Plumbing problems never seem to happen at a convenient time. A dripping tap on a Tuesday afternoon? Annoying but manageable. A burst pipe at midnight on a January weekend? That is a genuine emergency.
Knowing the difference between a problem that can wait and one that needs immediate attention can save you thousands of pounds in damage — and a lot of stress. Here are five clear signs you need to call an emergency plumber right away.
1. A Burst Pipe or Major Water Leak
This is the big one. If water is gushing from a pipe, spraying from under the sink or flooding through your ceiling, you need help immediately. A burst pipe can release hundreds of litres of water per hour, causing catastrophic damage to floors, walls, electrics and belongings.
What to do right now:
- Turn off your mains water stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink or near the front door).
- Turn off your central heating.
- Open all taps to drain the remaining water from the system.
- Move valuables away from the affected area.
- Call DRMB immediately on 0208 123 4807.
We carry pipe repair materials on all our vans, so most burst pipe repairs are completed on the first visit.
2. No Hot Water and No Heating
Losing your hot water and heating simultaneously usually points to a serious boiler fault. In the middle of winter, this is not something you can afford to wait days to fix — especially if you have young children or elderly family members at home.
Common causes include:
- Boiler pressure loss due to a leak in the system
- A failed pump or diverter valve
- Frozen condensate pipe (very common in cold snaps)
- Ignition failure or gas supply issues
Our Gas Safe engineers can diagnose most boiler faults quickly and carry common replacement parts, so we often have your heating back on the same day.
3. You Can Smell Gas
If you can smell gas in your home, this is a serious safety emergency. Natural gas is odourless, but an additive called mercaptan gives it a distinctive rotten egg smell so you can detect leaks.
Immediate steps:
- Do not turn on or off any electrical switches or appliances.
- Open all windows and doors.
- Turn off the gas at the meter if you know where it is and can do so safely.
- Leave the property.
- Call the National Gas Emergency number: 0800 111 999.
- Then call DRMB to arrange a Gas Safe engineer to locate and repair the leak.
Gas leaks can cause explosions, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Never ignore the smell of gas, even if it seems faint.
4. Sewage Backing Up Into Your Home
Few plumbing emergencies are as unpleasant as sewage backing up through your drains, toilets or bath. This is not just disgusting — it is a genuine health hazard. Raw sewage contains bacteria and pathogens that can cause serious illness.
Signs of a sewage backup include:
- Foul smells from drains, even after cleaning
- Multiple drains blocking at the same time
- Water coming up through the shower drain when you flush the toilet
- Gurgling sounds from pipes and drains
Our drainage team uses CCTV cameras and high-pressure jetting equipment to quickly identify and clear even the most stubborn blockages.
5. Your Boiler Is Leaking Water
A leaking boiler might seem minor compared to a burst pipe, but it can indicate serious internal problems. Water dripping from your boiler could be caused by:
- A cracked heat exchanger (expensive but essential to repair)
- A failing pressure relief valve
- Corroded internal pipework
- Loose connections or worn seals
Left unchecked, a boiler leak can cause water damage to surrounding walls and floors, and potentially lead to electrical faults. If your boiler is leaking, turn it off and call us.
When Is It NOT an Emergency?
Not every plumbing problem needs an emergency call-out. The following can usually wait for a regular appointment:
- A dripping tap
- A slow-draining sink (not completely blocked)
- A toilet that runs continuously but still works
- Low water pressure that has been gradual
- A radiator that needs bleeding
That said, if you are ever unsure, call us anyway. We would rather reassure you over the phone than have you discover a bigger problem later.
DRMB: Your 24/7 Emergency Plumber in SE London
When a plumbing emergency strikes, you need someone who answers the phone, turns up fast and fixes the problem properly. DRMB Plumbing and Heating provides genuine 24/7 emergency cover across SE London, including Lewisham, Blackheath, Greenwich, Eltham, Bromley, Catford and Croydon.
Our Gas Safe registered engineers are on call right now. Contact DRMB or call 0208 123 4807 for immediate help.