What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency Before the Plumber Arrives

A plumbing emergency — a burst pipe flooding the laundry, a sewer backing up, or no hot water on a winter morning — is stressful enough without panicking about what to do. The steps you take in the first few minutes can make a big difference to the damage and the cost. Here's what to do in the most common plumbing emergencies while you wait for a plumber to arrive.

Step 1: Know Where Your Main Water Valve Is

This is the single most important thing every Morwell homeowner should know. Your main water shut-off valve (the meter tap) is usually at the front boundary, near the water meter. If a pipe bursts anywhere in the house, turning off the main valve stops all water flow and prevents further flooding. Find yours now — before you need it — and make sure everyone in the household knows where it is and how to turn it off.

Burst or Leaking Pipe

If a pipe bursts or is leaking heavily, turn off the main water valve immediately. If the leak is from a specific fixture (like a tap or toilet), you may be able to isolate just that fixture using its isolation valve. Open a tap at the lowest point in the house to drain the remaining water from the pipes and reduce the amount of water reaching the leak. Move furniture and belongings away from the water, and mop up what you can. Then call 03 5141 6015 — we'll dispatch a plumber and talk you through any further steps.

Sewer Backup or Overflow

If sewage is backing up into a toilet, shower or floor waste, stop using all plumbing immediately — every flush or tap run pushes more water into a blocked line and worsens the overflow. Turn off any appliances that discharge to the sewer (washing machines, dishwashers). Keep everyone away from the overflow — sewage is a health hazard. Call us right away; we carry CCTV and high-pressure jetting equipment to clear the blockage fast.

Gas Leak

If you smell gas, this is a safety emergency. Turn off the gas supply at the meter if you can. Don't use any electrical switches, appliances or naked flames — a spark can ignite gas. Open windows and doors to ventilate the area, and get everyone out of the house. Then call 03 5141 6015 from outside — we'll send a licensed gas fitter to locate and repair the leak and make your home safe.

No Hot Water

Losing hot water isn't dangerous, but it is urgent — especially in winter. Don't try to repair a gas or electric hot water system yourself; it's dangerous and illegal without a licence. Check whether it's a simple issue (a tripped breaker for an electric system, or a pilot light that's gone out on a gas system) if you know how to do so safely. If not, call us — we carry common parts and replacement units for same-day repairs and replacements.

While You Wait

Once you've taken the immediate steps and called us, do what you can to minimise damage — move belongings, contain water with towels or buckets, and keep children and pets away from hazards. We'll give you an ETA when you call and keep you informed. Because we're based in Morwell, emergency response is typically under an hour locally and under 90 minutes across the Latrobe Valley.

Save the Number Now

Don't wait until you're standing in a puddle to find a plumber. Save 03 5141 6015 in your phone now — we're available 24/7, every day of the year, for plumbing emergencies across Morwell and the Latrobe Valley.