What is Considered a Plumbing Emergency?
July 22, 2025
20 Peacock Street, Burwood VIC 3125
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When water’s gushing or you smell gas, your first instinct is probably to panic. Fair enough. It’s easy to assume it’s time to call an emergency plumber straight away. But not every plumbing issue is an emergency, and calling one out unnecessarily can be stressful (and expensive).
In this guide, we’ll break down what actually counts as a plumbing emergency, the most common ones we see in Melbourne’s Inner East, and what you should do while waiting for help. We’ll also share a few tips on how to find the right emergency plumber so you can act fast when it matters.
Let’s dive in.
A plumbing emergency is anything that needs urgent attention to prevent serious damage, danger, or health risks. Ask yourself these questions:
If you answered yes to any of the above, you’re dealing with a plumbing emergency.
For example, a slowly dripping tap you can contain in a bucket? Not an emergency. But a burst pipe spilling 400 litres an hour into your home? That’s serious. Water can damage your floors, walls, and even reach electrical systems. It can quickly turn a soggy mess into a dangerous situation.
We work across Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs, including places like Burwood, Box Hill, Camberwell, Glen Iris, Ashwood, Mount Waverley, and Surrey Hills. Many homes here are older and have dated plumbing that’s more prone to emergencies like:
Burst pipes are one of the top reasons for home insurance claims in Australia, costing hundreds of millions each year. In older homes, corrosion or temperature changes can weaken pipes over time. One crack is all it takes for litres of water to flood your home in minutes.
Gas leaks are no joke. Just a small amount of natural gas (around 5%) or LPG (2%) can trigger fires or cause serious health problems. If you notice that rotten egg smell, get out immediately. Don’t touch any switches, and call us once you’re safely outside.
A slow toilet that still flushes? Not urgent. But one that’s overflowing or backing up into your home is. That’s especially true if it’s your only toilet or you’ve got raw sewage coming up. Don’t wait. Give us a ring.
When the temperature drops near zero in Glen Iris or Mount Waverley, no hot water can quickly turn into a hygiene and comfort issue. It’s not always urgent in a technical sense. But let’s be real, no one wants cold showers in the middle of winter.
This one’s as unpleasant as it sounds. Sewage exposure isn’t just gross, it’s dangerous. The bacteria and gases can cause illness, and the damage can be hard and costly to undo. Don’t try to DIY this. Call an emergency plumber as soon as you can.
After heavy downpours, stormwater can back up and roofs can start to leak. We see this a lot in areas like Box Hill, Burwood and Mount Waverley. Water can spread fast and damage ceilings, insulation and electrics. It also sets the stage for mould.
Not everything starts out as an emergency. But left unchecked, some minor issues can snowball into disasters. Here’s what to watch out for:
A slow drip might seem harmless, but it can quickly become a steady stream. Water damage to cabinets and floors is sneaky and expensive. Fix it before it escalates.
Older homes in places like Ashwood are often prone to hidden leaks behind walls or under floors. Musty smells, damp spots, bubbling paint, or unusually high water bills are all red flags. Don’t ignore them.
If you spot any of these, it’s worth calling a plumber before things get worse.
If you’ve called for help and someone’s on the way, here’s how you can reduce the damage in the meantime:
Not all plumbers are equipped to handle emergencies. Here’s how to find someone who is:
At Moz Plumbing, we’re your go-to for plumbing emergencies across Melbourne’s East, including:
We handle all major emergencies, like:
Need help fast? Give us a call. We’re local, reliable, and always ready.
If you can’t stop it or it involves sewage, yes. Call us.
Stains, smells, rising bills and warped floors or ceilings are all signs of hidden leaks. Don’t ignore them.
Turn off the water behind the toilet, mop up what you can, and try a plunger. If that fails, call us.
It smells like rotten eggs, thanks to a chemical added for detection. If you notice that smell, or hear a hissing sound near appliances, get out and call us.
If there’s a safety risk or major damage happening, call now. Otherwise, it might be okay to wait. If you’re unsure, call us and we’ll help you figure it out.
Plumbing and gas emergencies can go from bad to worse fast. Save our number now: 0478 841 918. You’ll be glad you did if something goes wrong. We’re your local, owner-operated emergency plumber in Melbourne’s East, ready to help 24/7.
Need help? We’re here when you need us most.
