Regular Plumbing vs Emergency Plumbing: What’s the Difference?

There’s a big difference between regular plumbing and emergency plumbing. If you’re a tenant, homeowner, property manager, or running a business, knowing when to act fast and when it’s best to schedule routine maintenance is invaluable.

Today, we’re going to offer some quick advice on the difference between the two. If you’re currently facing an emergency as we speak, make sure to contact your nearest PlumbCall team now!

What’s Considered a Plumbing Emergency?

There will be many situations when a plumbing issue becomes too inconvenient, urgent, or unsafe to ignore. In these circumstances, there’s no ifs, ands or buts about it, the only course of action is to contact an emergency plumber as soon as possible.

So, what’s typically considered a plumbing emergency? Let’s take a look at some common scenarios:

Burst Pipes

When a pipe bursts, the result is often immediate and severe. Water can spout out and quickly spread through your walls, floors, and ceilings, causing extensive damage in its wake. Unfortunately, it tends to happen without warning, whether it’s triggered by pressure build-up, corrosion, or ground movement.

If you’re ever unlucky enough to be dealing with a burst pipe, quick intervention is absolutely essential. Once on site, an emergency plumber will be able to isolate the break and prevent further damage to your property.

Gas Leaks

Of all the issues that need emergency attention, gas leaks are one of the most dangerous. Sometimes, even the faintest smell of gas near a stovetop, water heater, or outdoor line is enough cause to reach out for professional assistance.

Leaks are both a serious fire hazard and a definite health risk for anybody in the immediate vicinity. In any case, the area should be ventilated and the supply turned off at the meter if safe to do so.

From there, it’s a job for a licensed gas fitter (Type A or B depending on the appliance). Only they have the training and experience required to accurately locate the leak, carry out safe repairs, and confirm the system is secure before it’s switched back on.

Roof Damage

As heavy storms become the norm across Australia, our roofs are more vulnerable than ever. Flash flooding, strong winds, and hail all have the potential to cause serious damage, and roof plumbing is often the first point of failure.

When water starts coming through the ceiling, dripping from vents, or pooling around light fittings, the cause is often something simple like a blocked gutter or cracked flashing. But even a small leak can quickly lead to bigger problems.

If left too long, roof leaks will damage insulation, affect internal wiring, and create long-term mould issues. The good news? An emergency plumber will be able to locate the entry point, carry out temporary repairs if needed, and provide sound advice on what to do next to protect the building moving forward.

Blocked Drains

Blocked drains often start small, such as a slow sink, a strange gurgle, or a shower that doesn’t empty properly. But in some cases, things escalate fast. If water starts backing up through the toilet or flooding a laundry or bathroom, it’s no longer just inconvenient. It’s a plumbing emergency that needs urgent attention.

It could be from a build-up of grease, hair, tree roots, or something more serious further down the line. Whatever the case, plumbers can use professional tools like jet blasting and in-pipe cameras to find the source of the blockage, and fast. Once cleared, the drain system is tested to make sure flow has been fully restored.

From toilet repairs in Bundaberg to leaking taps in Gladstone, no one’s got your back like PlumbCall! Call us now to get your plumbing emergencies sorted.

Hot Water Faults

Losing hot water unexpectedly can be frustrating at the best of times, and downright stressful in winter. If you’ve noticed that the water turns cold suddenly, the pilot light won’t stay on, or the unit starts leaking from underneath, hot water issues are usually a sign something in the system has failed.

Depending on the type of unit, the fault could be electrical, gas-related, or a simple pressure problem. Either way, it’s a great idea to get a technician in to inspect the setup, repair or replace faulty components, and get the system running again. In some cases, especially with older systems, a full replacement may be the most reliable option.

System Failure

When a single tap stops working, it’s a small issue. But when a sewer pump cuts out, a backflow device fails, or a main valve breaks, the effects are felt across the entire property. Water pressure can drop, toilets might stop flushing, and drains could become sluggish or overflow. These kinds of failures often require a full diagnostic approach.

By testing different parts of the system, a plumber can locate the fault, restore water or waste flow, and repair or replace damaged parts. Addressing these problems early helps prevent broader damage and keeps the entire system running safely.

Sewerage Overflow

Few things are as unpleasant or urgent as raw sewerage spilling into a home or business. This overflow may be caused by a blocked drain, damaged pipes, or system failure, and once it starts, it spreads quickly. The smell alone is a strong indicator, but it’s the contamination risk that makes this an emergency.

The main priority is to stop the overflow and isolate the area to limit exposure. A plumber will also be able to locate the blockage or break, clear the line, and flush the system. Once the plumbing is restored, professional cleaning and disinfection may be required to make the space safe to use again.

Facing a plumbing emergency? When it’s urgent, we treat it as urgent and send a licensed plumber to your door as soon as possible! Don’t let plumbing issues disrupt your life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our local plumbing experts near your area.

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What Can Be Handled During Routine Plumbing?

Routine plumbing covers work that doesn’t involve urgent risk or disruption. These jobs can usually be scheduled during business hours and are designed to keep systems running efficiently and prevent emergencies in the first place.

Commercial Maintenance

Plumbing systems in commercial buildings handle heavier use and are more prone to wear and tear. Routine commercial maintenance includes testing fixtures, clearing drains, checking hot water systems, and servicing roof plumbing. This is especially important for schools, offices, hospitals, and hospitality venues that depend on uninterrupted water services.

Domestic Maintenance

For residential properties, regular maintenance helps avoid common plumbing issues before they become major problems. This may include servicing taps, checking for leaks, cleaning gutters, and testing stormwater drains. Tailored check-ups like these take into account the home’s layout, age, and water usage patterns to keep systems running smoothly.

Inspections and Checks

One of the most valuable services offered as part of routine plumbing is inspection. Advanced diagnostic tools such as in-pipe cameras and pressure testing are used to identify small issues inside pipes or joints. Whether preparing to buy a home or simply looking for peace of mind, these checks provide a clear picture of the system’s condition.

Upgrades

Plumbing upgrades aren’t always urgent, but they’re often necessary to improve performance, meet compliance requirements, or become more sustainable. Common examples of this include replacing older hot water systems, installing water-saving toilets, adding low-flow taps, or modernising laundry fittings. Although less urgent, they’re no less important!

General Repairs

Leaking taps, dripping shower heads, and running toilets might seem minor, but over time they can waste water and money. General plumbing repairs are best handled as part of a routine service call, where small issues are fixed before they become costly. Repairs can cover a wide range of plumbing and gas appliances to keep everything working properly.

Plumbing Done Right: First Time, Every Time

PlumbCall are 24/7 Gas and Plumbing Specialists. Emergency at 2am? Ongoing drainage issues? Hot water system barely holding on? Our licensed plumbers are on call 24/7, and will be there to get it sorted in no time!

When you hire PlumbCall, expect nothing less than:

1. 100% Money Back Guarantee
2. Guaranteed Speed
3. Locally Owned & Operated
4. 24hr Immediate Response

From blocked drains and burst pipes to gas fitting, system upgrades, and commercial servicing, we get the job done properly. Book Online or get in touch with your local branch today.