Plumbing emergencies usually strike without warning - burst pipes, overflowing drains, leaking hot water systems - and when they do, fast action is essential to protect your home and avoid expensive repairs. Knowing what to do in those first few minutes can make all the difference.

To help you stay prepared, Level Plumbing Lithgow has put together a practical, step-by-step guide for handling a plumbing emergency safely and effectively.

Step 1: Stay Calm & Take a Quick Look Around

As stressful as it can be, staying calm is the most important first step. Panic leads to rushed decisions, and that often makes the situation worse.

Take a moment to assess:

  • Where is the water coming from?
  • Is there water near electrical appliances or power points?
  • Is there a sewage smell or backed-up waste?
  • Is anyone in the house at risk of slipping or electrocution?

A clear head helps you respond quickly and keep everyone safe.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply

Stopping the water flow can dramatically reduce damage.

How to shut off the main supply:

  • Locate your main valve – usually near the water meter at the front of the property.
  • Turn the tap clockwise, or if it’s a lever, move it to the off position.

If the issue is isolated to a fixture (toilet, sink, dishwasher, etc.), you can close the small shut-off valve located on the pipe feeding that appliance.

Once the water is off, check whether water is still leaking. If it is, you’re likely dealing with stored water inside the pipes, which leads us to the next step.

Step 3: Drain the System

Removing leftover water reduces pressure and stops further flooding.

Do the following:

  • Turn on taps throughout the house to release remaining pressure
  • Flush toilets to empty tanks and bowls
  • Use towels, buckets, or a wet vacuum to soak up pooling water

This will slow down any leaking and help prevent water damage to floors and walls.

Step 4: Identify the Source

Once things are under control, try to work out what went wrong. Common causes include:

  • Burst pipes: Often from freezing conditions, corrosion, or high pressure
  • Blocked drains or sewer lines: Can cause water to back up through sinks, toilets, or floor drains
  • Overflowing toilets: Usually caused by foreign objects or heavy build-up in the trap
  • Hot water system breakdowns: Signs include discoloured water, banging noises, or water leaking from the unit

You don’t need to fix the problem yourself - just knowing what happened can help the plumber repair it faster.

Step 5: Call a Licensed Plumber

Some plumbing issues need urgent, expert attention. Once the situation is stabilised, contact a licensed professional.

When calling Level Plumbing Lithgow, be ready to explain:

  • What you saw (e.g., burst pipe, toilet overflowing)
  • How much water leaked
  • What steps you’ve already taken
  • Any electrical risks or hazards

This helps our team prioritise the emergency and arrive prepared.

Step 6: Document the Damage

If significant water damage has occurred, take photos and videos before cleaning everything up. These can help:

  • With home insurance claims
  • When providing evidence of damage
  • To assess what needs repairing or replacing

Capture walls, flooring, furniture, and any affected appliances.

Step 7: Prevent Future Emergencies

Once repairs are complete, take steps to reduce the chances of the problem happening again:

  • Book a yearly plumbing inspection
  • Know where your water shut-off valves are located
  • Teach household members what to do in an emergency
  • Fix small leaks and drips before they become bigger issues

Being proactive keeps your home safe and saves you money long-term.

Fast, Reliable Emergency Help from Level Plumbing Lithgow

Plumbing emergencies are stressful, but you don’t have to deal with them alone. Level Plumbing Lithgow provides fast, professional help for urgent issues including burst pipes, blocked drains, leaking hot water systems, and more.

If you’re dealing with a plumbing crisis in Lithgow or surrounding areas, contact Level Plumbing Lithgow immediately on 0459 607 925. Our team will respond quickly, minimise further damage, and get your plumbing back under control.