Plumbing Emergency? What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives

In a plumbing emergency, the first thing to do is turn off the water — at the fixture if you can, or at the main stop tap if water is spreading. Then turn off power to any affected area if there's a risk of water reaching electrics, contain the damage with towels and buckets, and call a licensed plumber. Acting fast in the first few minutes can be the difference between a mop-up and a major repair bill. Here's your step-by-step.

Step 1: Stop the water

This is almost always the most important move.

• For a single fixture (toilet, tap, hot water unit), turn off its individual isolation valve — usually a small tap on the pipe behind or below the fixture.
• For a burst pipe or widespread leak, turn off your main water supply at the stop tap. If you're not sure where it is, our guide on how to find and turn off your water mains in Perth shows you exactly where to look — it's worth knowing before you ever need it.

Once the water is off, open a cold tap at the lowest point in the house to drain the remaining water in the pipes and relieve pressure. This stops water that's still sitting in the system from continuing to pour out of a burst, and gives the pressure somewhere harmless to go. If the leak is on a hot water line, also switch off the hot water system so it isn't heating an empty or draining tank.

Step 2: Cut the power if there's any risk

Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. If water is leaking near power points, light fittings, or your switchboard — or dripping through a ceiling — switch off the power to that area at the switchboard before you go near the water. If your switchboard itself is wet or you're unsure, don't touch it; keep everyone clear and mention it when you call.

Step 3: Contain the damage

With the water and any risky power off, limit the mess:

• Catch and soak up water with buckets, towels and a mop.
• Move valuables and furniture out of the wet area — electronics, rugs, documents.
• Lift curtains and soft furnishings off wet floors.
• Open windows to help the area dry and reduce mould risk later.
• Take photos of the damage for your insurance claim before you clean up too much.

Common emergencies and quick actions

For a burst pipe specifically, follow our detailed burst pipe emergency steps. If you smell gas, it's a different kind of emergency — see what to do in a gas leak and don't touch any electrical switches.

Is it actually an emergency?

Some problems genuinely can't wait — an uncontrolled leak, a burst pipe, sewage backing up into the home, no water at all, or the smell of gas. Others can safely hold until normal hours, which saves you the after-hours premium: a single dripping tap, a slow drain that isn't overflowing, or a toilet you can isolate and simply not use. If you can shut off the water to the problem and the rest of the house still functions, you usually have time to book a standard appointment rather than pay emergency rates.

What NOT to do

• Don't ignore it hoping it settles. Water damage compounds fast.
• Don't use electrical appliances in or near standing water.
• Don't pour chemical drain cleaner into an already-backed-up drain — it can make things worse and be hazardous.
• Don't attempt DIY repairs on gas or major pipework. In WA this work must be done by a licensed professional.
• Don't keep flushing a blocked or overflowing toilet.

Call a licensed plumber

Once the immediate danger is under control, call a licensed plumber and describe clearly what's happened: what's leaking, whether you've shut off the water, and whether power or gas is involved. That helps them arrive prepared. Our emergency plumbing service covers exactly these situations. If the cause turns out to be a hidden failure, our burst and leaking pipes and water leak detection services can find and fix the source.

Sorting out the insurance side

Water damage claims are common, and a bit of care in the moment makes the process smoother. Before you clean up, photograph or video the source of the leak and the damage it caused — floors, walls, cabinetry and any affected belongings. Keep any damaged items until your insurer has had a chance to assess them, and hold onto the plumber's invoice and report, as insurers usually want proof the cause was repaired by a licensed professional. Acting quickly to stop the water and dry the area also demonstrates you took reasonable steps to limit the damage, which helps your claim.

Prevent the next one

Once the crisis is over, a little prevention saves you the next scare:

• Know where your main stop tap is and check it turns freely
• Fix small leaks and slow drains before they escalate
• Service ageing hot water systems and pipework
• Keep drains clear — see how to prevent blocked drains

Facing a plumbing emergency right now? Shut off the water, then call our licensed Canning Vale plumbers for fast help.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first in a plumbing emergency?

Turn off the water — at the fixture's isolation valve if it's one tap or toilet, or at the main stop tap if water is spreading. Then cut power to any affected area if water is near electrics, contain the mess, and call a licensed plumber.

Should I turn off the power during a water leak?

Yes, if water is leaking near power points, light fittings, your switchboard, or through a ceiling. Switch off power to that area at the switchboard before going near the water. If the switchboard itself is wet, don't touch it — keep clear and call for help.

Can I fix a burst pipe myself while I wait?

You can slow the damage by shutting off the mains and draining the lowest tap, but the actual repair should be done by a licensed plumber. In WA, most pipework repairs legally require a licensed professional, and a proper fix prevents it recurring.

What should I not do in a plumbing emergency?

Don't use electrical appliances near standing water, don't keep flushing a blocked toilet, don't pour chemical drain cleaner into a backed-up drain, and don't attempt DIY repairs on gas or major pipework. Contain the damage and call a licensed plumber.