A plumbing emergency doesn’t wait for a convenient time. Knowing exactly what to do in the first few minutes can be the difference between a manageable repair and serious water damage to your property.
Step 1: Stop the Water
The first thing to do in any water-related emergency is stop the flow. Every Melbourne home has a main water shutoff valve — usually located at the front of the property near the water meter, or under the kitchen sink. Turning it clockwise will stop the water supply to the whole property.
If you smell gas: do not touch switches or appliances. Open windows and doors, leave the building, and call your gas provider and an emergency plumber simultaneously.
Step 2: Call a 24/7 Emergency Plumber
Not all plumbers offer genuine 24/7 service. When you call, confirm they can actually attend tonight, are VBA licensed, and have an ETA. Sedcon Plumbing is available 24/7 for genuine emergencies across Melbourne. Call 0468 013 012 — Cooper answers directly.
Step 3: Document the Damage
While you wait: take photos and video of the leak, move valuables and electronics away from water, and lay down towels to limit water spread. If water is near electrical outlets, turn off the electricity at the switchboard. These photos matter for insurance claims.
What Your Emergency Plumber Does on Arrival
Assessment (5–10 minutes): A good emergency plumber diagnoses before they touch anything. Isolation and safe work: Confirms water is off and checks pressure. The repair: Most Melbourne emergencies are resolved in the same visit. Certificate of Compliance: Issued for all work carried out — required for insurance and property records.
Common Melbourne Emergency Scenarios
Flexi hose failure — the most common plumbing emergency in Melbourne homes. When they fail, they dump hundreds of litres per hour. Burst pipes in winter — exposed pipes in roof spaces can freeze during cold snaps. Hot water system failure — peaks in Melbourne’s winter months, most replaceable same-day. Gas leaks — treat as an emergency, evacuate first, then call.
In an emergency? Call 0468 013 012 — available 24/7. See our emergency plumbing service →