Emergency Plumbing.Done Right.

When to call for emergency plumbing

Call straight away if water is running where it should not be, if a toilet or drain is overflowing into the house, if you have no water at all, or if a hot water system is leaking or dumping water. Gas smells are also an emergency. Keep flames and switches away, and ring the gas emergency number on your gas bill first.

What we do on an emergency visit

We start by stopping the damage. That usually means isolating the water, clearing the blockage or shutting off the failed fitting. Once things are safe, we find the real cause and tell you what the repair involves. Where we can fix it on the spot, we do. Where a part has to be ordered, we make the area safe and book the return visit.

Emergency plumbing across Geelong and Melbourne

We work across Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast and the Melbourne suburbs. Ring 0401 041 103 and we will confirm when we can reach your suburb.

What counts as a plumbing emergency

Burst pipes, flooding, a sewer overflow, a gas smell, a hot water leak, no water at all and a toilet that will not stop overflowing are emergencies. A dripping tap or a slow drain is not, and usually waits for a booked visit.

What to do first: water

If water is escaping, turn it off at the water mains stop valve. RACV advises knowing where your mains are and how to turn them off before an emergency happens. If the fault is in the street or on the supply before your meter, contact your water authority. Source: RACV guide to burst pipes.

Then call a plumber

Once everyone is safe, ring 0401 041 103 and describe what is happening, where you are and whether water or gas is still a problem. Take photos of the damage for your insurer. Timing is confirmed when you call.

After the emergency

Ask what caused the fault and how to prevent a repeat, such as replacing old hoses or a failing valve. Keep photos and invoices for insurance.

Before you ask for a price

In an emergency the first question is safety, then stopping the damage, then the repair. There is no call-out fee and the quote is free, so the price is talked through before the visit and the numbers do not surprise you later. Ask what is likely to be needed on the day and whether anything can only be made temporary.

Which problems are true emergencies

A burst pipe, a flood, a sewage overflow, a gas smell, a total loss of water, a hot water leak or a toilet that will not stop overflowing are emergencies. A dripping tap or slow drain usually is not. Calling the right type of help for the right problem saves time and money.

If you are unsure, describe what you see on the phone and ask. A plumber can usually tell you whether it needs urgent attention.

Insurance and records after an emergency

Take photos before you clean up. Note the time you noticed the problem, what you did to stop it and who you called. Keep receipts. Check your insurance policy for what is covered and how soon you need to report it.

If you are renting, tell your agent or landlord straight away and keep a written record.

Information that helps in an emergency call

Have your address, the nearest cross street and a phone number ready. Say what has happened and where the water is. Say whether the water is off. Say if anyone is in danger or if electricity is involved. If it is safe, send a photo or two. Clear access to the problem saves time when the plumber arrives.

There is no call-out fee, so the price is clear before the visit.

Know your shut-offs before you need them

Find your main water tap, usually near the street or the meter, and check it turns. Find the hot water system isolation valve, the gas isolation valve and the electrical switchboard. Show everyone in the household. A few minutes now saves a lot in a real emergency.

Common emergencies and first steps

A burst pipe: turn off the water at the main. An overflowing toilet: turn off the supply at the small tap behind it and stop flushing. A leaking hot water system: turn off the water to it and switch off power or gas. Sewage backing up: stop using water and keep people away. The Energy Safe Victoria and RACV pages linked above give the official steps for gas, electricity and burst pipes.

Staying safe around water and power

Water and electricity do not mix. If water is near powerpoints, appliances or the switchboard, do not touch them. Switch off power at the switchboard only if you can reach it safely and dry. If you cannot, leave and call for help. Call 000 in a life-threatening emergency.

Landlords, tenants and emergencies

Tenants should tell the agent or landlord at once. For rental repair rules and emergency repairs, check Consumer Affairs Victoria. Keep a note of who you called and when.

Keeping the household informed

Tell everyone in the house where the shut-offs are and what the emergency number is. Put the plumber number in your phone and on the fridge. Know who to tell at work or at the agent if you rent.

Preparing your home before something goes wrong

Know where the main tap and gas shut-off are, keep a torch, and have the plumber's number saved. Label shut-off valves. Check taps turn freely.

Share the locations with everyone in the home.

What to tell us when you call

Say your address, what is happening, what you have turned off, whether anyone is at risk and whether there is any gas smell. Say if there is water near electrics.

Clear details help us prepare. Quotes are free and there is no call-out fee.

Guides worth reading

• What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency Before the Plumber Arrives
• How Much Does a Plumber Cost? What Affects the Price
• Plumbing Tips for Landlords and Property Managers

Related plumbing services

• Blocked Drains: Slow sinks, gurgling pipes and smelly drains cleared and the cause found.
• Blocked Toilets: Blocked, slow or overflowing toilets cleared without making a mess of your bathroom.
• Tree Root Removal from Drains: Roots clearing out of sewer and stormwater pipes, with advice on stopping them returning.
• Drain Jet Blasting: High pressure water jetting for grease, silt, scale and root build-up.
• Emergency plumbing is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Talk to GSA Plumbing Services

Call 0401 041 103 or send an enquiry on the contact page. We work across Geelong, Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.