What to Do When a Pipe Bursts in Your Home

A burst pipe is one of the most stressful plumbing emergencies you can face. Water can flood a room within minutes. The actions you take in the first five minutes make a significant difference to the amount of damage. Here’s exactly what to do.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Main — Right Now

Don’t try to find the burst first. Turn off the water mains immediately. In most Melbourne homes, the water main shutoff is:

• At the front of the property near the boundary, usually near the water meter
• Turned clockwise (right) to close
• Sometimes inside the property under the kitchen sink or near the laundry

Knowing where your stopcock is before an emergency is one of the most practical things a homeowner can do.

Step 2: Turn Off the Hot Water System

Hot water systems hold 125–400 litres. If the burst is on the hot water side, your system will keep pushing water. Turn off the cold water inlet to the system (usually a valve on the pipe going into the unit).

Step 3: Turn Off Power in Flooded Areas

Water and electricity are a serious hazard. If water is near power outlets, switches, or appliances, switch off the circuit breaker for that area at the switchboard. If in doubt, turn off the main power switch.

Step 4: Contain the Water

Use towels, buckets, and mops to limit water spread to other rooms. Open windows and doors to start drying if safe. Move furniture and valuables away from water if possible.

Step 5: Call a Licensed Plumber

Call 0468 013 012 — Sedcon Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency burst pipe response across Melbourne. We’ll locate the burst, repair or replace the affected section, and restore your water supply as fast as possible.

Common Causes of Burst Pipes in Melbourne

• Corroded galvanised pipes — very common in Melbourne homes built before the 1970s. Galvanised steel pipes have a 50–70 year lifespan and many are well past it.
• High water pressure — Melbourne’s mains pressure can spike. Sustained high pressure stresses joints and fittings.
• Tree root intrusion — roots seek moisture and can crack and invade pipes over time.
• Physical damage — renovation work, drilling, or digging near pipes.

What Happens After We Fix the Burst

We’ll check surrounding pipework for signs of additional wear — especially important in older homes where one failure often signals others are coming. We can provide a written assessment for insurance purposes if needed.

More about our burst pipe service. · VBA Licence 120392 · admin@sedconplumbing.com.au