Do You Need an Emergency Plumber in London? 7 Situations Where You Should Call Right Away
Plumbing problems don’t wait for convenient times. A burst pipe at 2 am, no heating on a freezing winter night, or a toilet that suddenly overflows—these situations can quickly turn into disasters if left unresolved. But what exactly counts as a plumbing emergency, and when should you pick up the phone and call an emergency plumber in London?
At Parallel Plumbing Solutions, we know the difference between a minor issue and a genuine emergency. Here are seven situations where you should call an emergency plumber right away, plus a few that can wait for a standard appointment.
1) Water Pouring from Ceilings or Walls
If you see water gushing through ceilings, dripping from light fittings, or running down walls, you’re likely dealing with a burst pipe or leaking tank.
What to do immediately:
Shut off your main stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink or near the water meter).
Switch off electrics if water is near sockets or light fixtures.
Call an emergency plumber without delay.
Leaving it too long risks structural damage, ruined ceilings and floors, and costly restoration bills.
2) No Running Water in Your Home
If taps run dry and neighbours still have a supply, you’ve got a serious internal plumbing fault. Causes can include collapsed pipes, faulty stopcocks, or leaks in the main supply line.
Water is essential for drinking, washing, heating, and sanitation—so this is always an emergency. A plumber can quickly diagnose the fault and restore your supply.
3) No Hot Water or Heating in Winter
A boiler breakdown may not feel urgent in summer, but in winter, it’s a different story. Vulnerable residents—elderly, children, those with health conditions—can’t go without heat or hot water.
Checks before you call:
Ensure the boiler has power and the display is on.
Check system pressure is 1–2 bar.
Verify programmer/thermostat settings.
If none of these solve it, call an emergency plumber. A Gas Safe engineer can repair or advise on replacement if your boiler has failed completely.
4) Sewage Backing Up
Sewage rising into sinks, baths, or toilets isn’t just unpleasant—it’s a health hazard. Bacteria and contamination spread quickly, especially if wastewater floods floors.
Emergency drain clearance is the only safe option. Do not try to fix this with plungers or chemicals—it often pushes waste further and worsens the blockage.
5) Overflowing Toilet with No Backup
If your only toilet is overflowing and won’t clear, that’s an emergency. Left unchecked, it can spread water and bacteria into your home.
First step: isolate the toilet’s water feed (a small isolation valve near the cistern) to stop the flow. Then call for urgent assistance.
6) Gas or Boiler Safety Concerns
If you smell gas or suspect a carbon monoxide leak, switch off the appliance immediately and call an emergency plumber or your gas provider.
Never take chances with gas—faulty boilers or pipework can be life-threatening. Always ensure the engineer you call is Gas Safe registered.
7) Major Leaks from Radiators or Hot Water Cylinders
A leaking radiator valve or split cylinder can release litres of hot water in minutes, soaking carpets and damaging floors.
While small drips may be isolated with valves, any leak that’s spreading quickly is an emergency. A plumber can isolate and repair the fault before it causes long-term damage.
What Isn’t an Emergency?
Not everything requires a middle-of-the-night callout. Some issues can wait until normal working hours:
A slow-draining sink or bath
A dripping tap
A small, contained leak you can isolate
For these, book a standard plumbing visit. You’ll save money and still get the issue fixed promptly.
Conclusion: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Plumbing emergencies cost more the longer they’re left. If you’re facing:
Water pouring where it shouldn’t be
No water or heating in winter
Sewage or toilet overflow
Gas or boiler safety concerns
👉 That’s the time to call an emergency plumber in London.
At Parallel Plumbing Solutions, we’re local, responsive, and reliable. We’ll arrive quickly, diagnose the issue, and provide clear, fair pricing before starting work.
📞 Call us now on 07867 360868 or 07793499179 for emergency plumbing across London.
Or contact us online to request immediate help.
Parallel Plumbing Solutions — your trusted emergency plumber in London.