The most common home emergencies for calls to tradies

Blocked pipes and toilets top the emergency trades callouts list. RACV Emergency Home Assist specialists had 9,398 callouts for a blocked pipe or toilet in the 2024 financial year. That’s 18 per cent of their total callouts.

“A blocked toilet, pipe or drain prevents smooth water flow, which can cause overflow or backup into the nearest outlet,” says RACV Head of Trades Kieran Davies. “EHA specialists can assess the situation and fix most blockages on the spot with hand tools. If cameras, waterjets, etc. are required, they can provide a quote.”

To help avoid blockages, check out what not to flush down the toilet and what not to pour down the sink. You may also be able to unclog your sink or dishwasher yourself with these handy tips.

Burst pipes were the second most common EHA callout, with 6,694 instances in the 2024 financial year.

“A burst pipe can result in significant water wastage, as well as home or property damage,” Davies says. “Pipes can burst for several reasons, including corroded metal, unresolved blockages, excessive water pressure or improper installation. Tree roots growing into your pipes and prolonged freezing temperatures of -6ºC or colder can also burst pipes.”

Luckily, Victorian temperatures generally don't get cold enough to cause frozen pipes. If you're concerned, you can insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas (like the garage or basement) with pipe insulation wraps or heat tape.

If you do experience a burst pipe, shut off your water main and call an emergency plumber.

EHA specialists attended 6,562 cases of power failure in Victoria in the 2024 financial year. ‘Power failure’ is defined as a disruption to the supply or power to all or part of the house. It excludes area-wide blackouts.

“If your power goes out, get in touch with your neighbours to see if their power is out too. If the outage is localised to just your home, you should contact an electrician to determine the cause of the fault," Davies says.

Here’s what to do in a power outage, from unplugging electrical devices to using alternative heating, cooling, light and hygiene sources. It’s also worth noting that some solar batteries can provide power when the mains power fails.

Broken or damaged heating and cooling systems resulted in 5,812 EHA callouts to Victorian homes in the 2024 financial year.

“Heating and cooling systems are essential to staying warm in the winter and cool in the summer,” Davies says. “EHA specialists can assess a fixed (non-portable) broken or damaged heating and cooling system for gas or electrical problems, faulty components, or the inability to reignite a pilot light. Many cases are fixed on the spot, but a quote will be provided if specialist referral is required.”

It’s worth regularly servicing your heater or air conditioning unit to avoid breakdowns. In fact, it might even be time to upgrade your old heating and cooling system to save on energy bills.

Broken or damaged hot water systems caused 5,542 EHA callouts in the 2024 financial year.

“Having a hot water system that’s not working properly means you can’t heat water for showering or washing your clothes or dishes,” Davies says. “It’s important to get them fixed promptly. EHA can determine whether the damage is the result of gas or electrical problems, faulty components, or the inability to reignite the pilot light.”

Upgrading your hot water system can help avoid breakdowns and may even save you money on your energy bills, especially if you opt for a heat pump hot water system.

EHA attended 5,295 internal leak callouts in the 2024 financial year.  

A damaged roof, gutter or downpipe can cause an internal leak through your ceiling or walls, which is just one reason why you should regularly clean your gutters and routinely inspect your roof and ceilings.

Internal leaks can cause bubbled wall paint, unsightly water stains, and even impaired structural integrity as well as mould growth. They should be addressed swiftly before they cause major problems.

It happens more often than you think, with 4,375 Victorians calling EHA for help after they accidentally locked themselves out of their homes in the 2024 financial year.

“If you’ve locked yourself out or broken a key in your door, we can help you get back inside,” says Davies. “We also help with damaged locks or jammed doors or windows where home safety or security is threatened.”

Brush up on your knowledge of the best door locks and window locks for security, plus the best ways to stop losing your keys.

EHA saw to 1,240 broken garage doors in the 2024 financial year, which made up 2.4 per cent of their total callouts.

“Garage door repairs are considered an emergency if it affects the safety or security of your home,” Davies says. “For example, a garage door that’s stuck open is a clear invitation to burglars in the area.”

Regardless of what you use your garage for, it’s important to keep your garage door running smoothly and safely. Read more on garage door security and servicing, plus the best garage door locks to deter theft.

EHA attended 859 gas leaks in the 2024 financial year.

“Gas leaks are serious and need to be fixed immediately, whether they are internal or external and whether they are the result of damaged gas appliances or leaking gas pipelines,” Davies says.