Top 5 Signs You Need an Emergency Plumber Right Now
Let’s be honest—plumbing problems never show up at a convenient time. It’s usually in the middle of the night, on a long weekend, or just when you are about to head out the door. And while some issues can wait until business hours, others are a ticking time bomb that need immediate attention.
Flowline Plumbing knows how stressful emergency plumbing problems can be. A small leak can quickly turn into a flood, and a blocked drain can become a serious health hazard. So how do you know when it's time to stop Googling and start calling a professional?
In this blog, we’ll break down the top 5 signs you need an emergency plumber right now, what to watch out for, and what to do next.
1. Burst Pipes
If there’s one plumbing emergency that needs urgent attention, it’s a burst pipe. If it’s under your sink, in your walls, or out in the garden, a burst pipe can cause massive water damage in a matter of minutes. Left untreated, it can lead to structural damage, mould growth, and a huge water bill.
Signs of a burst pipe:
· Sudden drop in water pressure
· Water pooling in odd places
· Wet or damp walls, floors or ceilings
· Strange sounds like hissing or gurgling behind walls
· Unexplained spikes in your water usage
What to do:
Turn off your main water supply immediately and call Flowline Plumbing. Our emergency team will respond quickly to locate the break, stop the leak, and get your plumbing back in working order.
Tip: Don’t try to patch it up with duct tape or towels—it won’t hold under pressure.
2. Overflowing Toilets or Blocked Sewer Lines
Let’s not sugar-coat it—an overflowing toilet is messy, stressful, and downright gross. While a one-off clog might be something you can handle with a plunger, if it keeps happening or multiple drains are backing up at the same time, you may be dealing with a sewer line blockage.
Blocked sewer lines are more than just inconvenient—they pose a serious health risk and can cause raw sewage to back up into your home.
Warning signs:
Water rising to the brim or overflowing when you flush
Gurgling sounds in the toilet or shower drain
Bad smells coming from your drains
Water backing up in the sink when you flush the toilet
What to do:
Avoid using any more water or flushing any toilets. Blocked sewer lines need to be dealt with by a licensed plumber using specialised equipment. Call Flowline Plumbing—we have the tools and know-how to clear it fast and safely.
3. No Hot Water
Hot water is something we often take for granted—until we don’t have it. If you suddenly find yourself without hot water, especially in winter, that’s not just uncomfortable, it could be a sign of a failing hot water system.
If it’s a gas unit, electric, or solar, a complete loss of hot water can mean:
· A ruptured tank
· Faulty thermostat or element
· Gas supply issues
· Leaking or burst pipes connected to the system
What to look for:
· Water not heating at all
· Rusty or discoloured water
· Popping or banging sounds from the system
· Water leaking from the unit
What to do:
Turn off the system at the power or gas supply and call an emergency plumber. At Flowline Plumbing, we service and replace all types of hot water systems—and we’ll have you steaming again in no time.
4. Water Leaks That Won’t Stop
A slow leak under the sink is one thing. But when water won’t stop flowing from a tap, pipe, or fixture, it’s a red flag. Uncontrolled water leaks can damage cabinetry, rot timber, and create mould issues faster than you think.
Don’t ignore these leaks:
· Water constantly dripping from pipes or taps even when turned off
· Leaking from the base of a toilet or tap
· Ceiling stains or watermarks
· Water pooling around appliances like dishwashers or washing machines
Why it's serious:
Even small leaks waste litres of water per day and can cause long-term damage to your home. If you can’t isolate the leak or it’s flowing fast, that’s an emergency.
What to do:
Shut off the water to the affected area or turn off the main supply if needed. Then call Flowline Plumbing. We’ll find the source, fix the problem, and help prevent future leaks.
5. Gas Smell or Gas Leaks
Gas leaks are extremely dangerous and need immediate attention. If you smell gas in or around your home, don’t ignore it. Natural gas is highly flammable, and a leak could lead to fire or explosion if left unattended.
Signs of a gas leak:
· Strong smell of sulphur or rotten eggs
· Hissing sound near gas appliances or pipes
· Dizziness, nausea, or headaches when indoors
· Dead or dying vegetation near buried gas lines
· Flames or unusual heat near appliances
What to do:
Turn off your gas at the meter if it’s safe to do so. Do not use electrical switches, open flames, or attempt to locate the leak yourself. Get everyone out of the house and call Flowline Plumbing’s emergency gas fitting team immediately. We are fully licensed to handle gas repairs and safety checks.
Other Honourable Mentions: When to Call Just in Case
· Flooded laundry or bathroom
· Water heater making loud noises
· Tap or pipe broken off completely
· Sudden loss of water pressure in the whole house
If you are ever in doubt, it’s safer to call and check. A quick response can mean the difference between a minor fix and a costly disaster.
Why Choose Flowline Plumbing for Emergency Callouts?
1- 24/7 Rapid Response: We are on call day and night, ready to jump into action.
2- Fully Licensed & Insured: No cowboys—just qualified professionals who get it done right.
3- Latest Tools & Tech: From CCTV drain inspections to pipe relining, we’ve got the gear to fix it fast.
4- Friendly Local Experts: Based right here in [your service area], we know the local plumbing systems inside and out.
When disaster strikes, Flowline Plumbing is just a phone call away. No matter the time or the issue, we’ll treat your emergency like our own.
Final Thoughts
Plumbing emergencies can be overwhelming, but knowing the signs helps you act fast and avoid further damage. From burst pipes and overflowing toilets to gas leaks and hot water failures, these problems won’t wait—and neither should you.
If you are facing any of the signs we’ve listed above, don’t delay.
Call Flowline Plumbing now—your local emergency plumber that’s always ready to help.