You’re relaxing at home when suddenly you hear the sound of gushing water. You walk into the kitchen or bathroom and there’s water everywhere!
A burst pipe is one of those moments where you must drop everything and deal with it now, because if you don’t, the damage can spread quickly and lead to extensive damage that’s expensive to fix. If you’ve got burst pipe, follow these simple steps to help you limit the chaos before your emergency plumber arrives.
Turn Off the Main Water Supply
The very first thing to have to do is shut off the water at the mains, this stops more water from gushing out and buys you time until help arrives.
Not sure where your main water valve is? For most Melbourne homes, it’s usually located:
- At the front boundary, near the water meter
- On the side of your house if you’re in a townhouse or unit
- In some apartments, inside a cupboard or service area
If you’re reading this before you have a burst pipe, go find your water valve now. Future-you will thank you!
Turn Off Electricity in the Affected Area
Water and power do not mix. If the burst pipe is near power outlets, appliances or light fittings, head straight to your switchboard and turn off power to that section of the house. If you can’t work out which circuit is affected, play it safe and switch off the main power until your emergency plumber confirms it’s safe.
Drain the Remaining Water
Once the mains are off, turn on your taps to drain any water still sitting in the pipes. This helps reduce further leakage from the burst point and takes some pressure off the system.
Contain the Flood
The faster you contain the mess, the less damage you’ll face later. Grab towels, buckets and mops to soak up water and stop it spreading into carpets, furniture or floorboards. The aim is to prevent water from seeping into areas where it can cause mould or structural issues later.
Identify the Burst
If it’s safe to do so, locate the burst pipe. It might be a visible split in exposed piping, or a damp patch in a wall or ceiling. Give your emergency plumber as much information as you can when you call. The more they know before they arrive, the quicker they can fix it.
Wait For Your Emergency Plumber
If you’re in Melbourne, you need someone local to your area who can get to you fast, so searching ‘emergency plumber near me’ is your best bet.
When you speak to them, be ready to share:
- What’s happened and when it started
- Where the burst is located (if you know)
- Any steps you’ve already taken
Document the Damage
While you’re waiting, take photos or videos of the affected area. This is essential if you need to make an insurance claim.
By acting quickly and calling a trusted emergency plumber in the event of a burst pipe, you can save yourself a whole lot of stress and repair costs.
Inner City Plumbing has years of experience handling these situations fast. If you’re dealing with a burst pipe right now, we’re just a call away, and we’ll respond within the hour. Call 1300 668 834 now, we’re your 24/7 plumber ready to help when you need it most for any gas leaks, blocked toilet or any plumbing matters you might need fixing.