Stay Calm and Act Fast
Plumbing emergencies can feel overwhelming, but quick and methodical action in the first few minutes can prevent thousands of dollars in water damage. Here's exactly what to do.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Your first priority is to stop water flowing to the problem area.
- Localised issue (e.g., toilet, tap, washing machine): Turn the isolation valve clockwise — usually located directly behind or beneath the fixture.
- Whole-home emergency (e.g., burst pipe): Locate your main water meter (typically near the street frontage or at the side of the property) and turn it off. In Sydney, water meters are usually in a pit near the footpath.
Step 2: Turn Off the Hot Water System
If the issue involves hot water pipes, turn off your hot water system immediately. For electric systems, switch off at the circuit breaker. For gas systems, turn off the gas isolation valve near the unit. This prevents the system from heating water that may be escaping through a broken pipe.
Step 3: Protect Your Belongings
Move furniture, rugs, and valuables away from the affected area. If water is coming through the ceiling, place buckets and towels to contain it. Lift anything off the floor that could be damaged. If the ceiling appears to be sagging, leave the room — a ceiling collapse is a serious risk with significant water accumulation above.
Step 4: Document the Damage
Take photos and video of the affected area before you start any cleanup. This documentation is essential for insurance claims. Note the time the emergency started and what you observed.
Step 5: Call an Emergency Plumber
Contact a licensed emergency plumber immediately. Blumberg Plumbing is available 24/7 across Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, North Shore and Northern Beaches. When you call, describe the issue clearly: where the water is coming from, whether you've been able to isolate the water supply, and any visible damage.
Step 6: Ventilate and Begin Drying
Open windows and doors to begin drying the space. If safe to do so, use towels to soak up standing water. Do not use electrical appliances in areas where water damage has occurred until the area has been assessed by a licensed professional.
What Not to Do
- Don't attempt to repair burst pipes yourself with tape or temporary fixes — these often fail quickly and can worsen the damage
- Don't use electrical appliances near water
- Don't ignore slow leaks — what starts as a minor drip can escalate into a significant emergency
Blumberg Plumbing provides rapid-response emergency plumbing across Greater Sydney. Save our number now so you're prepared: 0450 882 910.