What Counts As A Plumbing Emergency?
Not every plumbing issue requires an emergency call-out. Here's what we consider urgent situations that need immediate attention:
Burst Pipes & Major Leaks
A burst pipe can cause thousands of pounds of water damage in minutes. If water is gushing from pipes, pooling on floors, or dripping through ceilings, you need emergency help. We'll locate the source, stop the water flow, and make temporary or permanent repairs depending on the situation. Don't wait – every minute counts when water is flowing freely through your property.
No Running Water
Lost water supply to your entire property? This could indicate a serious issue with your main water line, stopcock, or internal plumbing system. We'll diagnose the problem quickly and restore your water supply. No running water means no toilets, no washing, no cooking – we understand this can't wait until tomorrow.
Blocked Drains & Sewage Backup
Sewage backing up into your home is both a health hazard and deeply unpleasant. If your toilet won't flush, sinks are backing up with dirty water, or you can smell sewage, you need emergency drain clearance. We carry professional drain cleaning equipment in our vans and can clear most blockages on the first visit.
Broken Boiler (In Winter)
No heating or hot water in the middle of winter constitutes an emergency, especially if you have young children or elderly family members. We'll assess your boiler, identify the fault, and either repair it immediately or arrange temporary heating solutions while parts are sourced. Most common boiler faults can be fixed same-day.
Gas Leaks
If you smell gas, this is a critical emergency. Turn off your gas supply at the meter, open windows, don't use any electrical switches, and call the National Gas Emergency number (0800 111 999) first. Once they've made the area safe, we can repair the leak and restore your gas supply safely. Never ignore the smell of gas.
Our Emergency Response Process
Here's exactly what happens when you call us for an emergency:
Tell us what's happening. The more detail you can give, the better prepared we'll be. We'll ask about the location of the problem, how much water is leaking, and any steps you've already taken.
While we're on our way, we'll talk you through emergency steps to minimize damage. This might include turning off your stopcock, switching off electrics near water, or containing leaks with buckets and towels.
We aim to reach you within 60 minutes for genuine emergencies in Trowbridge and surrounding areas. Our vans carry a comprehensive range of parts, tools, and equipment, so we can fix most problems on the first visit.
When we arrive, we'll assess the situation and give you an upfront price before starting work. No hidden costs, no surprises. You'll know exactly what it will cost to fix your emergency.
We'll complete the repair and test everything thoroughly to ensure the problem is completely resolved. If temporary repairs are needed, we'll arrange a follow-up visit to complete permanent work.
What To Do While You Wait
While you're waiting for us to arrive, here are some immediate steps you can take to minimize damage:
For Burst Pipes & Major Leaks
- Turn off your main stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink or where the water supply enters your property)
- Turn off your boiler and immersion heater
- Open all taps to drain remaining water from the system
- Switch off electricity at the mains if water is near electrics
- Move furniture, carpets, and valuables away from water
- Place buckets, towels, or containers to catch dripping water
- Take photos for insurance purposes
For Blocked Drains
- Stop using all water outlets (sinks, toilets, showers)
- Don't pour chemicals down drains before we arrive
- Keep children and pets away from backed-up water
- If sewage is backing up, evacuate the affected room
For No Water Supply
- Check if your neighbours have water (could be wider supply issue)
- Check your stopcock is fully open
- Check if your water supplier has reported issues in your area
Emergency Call-Out Pricing
We believe in transparent pricing, even for emergencies. Our emergency call-out rate is £60, which includes the first hour of labour. This covers our travel costs and diagnostic work. Any additional labour or parts will be quoted before we proceed. We accept cash, card, and bank transfer.
While emergency work costs more than scheduled work, we never take advantage of your urgent situation. Our prices are fair and competitive, and we'll always look for the most cost-effective solution to your problem.
Prevention: Avoiding Future Emergencies
Many plumbing emergencies can be prevented with regular maintenance and awareness. Here's what we recommend:
- Know where your stopcock is and check it works once a year
- Service your boiler annually to prevent winter breakdowns
- Insulate pipes in cold areas to prevent freezing and bursting
- Don't pour fats, oils, or food waste down drains
- Only flush toilet paper – not wipes, even "flushable" ones
- Replace washing machine hoses every 5 years
- Know the warning signs: slow drains, low water pressure, unusual noises
Why Choose Us For Emergencies?
- Genuine 24/7 availability – We answer the phone, day or night
- Under 60-minute response for Trowbridge emergencies
- Fully stocked vans – We carry parts for most emergency repairs
- 30 years experience – We've handled every emergency scenario
- Upfront pricing – No hidden charges or surprise bills
- All work guaranteed – We stand behind our emergency repairs