30 Jan Plumbing Emergencies: What You Should Do
Don’t Panic, But Don’t Wait Either
Plumbing emergencies have a way of striking at the worst possible moment. You’re getting ready for work when your bathroom floods. You’re closing up your café and suddenly the kitchen sinks start backing up. Or, worse still, you smell gas in your home, and the panic starts to set in.
I’ve been in this game long enough to know that when a plumbing disaster hits, most people have no idea what to do. Some panic and start throwing down towels, others try a DIY fix (which usually makes it worse), and a few simply ignore the issue, hoping it’ll magically disappear.
But here’s the deal: knowing the right steps to take before calling a plumber can save you money, prevent damage, and keep your home or business safe. So, before you pick up the phone, here’s what you should do in a plumbing emergency.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply
Water leaks don’t wait for a convenient time to start – but you can stop them before they turn into a disaster.
Every home and business has a main water shut-off valve. The problem? Most people don’t know where it is until they desperately need it.
How to Find Your Shut-Off Valve:
- In most houses, it’s located outside near the water meter or along an external wall.
- In apartments, it’s usually in a laundry or bathroom cabinet.
- Businesses may have a larger main shut-off, often in a back room or near the water heater.
If a pipe bursts or a tap won’t stop running, turn the main water valve off immediately. This stops the flow of water, buying you time to assess the damage and call a plumber.
If the problem is isolated – like a leaking toilet or a dripping tap – you might not need to shut off the whole house. Most fixtures have a small isolation valve underneath them, which you can turn clockwise to stop the water flow.
Step 2: Contain the Leak (And Minimise Damage)
Even after the water is shut off, there’s still going to be a mess to clean up. The sooner you act, the better.
Here’s what you should do:
- Grab towels, buckets, and mops to soak up any excess water.
- If water is near electrical outlets, shut off the power to the affected area (or the whole house if needed).
- Move furniture, rugs, or valuables away from the affected area to prevent water damage.
- If water is coming through the ceiling, poke a small hole to allow drainage rather than letting it collapse.
While it’s tempting to start trying to fix the problem yourself, resist the urge—unless you’re absolutely sure of what you’re doing. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a “quick DIY fix” turn into a much bigger issue that costs twice as much to repair.
Step 3: Identify the Type of Plumbing Emergency
Not all plumbing emergencies require an immediate call-out. Knowing what you’re dealing with can help you explain the situation to your plumber and decide whether it’s an urgent issue or something that can wait a few hours.
Common Plumbing Emergencies & What to Do Before Calling a Plumber:
1. Burst Pipes or Major Leaks
What to do:
- Turn off the main water valve immediately.
- Use rags and towels to soak up water.
- If it’s a hot water pipe, turn off the hot water system as well.
Call a plumber ASAP – this is a genuine emergency
2. Blocked or Overflowing Toilet
What to do:
- Stop flushing (seriously, don’t keep trying – it’ll just make it worse).
- If safe, turn off the water valve behind the toilet.
- Use a plunger to attempt to clear the blockage.
If that doesn’t work, call a plumber before things get out of hand.
3. No Hot Water
What to do:
- Check the power supply (for electric hot water systems, the switch may have tripped).
- For gas hot water systems, check if the pilot light is out.
- If the system is making weird noises, leaking, or smells like gas, turn it off and call a plumber immediately
4. Gas Leaks (🔥 This is a Big One)
What to do:
- Turn off the gas supply immediately (the main gas valve is usually near the meter outside).
- Open doors and windows to ventilate the area.
- Do NOT light matches, smoke, or use electrical switches – even a tiny spark can ignite gas.
- Leave the building and call a QUALIFIED GAS PLUMBER ASAP.
5. Sewer Backups or Unpleasant Smells
What to do:
- Stop using water fixtures (sinks, toilets, showers) to prevent backups.
- Check if neighbours are experiencing similar issues (this could be a council sewer problem).
- Call a plumber for an inspection and possible drain clearing.
Step 4: Call an Emergency Plumber (And Give Them the Right Info)
Once you’ve contained the situation, it’s time to call in the experts. But to get help faster, be ready with key details when you make the call.
When you call AGPCo, we’ll ask:
- What’s the problem? (Leak, blockage, burst pipe, gas issue?)
- What have you done so far? (Turned off water, tried plunging, etc.?)
- Where is the issue located? (Bathroom, kitchen, external plumbing?)
- How urgent is it? (Is water still flowing? Is gas still leaking?)
Having this information ready means we can arrive prepared with the right tools and parts, which saves time and money.
Step 5: Prevent Future Plumbing Disasters
The best way to deal with a plumbing emergency? Prevent it from happening in the first place.
Here’s how:
- Know where your shut-off valves are – it’s the fastest way to stop a flood.
- Schedule regular plumbing check-ups – catch small issues before they become disasters.
- Avoid flushing things that shouldn’t go down the toilet – wipes, paper towels, and grease are your pipes’ worst nightmare.
- Install a water leak detection system – especially if you own a business or have an older home.
- Don’t ignore small issues—a slow drain today could be a total blockage next month.
At AGPCo, we offer preventative maintenance plans to help homeowners and businesses avoid costly plumbing emergencies. It’s a small investment that can save you thousands in repairs down the track.
Be Prepared, Not Panicked
Plumbing emergencies are stressful, but if you act fast and take the right steps, you can minimise the damage and get help quickly.
Knowing how to shut off your water, contain leaks, and identify the issue makes a huge difference.
And when in doubt, call an expert. At AGPCo, we’re available 24/7 for emergency plumbing and gas services. We’ll talk you through what to do over the phone while we’re on our way – because when disaster strikes, you need a plumber who’s got your back.
📞 Need an emergency plumber in Brisbane? Call AGPCo now on 0404 823 184 – we’re here to help!
With over 30 years in the plumbing industry he provides a level headed and experience approach to all client related work.He is genuine person with a keen interest in family, friends and helping others.
He holds Queensland Plumbing Licence 28840, Gas Licence L31 902, QBCC License 12 654 79, and Building Assets and Services Contractor licence 860 066.
Rich believes in educating clients about their plumbing systems and providing honest advice about when professional help is needed.
He founded Alexander Gas and Plumbing Co in 2013 to provide personal, trustworthy service to Brisbane families and businesses.
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