A plumbing emergency can strike at any time — and the first few minutes matter. Knowing what to do before the plumber arrives can mean the difference between minor damage and a major repair bill. Here's what to do.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

This is the single most important thing you can do. Find your main water shutoff valve and turn it off immediately. In most Queensland homes, this is:

Outside near the water meter — usually near the street or boundary fence
Under the kitchen sink — for kitchen-specific issues
Behind the toilet — for toilet overflows

Turning off the supply stops water flowing and gives you time to assess the situation.

Step 2: Turn Off Hot Water and Electricity (If Needed)

If water is near any electrical outlets, appliances, or your switchboard — turn off the electricity at the main breaker first. Water and electricity are a deadly combination.

If you have an electric hot water system, turn it off too. Running a hot water system without water can damage the element.

Step 3: Drain the Remaining Water

Open the lowest taps in the house to drain any water left in the pipes. This reduces pressure and further flooding from residual water in the system.

Step 4: Contain the Damage

Use towels, buckets, and mops to manage any pooling water
Move valuables, furniture, and electrical items away from the affected area
If water is coming through the ceiling, place a bucket underneath and make a small hole in the lowest point of the bulge to release the water in a controlled way (this prevents a larger collapse)

Step 5: Call a Licensed Plumber

Once you've contained the immediate situation, call a licensed plumber. Describe what's happened and where the water is coming from. A good plumber will give you guidance over the phone and get to you as fast as possible.

Common Plumbing Emergencies

Burst pipe — Turn off water immediately, call a plumber
Overflowing toilet — Turn off the toilet's supply valve (behind the toilet), call a plumber
Blocked sewer — Avoid using water until cleared, call a plumber

Facing a plumbing emergency in Yeppoon or Rockhampton? Call LTH Plumbing directly on 0455 869 383. Luke responds to emergency callouts across the Capricorn Coast.

What to Do When You Have a Plumbing Emergency