If water is actively flooding: Turn off your water supply at the mains immediately, then read on. Every minute counts.
Burst pipes are one of the most stressful plumbing emergencies a homeowner can face — especially if it happens at night or while you're at work. The good news is that the steps you take in the first few minutes can significantly reduce the damage.
Here's exactly what to do.
Shut Off the Water at the Mains
This is the single most important thing you can do. Your main water shutoff valve is usually located at the water meter, which in most Brisbane homes is near the front boundary of the property — often near the footpath or driveway.
Turn the valve clockwise (right) until it stops. This will cut the water supply to the entire house and stop the flow immediately.
Do this now, before you do anything else. If you're not sure where your meter is, check the front boundary near the street, under a small metal or plastic cover in the ground.
Turn Off Electricity to Affected Areas
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If the burst pipe is near any power outlets, light fittings, or electrical appliances — or if water is pooling near any of these — go to your switchboard and turn off the power to affected rooms.
If water is near your switchboard or you can't safely get to it, leave the house and call an electrician before re-entering.
Don't use electrical appliances in or near the affected area until a licensed plumber and electrician have assessed the situation.
Minimise Water Damage and Call a Plumber
Once the water is off and you've addressed electrical safety, do what you can to limit damage while you wait for help:
- Move furniture, rugs and valuables away from water
- Use towels, buckets or mops to contain pooling water
- Open windows to start drying the area if it's safe to do so
- Take photos of the damage for your insurance claim before cleaning up
Then call your plumber. We're available 24/7 and carry the parts for most common emergency repairs in the van.
Don't wait until morning if it's after hours. A burst pipe left overnight causes far more damage than the emergency call-out cost.
Common Causes of Burst Pipes in Brisbane
Understanding what caused the burst helps prevent it happening again:
- Age and corrosion — galvanised steel pipes in older Brisbane homes corrode from the inside and eventually fail. If your home was built before the 1970s and still has original pipes, it's worth having them assessed.
- Tree root intrusion — roots from large trees can penetrate and crack underground pipes over time
- High water pressure — Brisbane's water pressure can be higher than ideal in some areas. A pressure-limiting valve protects your pipes and appliances.
- Ground movement — Brisbane's clay soils expand and contract with moisture, which can stress underground pipes over time
- Physical damage — accidental impact during renovations or landscaping
Insurance tip: Most home and contents policies cover sudden burst pipe damage, but not gradual leaks. Take photos before any cleanup and keep records of all plumbing work done — this helps with claims.
What Happens When We Arrive
When you call us for a burst pipe, we'll confirm your water is off, ask a few quick questions about what you can see, and head straight to you. Most burst pipe repairs involve cutting out the damaged section and replacing it with new pipe — a job that takes 1–3 hours in most cases.
We'll also check the surrounding pipework for any other weak points while we're there, so you're not dealing with another emergency a few weeks later.
Burst Pipe? Call Now — 24/7
We're available around the clock for plumbing emergencies across Brisbane. Don't wait.
Call 0401 289 993