There is never a good time for plumbing issues to arise. They leave you with an impossible choice: fork out for a middle of the night, or weekend call-out plumber Or try to get through it until normal business hours in the morning. It can be costly for out-of-hours call-outs, so you need to ascertain what truly does constitute as an emergency.
When is it time to contact an out-of-hours plumber?
You will need immediate help from an emergency plumber when there are potential outcomes of flooding, damage and safety concerns. Common examples include:
1) Leaking water or burst pipe out of control
If water is cascading out and you are unable to stop it at the stopcock then ring. It is capable of doing extensive damage to floorboards, ceilings, electrics and plaster the longer it runs for.
2) Ceiling or near electricity leaks
Water coming through a ceiling, light fitting or near sockets requires an emergency response. If safe to do so, turn off electricity at the consumer unit and get an emergency plumber. For an Emergency Plumber Cheltenham, visit https://www.hprservicesltd.com/emergency-plumber-cheltenham/
3) Constantly blocked toilet or sewage odour/backup
An overflowing toilet you can not turn the water off to, or if you are suspicious of a sewage back up should generally not be left over night – an overnight without being able use your only bathroom is tough.
4) No water (and you troubleshoot the familiar suspects)
No water at all (and there is not a local supply issue). If you have no water – this can be emergency as well, especially to households with young children / vulnerable people or medical needs.
5) Hot water cylinder or tank major leak
A cylinder leak can cause a lot of damage in a short time. If it isn’t something you can turn off because the water is actively leaking, give a plumber a call.
What you can usually leave for the morning
Dealing with aggravating problems that are not necessarily emergencies. Some issues are stressful but it isn’t an emergency, especially if you can help the problem to. Some examples include:
A tap that drips or leaks into a bucket
A slightly weepy radiator at the valve (with towel down and with said valve turned off)
One sink that is blocked
Boiler pressure low (no obvious leak and heating/hot water)
What to do before you call
Take three quick steps to prevent those expensive mistakes
Stop the water at the stopcock (or isolate it)
Use towels/buckets to prevent the leak and move valuables
Use your phone or camera — which the plumber will thank you for and it also makes a difference in regards to insurance.
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