Plumbing emergencies happen without warning — and usually at the worst possible time. Whether it's a burst pipe flooding your hallway, a gas smell in the kitchen, or sewage backing up through a floor drain, knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make the difference between minor damage and a major disaster.
This guide covers the most common plumbing emergencies, what to do immediately, the emergency numbers to know, and how to find a licensed 24/7 plumber near you.
The most common plumbing emergencies
- Burst or leaking pipes — often caused by water hammer, corrosion, freezing, or physical damage
- Gas leaks — smell of rotten eggs or hissing near gas appliances
- Sewage backflow — raw sewage coming up through floor drains or toilets
- Blocked drain causing flooding — water unable to drain from sinks, showers or stormwater
- Hot water system failure — complete loss of hot water, especially in colder months
- Overflowing toilet — usually a blocked trap or failed cistern mechanism
What to do first — by emergency type
🚿 Burst pipe or major water leak
- Turn off the main water supply immediately — the stopcock is usually near the water meter at the front of your property or under the kitchen sink.
- Turn off your hot water system to prevent it running dry and overheating.
- Move valuables, electronics and furniture away from water if safe to do so.
- Take photos for insurance purposes before any cleanup.
- Call a licensed emergency plumber — do not attempt to repair burst pipes yourself.
⚠️ Gas leak
- Do not operate any electrical switches — don't even turn on a light.
- Don't use your phone inside the building if you can avoid it.
- Open windows and doors as you leave if safe, then exit immediately.
- Once outside and away from the building, call your gas supplier's emergency line or 000.
- Do not re-enter until the gas provider gives you the all-clear.
- Have a licensed gas fitter inspect all appliances before restoring supply.
🚽 Sewage backflow
- Stop using all drains, toilets, and taps in the property immediately.
- Keep people and pets away from the affected area — sewage carries serious pathogens.
- Do not attempt to clear the blockage yourself with chemicals or plunging — this can worsen the situation.
- Call a licensed plumber with drain CCTV equipment — sewage backflow usually means a collapsed or blocked main drain.
- Your local council may need to be notified if the blockage is in the council-owned section of the drain.
Emergency numbers to know
| Situation | Who to call | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | Emergency services | 000 |
| Gas leak (NSW/ACT/QLD/SA/TAS/WA) | Jemena Gas Networks | 1800 808 526 |
| Gas leak (VIC) | Australian Gas Networks | 1800 GAS LEAK (1800 427 532) |
| Water supply issue (Sydney) | Sydney Water | 13 20 90 |
| Water supply issue (Melbourne) | Melbourne Water | 13 22 35 |
| Water supply issue (Brisbane) | Urban Utilities | 13 26 57 |
| Flooding (non-emergency) | Your local council SES | 132 500 |
Save these numbers now — you don't want to be searching for gas emergency contacts while standing in the street at 2 AM. Add your local water utility and gas supplier to your phone contacts today.
How to find an emergency plumber
Most licensed plumbers offer after-hours and emergency callout services, though you'll pay a premium for it. Here's how to find one quickly:
- Use a directory that shows 24/7 availability — Trusted Plumbers lists emergency plumbers across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
- Call first, don't just book online — in an emergency you need a verbal confirmation that someone is on their way.
- Ask for an approximate callout estimate before they attend — emergency rates vary widely and some plumbers charge significantly more than others for after-hours work.
- Verify they're licensed — even in an emergency, a minute spent checking the licence database is worth it.
How much does an emergency plumber cost?
Emergency plumbing is significantly more expensive than standard work. Here's what to expect:
- After-hours callout fee: $150–$300 just to attend
- After-hours labour rate: $150–$300 per hour (on top of callout)
- Weekend and public holiday rates: typically 50–100% more than standard rates
- Parts and materials: at cost, often with a markup
Always ask for a written quote or at minimum a verbal estimate before they start work — even in an emergency. Reputable plumbers will give you an honest estimate upfront. Walk away from anyone who won't.
What to do while waiting for the plumber
Once you've called a licensed plumber, there are things you can do to minimise damage while waiting:
- Keep the water main turned off until they arrive
- Use towels or buckets to contain any water still draining from pipes
- Take photos and video of the damage for insurance purposes
- Move furniture, electronics, and personal items to dry areas if safe
- Ventilate the affected area if it's safe to do so
- Don't use electrical equipment in or near wet areas
Frequently asked questions
How much does an emergency plumber cost in Australia?
Emergency plumbers typically charge a callout fee of $150–$300 just to attend, plus after-hours labour rates of $150–$300 per hour. Weekend and public holiday rates are usually higher still. Always ask for an estimate before they attend if possible.
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
A plumbing emergency is any situation that poses an immediate risk to your property, health, or safety — including burst pipes, gas leaks, sewage backflow, complete loss of water supply, flooding from a plumbing failure, or a hot water system failure.
Where is the main water shutoff in my house?
The main water shutoff valve is usually located near the water meter — typically at the front of the property near the street, or under the kitchen sink. In apartments, there's usually an isolation valve near each fixture. Turn it clockwise to close. Knowing this location before an emergency can prevent significant water damage.
What should I do if I smell gas at home?
Leave the building immediately without touching any electrical switches. Once outside, call your gas supplier's emergency line or 000. Do not re-enter until given the all-clear. Have a licensed gas fitter inspect all appliances before restoring supply — never try to find or fix a gas leak yourself.
Find an emergency plumber near you
Browse licensed, 24/7 emergency plumbers across Australia. Compare Google ratings, check licence status, and call directly — no booking form required.
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