What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency: A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners

How you respond in the first five minutes of a plumbing emergency can be the difference between a manageable repair and tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

Here’s exactly what to do for the four most common plumbing emergencies in Australian homes — before the plumber arrives.

Emergency 1: Burst pipe

1. Turn off the main water valve immediately. In most Australian homes it’s at the front boundary near the water meter, in the garage, or under the kitchen sink. A burst pipe can discharge 1,500 litres an hour, so stopping the flow is the single biggest thing you can do to limit damage.
2. Turn off the power or gas to your hot water system so the tank doesn’t run empty.
3. Turn off electricity at the switchboard if water is anywhere near power points, light fittings or switches.
4. Move furniture, rugs and valuables away from the water.
5. Take photos for your insurance claim before you start cleaning up.
6. Call Plumbing Bros — we’ll attend and make the repair as fast as we can.

Emergency 2: Gas leak

1. Don’t operate any electrical switches, including lights. Sparks from switches can ignite gas.
2. Leave the property immediately and take everyone with you. Don’t stop to collect belongings.
3. Leave the door open on your way out so the gas can disperse.
4. Call 000 if you think there’s an immediate risk of ignition.
5. Call your gas distributor to isolate the supply — ATCO in WA, Jemena in NSW, QLD, ACT and Victoria.
6. Call Plumbing Bros from outside or a neighbour’s phone. Our licensed gas fitters will attend and make the site safe.

Emergency 3: Sewage overflow

1. Stop using water anywhere in the house immediately. Every flush, tap run or shower makes it worse.
2. Don’t try to clear the blockage yourself — sewage is a biohazard.
3. Keep children and pets away from any affected area.
4. Call Plumbing Bros. Sewer blockages need a licensed plumber with the right equipment.
5. Once the blockage is cleared, disinfect the affected area with a hospital-grade cleaner before using it again.

Emergency 4: No hot water with vulnerable residents at home

1. Check the obvious first — gas supply, circuit breaker, pilot light.
2. If you can’t identify or fix the cause quickly, call us for same-day service.
3. Tell us the situation when you call. Young children, elderly residents or anyone medically vulnerable in the household will prioritise your job.

Know these before an emergency happens

• Main water shutoff valve — find it now and make sure it turns easily. Test it once a year.
• Individual fixture isolation valves — there’s one under most sinks and behind most toilets. Turning it off isolates that fixture without cutting water to the whole house.
• Gas meter shutoff — usually at the meter at the front of the property. Learn how to turn it off before you need to.
• Switchboard location — know where it is and which breaker controls what.

FAQs about plumbing emergencies

Should I call 000 for a burst pipe?

Call 000 if the flooding poses a risk to life or electrical safety. For most burst pipes, turn off the main water valve and call us directly on 1300 414 234.

What’s the difference between urgent and an emergency?

An emergency needs immediate action because there’s ongoing damage, a health risk or a safety risk. An urgent job is serious but can wait a few hours. A slow-draining shower is urgent; a burst pipe is an emergency.

Are you available on Christmas Day?

Yes. We operate 24/7, 365 days a year across all 13 locations. Public holiday rates may apply to the labour component of emergency work, and we’ll tell you the cost before we attend.