Plumbing emergencies have a way of showing up at the worst possible time—like when you’ve got guests over or just as you’re heading out the door. From burst pipes to overflowing toilets, these situations can cause a lot of stress (and water damage) if you’re not prepared. But with a bit of know-how, you can handle most plumbing surprises without breaking a sweat—or breaking the bank.
If you’re a homeowner in Adelaide, here’s a step-by-step guide to dealing with plumbing emergencies quickly and effectively, so you can get things back to normal before they turn into a full-blown disaster.
Step 1: Know where your main water shut-off valve is—and how to use it.
This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many homeowners have no idea where their main water shut-off valve is—until they’re ankle-deep in water and panicking. The shut-off valve is your first line of defence in almost any plumbing emergency, whether it’s a burst pipe, a leaking water heater, or an overflowing toilet.
In most Adelaide homes, you’ll find the main shut-off valve either outside near the water meter or inside, usually under the kitchen sink or in a laundry room. Once you’ve found it, make sure it actually works. Valves that haven’t been touched in years can seize up, leaving you in a real bind when you need them most. Test it by turning it clockwise to shut off the water and then back on again. If it’s stuck or leaking, it’s worth getting a plumber to replace it now rather than waiting for a crisis.
Pro tip: If your home has individual shut-off valves for sinks, toilets, or appliances, make sure you know where those are too. They can save you from shutting off water to the whole house for a minor issue.
Step 2: Create an emergency plumbing toolkit
Most plumbing emergencies can be managed—at least temporarily—if you’ve got a few basic tools on hand. A well-stocked emergency plumbing kit can save you from making things worse or waiting hours for a plumber to arrive. At a minimum, your kit should include a plunger, an adjustable wrench, plumber’s tape, a pipe wrench, a pair of heavy-duty gloves, and a bucket.
If you want to be extra prepared, add in a drain snake for blockages, a pipe repair clamp for leaks, and some spare washers and O-rings for those surprise drips that never seem to stop. Plumber’s tape (also known as PTFE or Teflon tape) is a lifesaver for sealing minor leaks until you can get them fixed properly. It’s cheap, easy to use, and can hold things together surprisingly well in a pinch.
Why it matters: Having the right tools isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about preventing them from getting worse until a plumber can take over. A $20 toolkit can save you hundreds in water damage repair, so it’s worth having one stashed under the sink or in the garage.
Step 3: Learn to spot the signs of hidden leaks
Not all plumbing emergencies come with geysers of water or obvious puddles on the floor. Slow leaks behind walls or under floors can cause just as much damage if they go unnoticed for too long. The problem is, they’re often easy to miss—until you get a sky-high water bill or notice mould starting to spread.
One of the easiest ways to check for hidden leaks is to turn off all taps and appliances, then take a look at your water meter. If it’s still ticking over, that’s a pretty good clue that you’ve got a leak somewhere. Water stains on walls or ceilings, musty smells, or warped floors are also big red flags that something’s not right.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on your water bill. A sudden spike without any obvious reason is one of the easiest ways to spot a hidden leak early.
Step 4: Know how to deal with common emergencies—fast
When a plumbing emergency strikes, every second counts. Knowing how to handle common situations can stop things from getting out of hand before a plumber gets there.
If a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve immediately to stop the flow. Then, open all the taps to drain the remaining water in the system and relieve pressure. For leaks under sinks, turn off the individual shut-off valve (if there is one) and use plumber’s tape to seal the leak temporarily. If the toilet’s overflowing, take the lid off the tank and lift the float to stop more water from filling the bowl—then shut off the valve behind the toilet.
For blocked drains, skip the chemical drain cleaners—they can do more harm than good by eating away at pipes or making blockages even harder to clear. A plunger or drain snake is a safer bet, and if that doesn’t work, it’s time to call in a professional.
Why it matters: Acting quickly can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major disaster. Even temporary fixes can buy you enough time to get a plumber in before things get worse.
Step 5: Have a plumber’s number saved—just in case
No matter how well-prepared you are, some plumbing emergencies need a professional. Having a trusted plumber’s number saved in your phone can save you a lot of stress when you’re dealing with burst pipes, gas leaks, or blocked sewer lines.
When choosing a plumber, look for someone local to Adelaide who’s licensed and insured, with good reviews and a 24-hour emergency service. Even if you’ve never needed a plumber before, it’s worth doing a bit of research now rather than scrambling to find one at 2 a.m.
Why it’s worth it: A reliable plumber can not only fix the immediate problem but help you prevent it from happening again—whether that’s upgrading old pipes, installing a water pressure regulator, or just giving your plumbing a once-over for any potential weak spots.
ADD Will Marshall from Flowtec Plumbing & Gas 0488 097 697
Preparation beats panic every time
Plumbing emergencies are never convenient, but being prepared can make them a lot less stressful. Knowing where your shut-off valves are, keeping a few basic tools handy, and having a plumber’s number saved can turn a potential disaster into a minor inconvenience.
The best part? Most of these steps are quick, easy, and cost next to nothing—especially compared to the price of water damage repairs. So take a few minutes now to get prepared, and you’ll thank yourself next time something goes wrong.
Need help getting your plumbing emergency-ready?
If you want to make sure your home’s plumbing is ready for anything, give Flowtec a call at 0488 097 697 or book a service online. We can help with everything from shut-off valves to emergency repairs—so you’re never left in the lurch.
Got questions about plumbing emergencies? We’re always here to help—just reach out!
