A burst pipe is one of the most stressful things that can happen at home. Water can discharge at hundreds of litres per hour, causing serious damage to flooring, walls, ceilings and electrical systems within minutes. The difference between a manageable repair and a catastrophic insurance claim often comes down to how quickly you act in the first five minutes.
This guide walks you through exactly what to do — from the moment you discover the burst to getting a plumber on site.
If water is near electrical outlets, switchboards or appliances — do not enter the area. Turn off the electricity at the mains first, then deal with the water. Water and electricity together can be fatal.
Immediate Steps — Do These First
Turn off the water mains immediately
The mains shut-off valve is typically located near the water metre at the front of your property — often under a small metal or plastic cover in the ground near the boundary. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. This cuts all water supply to the house. If you can't find it, check inside the meter box near the street.
Turn off the hot water system
Even with the mains off, your hot water storage tank still holds water under pressure. Turn off the cold supply valve going into the tank — usually a tap or lever on the inlet pipe. This prevents the tank draining through the burst pipe.
Turn on all cold taps to drain the system
Open all cold taps throughout the house to drain remaining pressure from the pipes. This reduces further water discharge from the burst and makes the repair easier. Don't flush toilets — the cistern will try to refill and pull more water through.
Check electrics and switch off if needed
If water has reached any light fittings, power points, or the switchboard, turn off electricity at the main circuit breaker immediately. Do not use switches or touch electrical fittings in wet areas. If you're unsure, switch off the power as a precaution.
Contain the water and document the damage
Use towels, buckets and mops to contain spread. Move furniture and valuables away from water. Take photos and video of all affected areas before any cleanup — your insurer will need evidence of the original damage. Note the time the burst was discovered.
Call a licensed emergency plumber
A burst pipe is always an emergency plumbing job. Do not attempt permanent repairs yourself — pipe work must be done by a licensed plumber in Australia. Call now and explain it's a burst pipe; reputable plumbers prioritise these calls. Most can be on site within 1–2 hours.
Know your mains location before an emergency happens. Walk out and find your water metre now — it's at the front of the property, usually near the boundary. Make sure every adult in the house knows where it is and how to turn it off.
Can You Temporarily Fix It Yourself?
If the burst is on an accessible pipe (not inside a wall or underground) and you're waiting for a plumber, a temporary patch can slow the discharge:
- Pipe repair tape (silicone self-fusing tape) — wrap tightly around the split, overlapping by at least half the tape width. Effective for small cracks under low pressure.
- Pipe repair clamp — a metal sleeve with a rubber gasket that clamps over the split. Available at Bunnings for $15–$30. More effective than tape for larger splits.
- Compression coupling — for a clean break, a compression fitting can rejoin the pipe without soldering. This requires cutting the pipe square, so only attempt it if you're comfortable with the job.
These are temporary measures only. Pipe tape and clamps are not permanent solutions and should never be left in place long-term. Always get a licensed plumber to make a proper repair as soon as possible.
What Causes Pipes to Burst?
Understanding the cause matters — it affects what the repair involves and whether your insurer will cover the damage.
- Corrosion — galvanised steel pipes in homes built before 1980 corrode from the inside out. Over decades the pipe wall thins until it fails. Common in older Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide suburbs.
- Tree root intrusion — roots follow moisture and can infiltrate underground pipes through hairline cracks, eventually splitting them. Most common with terracotta and clay pipes.
- Water hammer — the shockwave created when water flow is suddenly stopped (e.g. a solenoid valve shutting fast) can stress pipes over time and eventually cause failure.
- Physical damage — a drill or nail through a wall hitting a pipe, or a shovel striking an underground line.
- Frozen pipes — in alpine areas of Victoria, ACT, Tasmania and parts of NSW, water expands as it freezes and can crack pipes. Usually occurs in uninsulated roof spaces or exposed outdoor pipes.
- Pressure surge — when a water main is shut off for maintenance and restored, the pressure surge can rupture already-weakened pipes.
What Does a Burst Pipe Repair Cost?
| Scenario | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency call-out fee | $150–$300 | Higher after hours and weekends |
| Accessible pipe repair (e.g. under sink) | $200–$400 | Labour + materials |
| In-wall pipe repair | $500–$1,500+ | Includes cutting plasterboard access |
| Underground pipe repair | $1,000–$5,000+ | Excavation required; depends on depth and length |
| Water damage remediation | $500–$10,000+ | Separate from plumbing; depends on area affected |
Check your home insurance before calling a plumber. Most policies cover sudden burst pipe damage. Your insurer may have a preferred repairer network, and using it can simplify the claims process. Take photos first regardless.
After the Plumber Leaves
Once the pipe is repaired, the work isn't done. Water damage left untreated leads to mould within 24–48 hours.
- Dry thoroughly — use fans and dehumidifiers. Lift wet carpet and underlay if possible. Open windows if weather permits.
- Check for mould — inspect behind and under any wet materials 48–72 hours later. If mould is already present, professional remediation is the safest option.
- Lodge your insurance claim promptly — most policies require notification within a reasonable time of the event. Don't delay.
- Consider a plumbing inspection — if one pipe failed due to age or corrosion, others may be at risk. Ask your plumber whether the rest of your pipework is worth assessing.