Whether at work or at home, we all rely on plumbing systems on a daily basis. All we have to do is press a button or flick a switch and rooms begin to warm up. Similarly, we take it for granted that hot water is readily available at the turn of a tap. We all depend on central heating and plumbing systems to supply us with these necessities on demand, so it can sometimes come as a shock when such systems break down.

From showers and toilets to radiators and washing machines, there are numerous facilities in a home or business that require plumbing to function. Whilst proper plumbing systems are built to last, glitches are sometimes unavoidable. As we enter into some of the colder months of the year, it’s more important than ever to have smooth and seamless plumbing in place. Many of us require the use of central heating when we return home from a cold commute from work, and there really is no better way to warm up than with a steaming hot bath. A plumbing emergency is the last thing you want to encounter, however, knowing when to call on professional help is of the utmost importance.

When catastrophe strikes, it can be tempting to take a DIY approach to the situation in order to save money- but what if you end up exacerbating the situation? Not only will an emergency plumber arrive at your property promptly, but they will also get to the root of the problem quickly and efficiently. Contacting an emergency plumber in your area could save you masses of stress and will ensure your systems are back up and running in no time.

It’s likely that many of us will require plumbing services at one time or another, but what constitutes a plumbing emergency? Certain issues may seem insignificant, but if neglected, these can turn into much more severe problems. With this in mind, sometimes it’s beneficial to contact a reputable plumbing firm at the first sign of trouble to ensure such problems don’t spiral out of control. However, discerning which issues require emergency assistance can sometimes be tricky. After all, you don’t want to waste the valuable time of an emergency plumber unnecessarily. In light of this, we’ve listed four scenarios in which hiring an emergency plumber is advisable.

A burst water pipe

Returning home to find that your property has flooded is possibly one of the worst experiences. Water pipes are prone to bursting in winter due to the extreme drop in temperature. When the mercury drops below freezing, the water in our pipes can freeze, causing them to burst. This can also occur when our pipes are clogged as the pressure can become too much, prompting the pipes to expand and eventually rupture. Upon discovering a pool of water or a leaking pipe, it’s important to act fast to ensure water damage is kept to a minimum. Further to this, an excess of water could be dangerous if you have electrical appliances nearby, so contacting an emergency plumber is necessary to err on the side of caution.

Plumbing disasters can strike at any time, but this is not a problem for an emergency plumber. Many firms have engineers that are on call 24/7 to ensure that whatever the time, help is just around the corner. Not only could a burst pipe pose a threat to you, it could also affect the structural integrity of your property and if you live in a block of flats, your neighbours could also be at risk. With this in mind, a 24-hour plumber with speedy response times is a necessity.

A boiler breakdown: the benefits of hiring a heating engineer

As a system that supplies us with both hot water and heating, a defunct boiler can have a significant impact on the occupants of a property. A boiler can function seamlessly for years on end before suddenly packing up without warning. This is because behind the front panel, there are many different components at work and if one stops working, this can cause the entire system to fail. From low water pressure to frozen pipes, there are many reasons why a boiler might stop functioning. Whilst certain problems are simple and easy to rectify, a boiler that’s broken down completely will likely require urgent attention.

Due to their complexity, boilers should be serviced annually to ensure they continue to function at optimum level. As with many machines, muck and sludge can build up inside a boiler which is likely to hinder its abilities. In this case, your boiler may need to simply be flushed out. Another common problem in boilers is age. Over time, the internal components of a boiler can begin to rust which can lead to a breakdown. In this case, an emergency plumber will be able to substitute your old boiler for a newer (and likely more economical) model. Not only will you be getting better value for money, but your new boiler is likely to operate a lot more efficiently, keeping you warm throughout the year.

Blocked drains

A blocked drain is an extremely common problem in both domestic and commercial properties. Many of us will have experienced the horror of yanking a seemingly endless lock of hair from a plughole, and a blocked toilet is something everyone dreads. While there are a few home remedies that are often extremely effective, it’s important to contact an emergency plumber in the most extreme cases. Plumbers will be well versed on the appropriate techniques to use to quickly unblock even the most clogged drain, ensuring your facilities are back in business as quickly as possible.

As well as emitting an extremely unpleasant smell, a severely blocked drain can lead to an overflow of water, so it’s crucial to stop the problem in its tracks before it exacerbates. If you own a business in the customer service industry, a putrid smell or an overflowing basin is likely to deter customers and could even result in a business being closed down due to poor standards of hygiene. With this in mind, it’s imperative to be diligent in keeping your plumbing systems up to standard.

Here at Prestige Plumbers, our efficiently run emergency plumbing service allows us to assist our customers when they need it the most. To find out more about our capabilities, click here to visit our website.

A leaking faucet: how can a plumber assist?

Repairing a leaking faucet or dripping tap may be quite low down on your list of home improvement tasks, but this is not a problem to be neglected. It may seem like a relatively minor issue, but a small leak could easily be a symptom of a much bigger problem. Such issues can indeed be quite simple to fix, however, it’s important to get it properly diagnosed by a professional. Faucet leaks often occur when internal components have worn out and in this case, certain parts may need to be replaced.

A leak can also take place below the sink which could signify a loose connection. There are many reasons why a faucet might be dripping, but it’s important to get a trusted second opinion to ensure the correct remedy is implemented. Once your taps are fixed, you’ll find that not only is your water running more fluidly, but that your water bill is also significantly lower- win-win!

Prestige Plumbers: a company that offers expert emergency plumbing services in Southampton and across the south coast

At Prestige Plumbers, we understand that plumbing emergencies can (and often do) happen at the most inopportune times. That’s why, regardless of the time, we’re ready to go at a moment’s notice.

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, our engineers are equipped to diagnose and resolve all plumbing mishaps. We service both domestic and commercial properties and as a family-run business, our personalised style of customer service is second to none.

If you’re looking for a reputable plumbing firm in Southampton, contact us today and keep your plumbing up to par with Prestige Plumbers.