G’day, Will here from Flowtec Plumbing & Gas.
Plumbing emergencies never happen at a good time. It’s always late at night, on a long weekend or right when you’ve got people over. And when water’s going everywhere, it’s hard to think straight.
I’ve lost count of the callouts where the damage would’ve been a lot smaller if someone in the house knew where to turn the water off. So here’s a step-by-step guide to what I reckon every Adelaide homeowner should have sorted, so you can handle the common problems before they get out of hand.
Step 1: Find your main water shut-off valve and learn how to use it
If a pipe bursts, the first thing you need to do is stop the water. That means knowing where your main shut-off valve is before anything goes wrong.
In most Adelaide homes you’ll find it right next to the water meter, usually down near the front boundary. Some homes also have one under the kitchen sink or in the laundry.
Once you’ve found it, give it a turn every now and then. Valves that never get used can seize up, and a seized valve is no good to you in an emergency. If yours is stuck or leaking, it’s worth getting it replaced as part of a maintenance check. Much better finding that out now than with water pouring through the kitchen.
My tip: learn where the individual shut-off valves are too. Most sinks, toilets and appliances have their own, so you can turn off the problem without cutting water to the whole house.
Step 2: Put together an emergency plumbing toolkit
You don’t need a ute full of gear, but a few basics can stop a small problem turning into a big one. I’d keep these somewhere easy to grab:
- A plunger
- An adjustable wrench
- Plumber’s tape (PTFE or Teflon tape)
- A pipe wrench
- Heavy-duty gloves
- A bucket
If you’re a bit handy, a drain snake, a pipe repair clamp and some spare washers and O-rings are good extras.
Plumber’s tape is handy for sealing a minor leak until we get there. Just remember it’s a temporary fix, not a repair.
Step 3: Learn to spot the signs of a hidden leak
Not every leak is obvious. Some are tucked away behind walls or under the floor, and they can do a lot of damage before you notice anything.
Here’s an easy check. Turn off every tap and appliance in the house, then go and have a look at your water meter. If it’s still ticking over, water’s going somewhere it shouldn’t.
Other signs to watch for:
- Water stains on walls or ceilings
- A musty smell that won’t go away
- Floors that are lifting or warped
- A water bill that’s jumped for no reason
If any of that sounds familiar, get it checked. Our leak detection gear can find the source without pulling your walls apart.
Step 4: Know what to do in the first five minutes
When something goes wrong, those first few minutes make the biggest difference. Here’s what to do with the most common ones.
Burst pipe: turn the water off at the main, then open your taps to drain what’s left in the pipes.
Burst hot water pipe: once the main’s off, switch off the power or gas to your hot water system too. Otherwise it keeps trying to heat with no water going in, and that’s another job you don’t want.
Leaking sink: turn off the valve under the sink if there’s one, then wrap a bit of plumber’s tape around the leak to slow it down.
Overflowing toilet: lift the float in the cistern to stop it filling, then turn off the valve behind the toilet.
Blocked drain: give it a go with a plunger or a drain snake first. Steer clear of chemical cleaners, because they often don’t fix the problem and can damage your pipes. If it’s still blocked, call us in for the drain.
Smell of gas: don’t muck around with this one. Don’t flick light switches or use anything that could spark nearby. If it’s safe, turn the gas off at the meter, open up the doors and windows, get everyone outside and ring your gas distributor’s emergency line. Then get a licensed gas fitter to check everything before it goes back on.
Step 5: Save a local emergency plumber’s number before you need it
The middle of an emergency isn’t the time to be scrolling through search results. Save a plumber’s number in your phone now.
Look for someone local, licensed and insured, with good reviews and a 24/7 emergency service.
We do emergency callouts right across Adelaide and the Hills, and while we’re there we can check the stuff that keeps causing trouble, like worn shut-off valves, water pressure that’s too high or pipes that are getting on a bit. Pop our number in your phone: 0488 097 697.
Being prepared beats panicking every time
Knowing where your shut-off valves are, keeping a few basic tools handy and having a plumber’s number saved can turn a disaster into a bit of a hassle.
None of it costs much, especially compared with fixing water damage.
Need a hand getting your home emergency-ready?
If you’d like us to check your valves, test your system or sort out an emergency, give Flowtec a call on 0488 097 697 or book a service online.
Plumbing emergency FAQs
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
Anything that’s causing water damage, can’t be stopped at a tap, or puts your health or safety at risk. Burst pipes, a toilet that won’t stop overflowing, sewage coming back up, no water at all or a smell of gas. A dripping tap? That one can wait for a booked visit.
Should I turn off the water at the main or just at the fixture?
If it’s coming from one sink, toilet or appliance and there’s an isolation valve on it, start there so the rest of the house still has water. If you can’t tell where it’s coming from or it’s spreading, turn it off at the main. No point mucking around.
How can I tell if I have a hidden leak?
Turn off every tap and appliance, then go and have a look at your water meter. If it’s still ticking over, water’s going somewhere it shouldn’t. Damp patches, a musty smell, floors lifting or a water bill that’s jumped are other signs I’d get checked.
What should I do while I wait for the plumber?
Keep the water off, move anything valuable or electrical away from the wet area, and get some towels or a bucket down. If there’s water near power points or electrical fittings, stay well clear. And grab a few photos while you’re at it, they come in handy for insurance.
Cheers,
Will Marshall, Flowtec Plumbing & Gas
If something’s leaking, blocked or just doesn’t seem right, give us a bell on 0488 097 697 and we’ll have a chat about what’s going on.
