When it comes to plumbing problems, knowing when to call an emergency plumber can save you thousands of dollars in water damage and repairs. Here are the five critical signs that mean you need professional help immediately.

1. Burst or Leaking Pipes

A burst pipe is one of the most serious plumbing emergencies. Signs include:

• Water pooling on floors or in walls
• Unexplained wet spots on ceilings
• Sudden drop in water pressure
• Unusual sounds in your pipes

What to do: Turn off your main water supply immediately and call an emergency plumber. Every minute counts when water is flooding your home.

2. Gas Smell

If you smell gas (a rotten egg odour), this is a life-threatening emergency.

• Open windows and doors
• Don’t turn on any electrical switches
• Leave the house immediately
• Call your gas company and an emergency plumber

Never ignore a gas smell - it could lead to an explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning.

3. Sewage Backup

When sewage backs up into your home, it’s not just unpleasant - it’s a health hazard. Signs include:

• Multiple drains backing up simultaneously
• Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains
• Sewage smell in your home
• Water backing up when you flush

This requires immediate professional attention to prevent contamination and further damage.

4. No Hot Water in Winter

While not always an emergency, losing hot water during Melbourne’s cold winters can be urgent, especially if you have:

• Young children or elderly family members
• Medical conditions requiring hot water
• Multiple people in the household

5. Major Blocked Drains

A completely blocked drain that won’t clear with a plunger needs professional attention. Warning signs:

• Water draining extremely slowly
• Gurgling sounds
• Bad odours from drains
• Water backing up in other fixtures

When to Call Hankook Plumbing

At Hankook Plumbing, we provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. With 13 years of experience and a rapid response time, we’re here when you need us most.

Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a disaster. If you notice any of these signs, call us immediately on 0407 756 172.