Plumbing, Gas, Drainage and Hot Water emergencies can strike without warning and usually at the most inconvenient time. This guide covers a range of common problems that might need the help of an emergency plumber.
If you have a plumbing emergency in Hawke’s Bay and you need urgent help – give our friendly team a call on 06 211 6462. We’ve got plumbers and gasfitters on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you’ve got a problem; get in touch straight away and we’ll do our best to help.
In this guide we’ll take a look at common plumbing emergencies for:
- Gas
- Drains and drainage
- Hot Water
- Plumbing and water in general.
Do you need help with a gas emergency?
Gas issues are some of the most serious emergencies you might have in your home or business. Leaks or malfunctions can be dangerous and could cause fire, explosions, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you think you have a gas problem, do not attempt to fix gas lines or appliances yourself. Gas issues require immediate attention from a licensed gasfitting professional.
Are you experiencing one of these gas emergencies?
1. Have you got a gas leak?
Signs you have a gas leak are if you can smell gas (a sulphur-like or rotten egg odour) and hear a hissing noise near gas appliances or the meter.
Call your emergency gasfitter straightaway if you suspect you have a gas leak. Turn off the gas supply and open windows to allow fresh air in.
2. Is one of your gas appliances broken?
If you have gas appliances like ovens, heaters, or hot water systems in your home, you may need an emergency gasfitter if one of them stops working. Gas appliances may stop working correctly due to blockages or damaged components.
A good tip is to get your gas appliances serviced regularly. This not only helps you to make sure they are operating safely. You also reduce the chance of unexpected failures that could be costly or time-consuming to get fixed. Read our article: Looking after your gas appliances.
If your gas appliance stops working, it’s important not to attempt to fix it yourself. Gas appliances should only be repaired or maintained by qualified professionals. Call a qualified emergency gasfitter and ask them for help.
3. Do you have a carbon monoxide leak?
If your gas appliance isn’t venting properly you could have a carbon monoxide leak. Carbon monoxide is both invisible and odourless, which makes it hard to detect.
Signs of a carbon monoxide leak include headaches, dizziness, or nausea. If you think you might have a carbon monoxide leak:
- Turn off the gas: Locate your gas shut-off valve, typically near your gas meter, and turn it off.
- Ventilate the area: Open windows and doors to allow fresh air in.
- Inspect appliances: Check if the pilot light is lit or if there are any visible signs of damage.
Call an Emergency gasfitter straightaway if:
- You smell gas or suspect a leak.
- You can’t turn off the gas supply.
- There are unexplained symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure.
Do you need help with a drain or drainage emergency?
Blocked or overflowing drains can quickly turn into a health hazard and cause property damage.
Do you have one of these drainage emergencies?
1. Do you need help with a blocked toilet, drain or sink?
If your toilet or drain becomes slow-draining or stops draining completely then it could be blocked. Water draining slowly or backing up often signals a blockage caused by grease, hair, or debris.
Take a look at our blog Tips to take care of your drains. If your drain or toilet is completely blocked, contact our emergency plumber for help.
2. Are your stormwater drains slow-flowing or overflowing?
Excessive rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to localised flooding. Stormwater drains are more likely to become overwhelmed if they are partially blocked or slow flowing. If flooding looks like it’s going to cause damage to your property or those around you, you can call our emergency plumber for help.
3. Do you think you have a blockage in your sewage system?
Blocked sewage lines aren’t just inconvenient – they’re unpleasant and smelly too. If you think your sewage line is blocked then you probably want a quick response to deal with the issue quickly.
Problem with your drains? Try these tips and if they don’t work call our emergency plumber.
- Try using a plunger to unblock your sink, drain or toilet: for minor clogs, a plunger can help dislodge blockages.
- Try pouring boiling water into the blocked drain: pouring boiling water down a slow-draining sink can help to dissolve grease and soap buildup.
- Check and clear external drains: remove leaves or debris from outdoor drains to improve flow.
Call an emergency plumber if:
- Water or sewage is backing up into your home
- You’ve tried basic fixes but the blockage persists
- A blockage is causing significant flooding.
If wastewater is involved, it’s always a good idea to get professional help. There are significant health risks involved with wastewater.
Do you need help with a hot water emergency?
Losing access to hot water can be frustrating. If your hot water supply stops, it’s usually a sign of a problem with your hot water heater. Take a look at these common problems and contact our emergency plumber if you need immediate help with your hot water supply.
Do you have one of these common hot water problems?
1. Do you suddenly have no hot water?
There are a number of reasons why your hot water supply may have suddenly failed, including a failed element, thermostat, or pilot light.
2. Is your water temperature fluctuating from hot to cold?
Are you suffering from inconsistencies in hot water temperature? If your water temperature is failing to stay consistently hot you might have a problem with sediment buildup in the hot water tank or a faulty thermostat.
3. Is your hot water system leaking?
Puddles near the water heater are a clear sign of trouble, potentially from a broken valve or corroded tank.
Try these troubleshooting steps and if they don’t work – call our emergency plumber on 06 211 6462.
- Check the Power/Energy Supply: Make sure your water heater has the electricity or gas it needs to operate properly.
- Reset the System: If you have an electric system with a reset button you could try resetting the thermostat. Note – this does not apply to gas systems.
- Inspect for Leaks: See if you can find the source of the leak and identify how serious it is. Look for visible leaks around the heater and pipes.
Do you need an emergency plumber? Call us if any of the following apply:
- There’s no hot water despite troubleshooting
- The hot water heater is leaking, which could lead to water damage or complete failure
- There’s a problem with your hot water supply and you can hear strange noises (e.g. banging or rumbling) coming from the water heater.
Remember: hot water systems can be dangerous as they contain electrical components and/or use gas. Don’t attempt complex repairs; professional expertise is essential.
Do you need help with a general plumbing emergency?
Plumbing emergencies can range from minor annoyances to major disasters. Small problems that are ignored could escalate into costly repairs. It’s important to take time to properly assess the issue and know when you need professional help.
Do you have one of these common plumbing problems?
1. Do you have a burst pipe?
A burst pipe can be a major issue, flooding your home in minutes. Burst pipes are often caused by corrosion or sudden pressure changes.
2. Do you have leaking pipes or taps?
Unlike the explosive nature of a burst pipe, a leak in your tap or pipe may be smaller and appear less harmful. It’s important to be aware that small drips can waste significant water and escalate into bigger issues over time.
3. Are you experiencing low water pressure?
If you experience a drop in water pressure it’s a sign there could be a problem with your water supply. Poor water flow could result from blockages, leaks, or issues with your water tanks or mains water supply.
4. Is water continuously running into your toilet?
If you’re experiencing a continuous flow of water it could indicate a faulty flush valve or float. Constantly running toilets can waste litres of water and are a real issue if you’re on a rainwater or bore water supply.
Try these troubleshooting tips with your plumbing problem, then contact our emergency plumber on 06 211 6462 if you need help.
- Turn off the water supply: Locate your main water shut-off valve and close it to prevent further damage.
- Wrap burst pipes: Use a cloth or tape to temporarily seal a leaking or burst pipe while waiting for professional help.
- Check your fixtures: Make sure any leaking faucets and connections are tightened properly to stop minor leaks.
Do you need an emergency plumber? Call us if any of the following apply:
- A burst pipe is flooding your home.
- Water leaks persist despite temporary fixes.
- The water pressure drop affects your entire home.
Water damage can be expensive and isn’t always visible. If you’re not sure; it’s better to be safe rather than sorry and contact an emergency plumber. Don’t forget to contact your insurer if you think your leak may be causing damage to your property.
Do you need an expert to help with your plumbing emergency?
While some minor issues can be managed with DIY fixes, many plumbing emergencies need professional help, fast, to minimise safety risks and reduce the risk of damage. Here’s a simple checklist to help you decide:
- The issue poses a safety threat (e.g., gas leaks or wastewater backups)
- There’s a risk of property damage (e.g., flooding or leaks)
- You lack the tools or expertise to fix the problem.
Special Tips for Hawke’s Bay Residents for a plumbing emergency
Living in Hawke’s Bay comes with unique weather challenges, such as hot dry Summers, seasonal heavy rains, and cooler winters in some parts of the region.
You can prepare your Hawke’s Bay home for a plumbing, gas, hot water or drainage emergency by:
- Knowing the location of your home’s shut-off valves for gas and water
- Keeping basic tools like a plunger and wrench handy
- Scheduling regular maintenance for gas appliances, water heaters, and drains.
If in doubt, don’t delay. Call East Coast Plumbing and Gas for your emergency plumbing needs. Getting reliable professional help straightaway can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Emergencies can disrupt your home and put your health and your property at risk. While basic troubleshooting can help resolve minor issues, it’s crucial to recognise when a problem is beyond your ability to fix. If you’ve got a drainage, hot water, gas or plumbing emergency that needs a plumber or a gasfitter – call the team at East Coast Plumbing and Gas on 06 211 6462. We’re here when you need us and we’ve got the skills and experience to get the job done right.