Urgent plumbing help
Need a Plumber Urgently?
First: don't panic. Almost every plumbing emergency can be brought under control in the next five minutes with the steps below. Then call us — we're available 24/7 — tell us exactly what's happening, and we'll give you an honest answer on how fast we can help.
What to do right now
Burst pipe or major leak
- Turn the water off at the meter — front boundary, turn clockwise
- Open cold taps to drain the pipes and relieve pressure
- Switch off electricity to affected areas if water is near wiring
- Move valuables away and contain the water with towels
Overflowing toilet or sewage backup
- Stop using all water — every drain feeds the same line
- Don't flush again; the blockage won't clear itself
- Keep people and pets away from affected areas
- If the outside gully trap is overflowing, let it — better outside than in
No hot water
- Check whether the pilot light is out (gas) or the circuit breaker has tripped (electric)
- Look for water pooling around the unit — a leaking tank means it's failing
- Don't attempt repairs to gas or electrical components yourself
Suspected gas leak
- Turn off the gas at the meter if safe to do so
- Open windows and doors
- No flames, no switches, no appliances
- Get everyone outside — call from there. If the smell is strong or anyone feels unwell, call 000
The five minutes that matter: know your water meter
In a burst-pipe emergency, the difference between a wet floor and a flooded house is how fast the water gets shut off. Your meter is usually at the front boundary of the property, near the front fence — sometimes in a small in-ground pit.
Go and find it today, while nothing is wrong. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off water to the whole property.
- Check the front boundary, near the fence line
- Look for a small pit or box in the nature strip or garden
- The shut-off valve turns clockwise to close
- Show everyone in the house where it is
- If it's stiff or seized, mention it next time a plumber visits
Water contained? Now call us.
JJ Pro Plumbing is available 24 hours, 7 days a week — day or night, tell us exactly what's happening and where you are, and we'll give you an honest arrival time.
Related reading: What to do when a pipe bursts · Burst pipe repairs · Blocked drains