Plumbing problems can arise any time of day or night and come out of the blue. Whether it be a sudden leak where the kitchen starts flooding or a blocked drain where nothing seems to be flowing, it’s very important to know how to deal with such emergencies to save yourself time, money, and stress.

While it is always good to call a licensed plumber in case of serious problems, the right actions taken immediately can stop the damage from worsening. This guide will help you to sort leaks and clogs before the professional shows.

How to Deal with Sudden Leaks in Australian Homes

Leaks can waste tons of water and shoot through the roof in terms of bills. An estimation by the Australian Bureau of Statistics states that an average Australian household uses more than 200,000 litres of water per year, and leakage accounts for a huge part of that water wastage. These leaks could further damage structures if not attended to, bring about the growth of moulds, and make repairs extremely costly.

The following refers to how you could manage a leakage before a plumber arrives:

1. Shut Off the Water Supply

This is the very first thing you would need to do upon noticing a leak: turn off the water supply to avoid further damage. Australian homes usually have the main shut-off valve located:

Outside the property next to the water meter
Under the kitchen sink
In the bathroom or the laundry

If the leak is from an isolated fixture like a tap or toilet, switch off the isolation valve to this fixture instead of turning off the upstream water supply to the house.

2. Make Makeshift Repairs

Once you have switched off the water, you can apply the temporary solutions until the arrival of the plumber:

Plumber’s tape (also known as Teflon tape): At the joints where there is leaking, wrap plumber’s tape around the seams to slow down water flow.
Pipe sealant or epoxy putty: Should the incursion be small, you can use pipe sealant or epoxy putty to stop the incursions temporarily.
Rubber hose and hose clamps: When a pipe leaks, wrap a piece of rubber hose over it to cover the leak and fasten it with clamps.

3. Follow Water Drainage Process

Even if the water supply is turned off, there are always some residual waters remaining in the pipes. Open all your taps and drain any remaining waters in order to relieve any pressure from the system. This will prevent further leakage.

4. Find the Cause of the Leak

The reason for the leak can be helpful to explain to the plumber what the problem is. Common causes of leaks that are found in Australian homes include:

Burst pipes from high water pressure (especially in older homes)
Tree roots intruding on underground pipes
Deterioration of seals on taps or toilets
Corroded or rusty pipes (common in older houses with galvanized steel piping)

If the leak occurs in the hot water, turn off the power supply (for electric systems) or gas supply (for gas hot water systems) to prevent further damage.

5. Call an Australian-Licensed Plumber

Even if the temporary fix has worked to stop the leak, a permanent fix will be required from a licensed plumber. Only a licensed plumber in Australia can work on such systems legally. A plumber registered with the appropriate state plumbing authority is required. The following are some of the applicable plumbing authorities in Australia:

VBA (Victoria)
NSW Fair Trading (New South Wales)
QBCC (Queensland)
WA Building Commission (Western Australia)

How to Unblock a Clogged Drain

Blocked drains are a common problem in many households in Australia, especially in locations where the plumbing is old, or where trees have roots that intrude into underground pipes. When a pipe is clogged, water accumulates in both sinks and toilets and foul smells escape through.

1. Using a Plunger

Using a plunger is quite possibly the simplest way of clearing a blocked drain. Here are the steps:

For sinks: Cover the overflow hole with a damp cloth to create a suction.
For toilets: Use a toilet plunger (one with a flange) for increased suction.
In the case of showers and bathtubs: Remove the drain cover and plunge over the opening.

Push the plunger ten to fifteen times, calling it quits once the water begins to drain.

2. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

With less serious blockages, a natural cleaning solution works in a pinch to break down debris.

Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain.
Then, follow with one cup of white vinegar.
Let sit for 15 to 30 minutes before flushing, allowing the bubbles to work away at any grease or gunk.
Flush down the drain with boiling hot water.

This will not harm PVC pipes and is a similarly eco-friendly alternative to chemical cleaners.

3. Drain Snake or Auger

If a plunger does not work, try a drain snake (also known as a plumber’s auger). This handy device is useful in removing hair, food scraps, and small blockages stuck in drains. Place it in the drain, twist, and pull out any debris.

4. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

Many households use commercial drain cleaners found in stores, yet these products are made from harsh chemicals that can damage PVC pipes in the long run. Their repeated use threatens the environment since the wastewater treatment plants have to filter these chemicals from water before it gets released back into the system.

If you really must use a chemical cleaner, opt for a biodegradable or enzyme-based one that is safe for both pipes and the environment.

5. Call in a plumber for stubborn clogs

If none of the home remedies work, one should not try to knock out the blockage the DIY way. Rather, call in an expert plumber to spot your blockage with a CCTV drain inspection and either break or clear it away cautiously.

How to Avoid Plumbing Emergencies in Australia

Many plumbing emergencies could easily be avoided when proper maintenance is provided. Here are some tips for the prevention of leaks and clogs in Australian homes:

To Prevent Leaks:

Watch for visible signs of leaks under sinks, toilets, and outdoor taps.
Check the readings on your water meter to see if you had unexplained increases in water usage.
Replace old or corroded pipes before they burst.
Install a water pressure regulator to make your pipes less susceptible to overload.

Avoiding Clogs:

Throw oil, grease, or food scraps down the sink!
Use drain covers to trap hair and debris in showers and bathroom sinks.
Do not flush wet wipes, paper towels, and sanitary products down the toilet.
Get a professional drain cleaning done every 12-24 months, especially if you live in tree roots-intrusive areas.

Final Thoughts

Plumbing emergencies may be a source of stress, but knowing how to handle them may avert a bigger evil. Acting fast may help in cutting down on the extent of the damage, conserve water, and obviate any expensive repairs.

If you’ve got a big leak or blocked drain you can’t fix, call a licensed plumber right away.

Would you like more plumbing tips for Australian homes? Drop us a comment!