Be prepared, have emergency plumbing help on call

When toilets and sinks are overflowing and your workplace is filling up with water, you need a plumber fast. Having the details of a trusted emergency plumbing service on hand is a must when time is of the essence.

Higher cost but better value 

There's no doubt a 24-hour emergency plumbing call-out will cost your company more than a call-out within business hours. Paul Naylor, General Manager of the Master Plumbers Association of NSW, confirms that rates are significantly higher, as emergency plumbing services must be employed for a minimum of four hours, and on overtime rates.

But when you consider the potential damage that could occur to your business premises, equipment and assets, can you really afford to wait and not use emergency plumbing services?

Minimising disruption

Another consideration is the degree to which an emergency plumbing problem will disrupt your business. Sometimes it might be more beneficial to pay extra fees for out-of-hours work so you can keep earning during your normal operating hours.

Hiring an emergency plumbing service will ensure that your premises remain safe, minimising staff down time and removing potential safety hazards from slippery floors or machinery.

Preventing even bigger problems

Getting plumbing and gas pipes fixed the moment there is a problem can prevent the on-flow of trouble to other areas. Something simple like a blocked drain can quickly escalate into a more serious problem if not attended to.

According to Paul, emergency plumbing issues involving sewerage are particularly time-critical. "A blocked or overflowing sewer is a public health issue," he says. "You need to consider surrounding properties, not just in the question of odour, but also the potential for disease."

Having an emergency plumbing service on call can also arrest dangerous gas leaks that could destroy your entire business.

Prepare for emergency

When disaster strikes, businesses generally look for the quickest fix, rather than at their long-term needs, says Paul.

"If your hot water service has burst, you won't be considering whether to convert your whole hot water system to solar and put panels on the roof," he says. "Generally, the business will just want hot water as soon as possible."

Knowing what your business has in mind for its future plumbing needs will make it easier to weigh up your options in an emergency. It will also save you spending more on temporary measures.

Benefits to your business

Hiring an emergency plumbing service to immediately take action may initially cost more, but will save your business money in the long term by: 

• Preventing costly water damage in your workplace
• Keeping your customers and staff safe
• Preventing accidents caused by excess water
• Ensuring problems don't escalate
• Minimising the potential spread of disease from sewers

Plan ahead

No one can predict when they're going to have an accident, so every business should have a plan in place that includes having an emergency plumbing service at the ready. Find one in your area now and rest easy.