising damp!).

This is especially true of leaking underground pipes, which can be hard to detect, highly damaging, and expensive to repair.

To avoid extensive issues and deteriorating conditions, calling in an emergency plumbing service is the right response.

You can learn about repair expenses with our guide on how much it costs to repair leaks.

3. Clogged drains

If you ignore blocked toilets and clogged drains, you could have a very unpleasant situation on your hands.

Dirty, contaminated water could be forced upwards, into your property. That would ruin the interior and represent a sizable health hazard.

There’s also a chance that clogged drains might be connected with other, unseen plumbing issues in your home. Acting quickly can put an end to these concerns.

You can learn how to unblock a toilet yourself, but if water is already overflowing and the issue is deeper in your system, it's certainly a plumbing emergency.

Pro tip: learn how much you'll need to pay with our guide on the cost of clearing clogged sewer lines.

4. Heating issues

Restricted access to hot water might not seem dangerous, but there are times when it can be deadly.

If your central heating isn’t working in the colder months, that is a serious health risk. Your local emergency plumbers and heating engineers should be able to identify the problem with your central heating quickly.

If it relates to the flow of water through your pipes and radiators, a plumbing repair is possible. Otherwise, you’ll need to enlist help from central heating services.

According to Steven Campbell, when it comes to central heating, there are several things to look out for. He says "Unusual noises like banging, whistling, or gurgling often indicate air trapped in the system, limescale build-up, or low water pressure, all of which affect the boiler's efficiency and can lead to breakdowns. "If your boiler isn’t providing hot water or the heating is inconsistent, this could point to issues with the thermostat, airlocks, or low water pressure, which need immediate attention. "The boiler flame should always be blue. A yellow or orange flame signals incomplete combustion and a potential carbon monoxide risk, which is a serious safety hazard requiring urgent professional intervention."

If a there's a problem with your boiler, make sure you're using qualified boiler engineers. Check out our cost guide to find out more about the cost of boiler repairs.

If you think that your property is in the midst of a plumbing problem that can’t wait, trust that instinct.

It’s never too early to call an emergency plumber. Yes, you might end up spending more on an out-of-hours plumber, but the cost of waiting might be greater.

As soon as you notice an issue that seems severe, take action. 

How much does an emergency plumber cost?

The amount charged by an emergency plumber varies depending on the type of work they’re brought in for and the region they’re located in.

While the costs can vary by area, not everything changes. You can expect an emergency plumber to be more expensive than a general plumber. At times, this could mean paying double the price of a routine callout.

Of course, you'll spend a lot more fixing your water supply, replacing your plumbing infrastructure, or restoring your home.

Judging these situations can be difficult, so let’s recap.

When broken plumbing could quickly damage your property or hurt someone, you have a plumbing emergency.

You should assess these issues on a case-by-case basis. The severity of plumbing problems often fluctuates.

If you’re not sure whether or not you need an emergency plumber, favour caution. It’s better to protect your property.

Are you currently embroiled in a plumbing catastrophe? Take instant action by contacting one of the highly recommended emergency plumbers near you.