From a burst pipe gushing water to a suspected gas leak, a plumbing emergency can strike at the worst possible moment. Knowing how to react calmly and correctly can minimize damage, protect your property, and, most importantly, ensure your family’s safety.

This guide is designed to empower you with the essential steps to take during a plumbing crisis and help you understand when it’s time to call a professional.

First Things First: Turn Off Your Water Supply

This is the most critical step in a water-related emergency. Knowing where your main shut-off valve is can save you from severe water damage.

  • How to Find It: For most homes, the main shut-off valve is a wheel or a lever located at the front of the property. It’s usually within two metres of the front boundary, under a council cover plate or in a water meter box. The valve is often easy to spot as there is generally a garden tap located right next to it.
  • How to Use It: The style of the valve depends on the age of your suburb. In older Melbourne areas, the valve is a multi-turn wheel that is easy to operate. In newer areas, it is often a quarter-turn handle that may require a tool to turn to the off position.

How to Handle Common Plumbing Emergencies

  • Burst Pipes:
    • Immediately turn off the main water supply at the shut-off valve.
    • Place a bucket or towels under the leak to catch water.
    • Open all taps leading from the burst pipe to help drain the remaining water from the system.
    • Safety First: If the burst pipe is near any electrical appliances or wiring, turn off your electricity supply at the main switchboard.
  • Overflowing Toilet: An overflowing toilet is never fun—especially if it’s backed up with sewage. The first thing to do is stop water from flowing into the bowl by turning off the small shut-off valve located on the wall behind the toilet. Once the water has stopped, you can attempt to clear a blockage with a plunger. Important: Any water that has spilled onto the floor is a health hazard. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the entire area.
  • No Hot Water: This isn’t always an emergency, but it’s an urgent issue. Check for a tripped circuit breaker (for electric systems) or a pilot light that has gone out (for gas systems). If these simple fixes don’t work, it’s time to call a professional.
  • Suspected Gas Leak:This is an extreme emergency. Do not delay.
    • Do NOT use any electrical appliances, switches, or phones. Do not smoke or create any open flames.
    • Open all doors and windows to ventilate the area.
    • Turn off the gas supply at the emergency control valve, which is located near your gas meter.
    • Evacuate your home and get to fresh air immediately.
    • From a safe location, call Your Choice Plumbers or the gas authority.

When to Call an Emergency Plumber

While some situations have a simple DIY fix, most plumbing crises require an expert. You should contact an emergency plumber immediately if:

  • You cannot find your main water supply shut-off valve.
  • You have a leak, but you cannot determine where it’s coming from.
  • You have a clogged drain or toilet that you can’t unblock with a plunger.
  • You have no hot water, and you are elderly or have young children.
  • You suspect there is a gas leak.

For all your plumbing emergencies, don’t delay. Your Choice Plumbers offers a same-day service for urgent plumbing issues to get your home safe again. Call us today!