What to do in a plumbing emergency

If you've got water pouring through the ceiling or a burst pipe flooding your laundry, the last thing you need is to panic. A plumbing emergency in Melbourne can happen at any time. Middle of the night, Christmas Day, you name it. In my 40-odd years as a plumber, I've seen just about every disaster you can imagine. The good news is, there are a few simple things you can do right now to limit the damage before a plumber gets to you.

Step 1: Turn off the water at the mains

This is the single most important thing you can do. Every home has a main water shut-off valve, usually near your water meter at the front of the property, or sometimes under the kitchen sink in units and apartments. Turn it clockwise until it stops. No more water flowing means no more flooding.

If you don't know where your mains tap is, go find it right now, before you need it. I tell every customer the same thing. Five minutes now saves you thousands later.

Step 2: Turn off your hot water system

If the leak involves hot water, or you're not sure, switch off your hot water system. For electric systems, flick the circuit breaker at the switchboard. For gas, turn the gas valve on the unit to the off position. Running a hot water system without water flowing through it can damage the element or overheat the unit, and that's a second problem you don't need.

Step 3: Contain the water

Grab towels, buckets, mops, whatever you've got. If water is coming through the ceiling, poke a small hole in the plasterboard to let it drain into a bucket rather than pooling and bringing the whole ceiling down. I know it sounds wrong to make a hole in your ceiling, but trust me, it's better than a ceiling collapse.

Move any electronics, rugs, or valuables away from the water. Take photos for your insurance. Your phone's right there, use it.

What actually counts as a plumbing emergency?

Not everything needs a midnight call-out. Here's what I'd class as a genuine emergency:

A burst pipe or major leak you can't stop. A completely blocked toilet with no second bathroom. A gas leak (call your gas provider first, then a plumber). A sewage overflow inside the house. No hot water in the middle of winter with young kids or elderly people at home.

What can usually wait until morning? A slow-dripping tap. A toilet that runs a bit. A dripping shower head. These are annoying, but they won't cause serious damage overnight. You'll also save money by booking a standard appointment rather than paying after-hours rates.

When to call a plumber

Once you've turned off the water and contained the mess, call a licensed plumber. If it's after hours, you need someone who actually answers the phone, not a call centre that dispatches whoever's closest. I offer 24/7 emergency plumbing across Melbourne because I know how stressful these situations are. When you call me, you get me, not a recording.

A few things NOT to do

Don't try to fix a burst pipe yourself with tape or glue. It won't hold and you'll waste time. Don't ignore a gas smell. Open windows, don't flick any light switches, get out and call 000 if it's strong. Don't pour chemicals down a badly blocked drain. If the blockage doesn't clear, you've now got caustic chemicals sitting in the pipe, which makes my job harder and more expensive.

Be prepared before it happens

Here's what I tell everyone: know where your mains tap is, know where your switchboard is, and keep a plumber's number in your phone. Emergencies don't send a calendar invite. When it happens, you want to act fast and stay calm.

If you've got a plumbing emergency right now, give me a call on 0418 340 501. I'll talk you through what to do on the phone while I'm on my way. That's what 40 years of experience is for. Steve Kovac, Kovele Plumbing.