BLOCKED DRAIN EMERGENCIES OFTEN OCCUR AT THE WORST TIMES.

Think Christmas Day, a children’s birthday party or an intimate family gathering – we’ve seen them all! 

With blocked drain emergencies, they need to be dealt with as soon as possible to ensure no further damage is done to your pipe system AND the blockage is removed to have your drain functioning at 100%. 

Out of all the plumbing emergencies our team gets called out to in Sydney, a blocked drain is the most common. So let us help you know how you can deal with a blocked drain emergency in your home.

WHAT IS A BLOCKED DRAIN EMERGENCY?

Clogged or blocked drains will normally start as a minor issue; you could notice water taking a long time to drain from the sink or you will notice the toilet flushing not working correctly. 

However, a blocked drain plumbing emergency can occur instantly if the clog has not been addressed or repaired as soon as it presents itself. OR if a blocked drain has occurred quickly due to foreign material or a foreign object being forced or being accidentally flushed or pushed down a drain in your home. 

At its worst, a blocked drain could clog the pipes causing sewage backup and flooding. Blocked or damaged drains can lead to expensive repairs. Therefore, you should know effective ways to deal with a blocked drain emergency. 

SIGNS OF A BLOCKED DRAIN EMERGENCY 

Some of the telltale signs that you can observe for a blocked drain emergency are:

• Unpleasant odours
• Water draining slowly
• Strange gurgling sounds
• Reduced water pressure from the taps
• Burst pipes
• Plants growing near sewer lines

BLOCKED DRAIN EMERGENCIES EXPLAINED 

Blocked drain emergencies can include:

Blocked Kitchen Sinks

Kitchen sink blockages are the most common plumbing issue faced by most households in Australia. Unfortunately, this is due to food scraps, oils and fats being pushed down the sink instead of put in the bin. 

Our pipes and drains were not meant to deal with material other than water and waste. So food scraps, especially fats and oils that may be liquid when you wash them away, soon harden and coagulate, turning into fatbergs when combined with other material in your drains, are not meant to be in your drains! 

One of the most effective ways of removing kitchen sink blockage is using a plunger or consistently cleaning your pipes with household cleaners. 

For optimum results, you can always hire professional help – our team at VIP Drains is on call to assist your family in any and all blocked drain emergencies. Call our team today 0480 024 323.

Leaking Pipes

A leaking pipe is never a good sign. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure you act fast and call a professional when you see a leaking pipe at your property. When left unattended, a leaking pipe could lead to the wastage of huge quantities of water. A leaking pipe is also a sign that there could be a huge blockage somewhere in your pipe system that is forcing water out of areas it wouldn’t normally be pushed through.

Burst Pipes 

A burst pipe is one of the most dangerous plumbing emergencies out there. The problem can quickly become a major one. When pipes experience corrosion, ageing or abundant stress, a burst pipe can occur. A plumber can instantly arrive at the spot and execute the necessary steps to prevent further damage. As soon as you experience a burst pipe, please call a professional.

Toilet Overflowing

A toilet that is overflowing can be expensive to deal with. Moreover, it also leads to negative effects like flooding, water damage and water wastage. With the threat of sewage coming back up through the pipe system, calling a plumber is the most optimal solution to help with this problem.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A PLUMBING EMERGENCY?

If you are you a tenant renting in Australia, it is the landlord’s responsibility to offer you a habitable space for living. Common plumbing emergencies like blocked drains or clogged toilets can get in the way of living comfortably. This is why the overall responsibility of dealing with plumbing emergencies for rental properties in Australia falls on the landlord, and not on the tenants.

For more information on renters and plumbing emergencies, click here. 

The NSW Government considers a blocked drain a plumbing emergency.

On the other hand, if you own your home then you are solely responsible for dealing with plumbing emergencies of all kinds. For the best outcomes, it is recommended to hire professional services from reliable plumbers in your area.

In case of a plumbing emergency, you need the assistance of a professional plumber in your area to resolve the unexpected issue instantly and effortlessly. 

IMMEDIATE STEPS TO TAKE IN A PLUMBING EMERGENCY

When you are dealing with a plumbing emergency like a blocked drain, it is important to reach out to a professional plumber for the best outcomes. However, before professional help arrives, you can assist in helping to minimise the overall damage. 

Here are some important steps to take if you are experiencing a plumbing emergency right now: 

Turn Off The Water Supply

In case of a plumbing emergency, the first step is to turn off the water supply right away. Based on the type of plumbing emergency you are experiencing, you need to shut off water supply in the given area. If you are unsure of the severity of the problem, you can turn off the main valve.

Call A Professional and Listen Carefully

Based on the type of plumbing emergency you are experiencing, you should always call a plumber for over the phone advice. In the case of a blocked drain emergency, call our team on 0480 024 323 and we will provide you with guidance until our team arrive.

Clean Up Any Mess 

If you can clean up any existing water mess or leaking before the professionals arrive, this will ensure the plumbers are working in a safe zone,

Assess the Water Heater

Most plumbing emergencies will require turning off the water heater. This will help in preventing damage to the entire unit. It also helps in preventing overheating as well as bursting of the valves. 

Manage Smaller Leaks

If you spot smaller leaks, you can easily control them. You can place old towels or rugs on the area of the leak. Keep a note of the exact location of the leak and inform the plumber as soon as he or she would arrive at your home.

Open Up Drains and Spigots

Even when you might have turned off the main water valves, water will continue remaining in the pipes. If you wish to be on the safe side, you can keep water away from your home by opening the spigots. This will help in removing excess water from the pipes. 

Please note – in the case of plumbing emergencies, avoid using chemical cleaners or other chemicals. This can make matters worse before professional help arrives. 

WHO TO CALL IN A PLUMBING EMERGENCY?

Are you a Sydneysider facing a plumbing emergency? For the best outcome, always reach out to professional help from your local plumbers or blocked drain specialists. Most professionals are well-equipped and know it well to deal with plumbing emergencies of all kinds, including blocked drains. Our team at VIP Drains are expert blocked drain specialists, we are also dedicated to providing the best solutions to all our Sydney customers, no matter what time of day or day of the year. You can call our team today for a hassle-free quote on 0480 024 323.