When something goes wrong with your plumbing, it’s not always obvious whether you need someone right now or whether it can wait for a booked visit. Here’s a simple guide.
Call a plumber straight away if…
- Water is pouring or spraying from a burst pipe, hose or fitting, or through a ceiling or wall
- Sewage is overflowing from a toilet, shower, floor waste or outside gully
- You smell gas inside or near your home
- Your hot water system is leaking heavily or water is coming from the relief valve non-stop
- You have no water at all and your neighbours do
- Water is near electrical fittings, power points or your switchboard
It can usually wait for a booked visit if…
- A tap is dripping or a toilet is running
- A single drain is slow but still draining
- Hot water is lukewarm but still working
- There’s a small, contained leak you can catch in a bucket and isolate
Even if it can wait, it’s worth booking in. Small problems tend to get bigger, and a slow leak can quietly damage cabinets, floors and walls.
What to do while you wait
- Turn off the water at the main. It’s usually near the front boundary, by your water meter.
- Stay clear of electrics if water is near lights, power points or the switchboard. Turn the power off at the switchboard only if it’s safe to do so.
- Stop using toilets, showers and sinks if sewage is backing up.
- If you smell gas, turn off the gas at the meter or cylinder, avoid flames and switches, open doors and windows and get everyone outside. Call 000 if there’s immediate danger.
How our emergency service works
Our team answers 24/7, including weekends and public holidays. For urgent jobs we aim to have a licensed plumber with you within 60 minutes where available. You’ll get fixed-price options before any work starts.
Not sure if it’s an emergency? Call us on 1300 671 525 and we’ll help you work it out. See our 24/7 emergency plumber service.