Burst Pipe? What to Do in the First 10 Minutes

Turn off the water at the main stop valve, usually at the meter near the front boundary, turning the handle clockwise until it stops. Then switch off the hot water system and any power near the water, open a cold tap to drain the pipes, and call an emergency plumber. Photograph the damage for your insurer.

Step 1: Turn off the water main

This is the single most important step, and it stops the water within seconds.

• Where it is: on most Sunshine Coast homes, the water meter sits near the front boundary or footpath, sometimes in a small box or under a cover in the lawn. Units and townhouses often have meters grouped in a cupboard or near the driveway.
• How to turn it off: turn the tap handle on the meter clockwise until it stops. If it’s stiff, use a cloth for grip. Don’t force it with a tool so hard that it breaks.
• If the leak is at one fixture, such as a burst flexi hose under a sink or behind a toilet, you can turn off that fixture’s isolation valve instead.

Find your meter and isolation valves now, before you need them. Show everyone in the house where they are.

Step 2: Make it safe

Water and electricity don’t mix. If water is near power points, appliances, lights or the switchboard:

• turn off the power at the main switch, but only if you can reach the switchboard without standing in water
• don’t touch switches, plugs or appliances with wet hands or while standing in water
• if you can’t safely reach the switchboard, keep everyone out of the area and call for help

Step 3: Turn off the hot water system

With the water off, the hot water system can be damaged if it keeps heating. Switch off the hot water circuit at the switchboard for an electric system, or turn the gas control to off for a gas system.

Step 4: Drain the pipes and contain the water

• Open a cold tap at the lowest point in the house, or an outside tap, to drain the water left in the pipes.
• Put buckets under the leak and use towels to soak up and block the spread of water.
• Move furniture, rugs, electronics and valuables out of the wet area.
• If water is coming through a ceiling, don’t stand under it. A bulging ceiling can collapse.

Step 5: Call an emergency plumber

When you call, tell the plumber:

1. where the leak is and what’s leaking (a pipe, a flexi hose, the hot water system)
2. whether you’ve managed to turn off the water
3. whether water is near electrics or coming through a ceiling
4. how to get access, and whether there’s a pet at the property

That helps them bring the right parts and prioritise the job. Our guide to plumber call-out fees explains how after-hours pricing usually works.

Step 6: Document for insurance

Before you clean up too much:

• photograph and video the leak, the damage and any wet contents
• keep the damaged pipe or hose if the plumber removes it
• keep the plumber’s invoice, which should describe the cause
• contact your insurer as soon as practical

Many policies cover sudden water damage from a burst pipe but not the repair of the pipe itself, and may not cover damage from a slow leak. Your policy wording decides it.

Why pipes burst

• Failed flexi hoses. One of the most common causes of indoor flooding. See our guide to flexi hoses.
• High water pressure and water hammer. Constant high pressure and pressure spikes strain pipes and joints.
• Corroded or old pipes. Galvanised steel pipes in older homes rust from the inside.
• Tree roots and ground movement, which can crack underground pipes.
• Accidental damage from drilling, nails or digging during renovations.

After an emergency repair, it’s worth having the rest of the system checked, especially the water pressure and the age of any flexi hoses.

See our emergency plumber service, or our emergency plumber in Caloundra page if you’re in the area.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first if a pipe bursts?

Turn off the water at the main stop valve straight away. It’s usually at the water meter near the front boundary. Turn the handle clockwise until it stops. Then switch off power near the water and call an emergency plumber.

Where is my water main shut-off?

On most Sunshine Coast homes it’s at the water meter, near the front boundary or footpath, sometimes under a small cover. Units may have a shut-off in a meter cupboard. It’s worth finding yours before an emergency.

Should I turn off the power if a pipe bursts?

If water is near power points, appliances, lights or the switchboard, turn off the power at the main switch if it’s safe to reach. Don’t touch switches or appliances with wet hands or while standing in water.

Does home insurance cover burst pipes?

Many home and contents policies cover sudden water damage from a burst pipe, but may not cover the pipe repair itself or damage from a slow leak. Check your policy and photograph the damage before cleaning up.

What causes pipes to burst?

Common causes are failed flexi hoses, high water pressure and water hammer, corroded or old pipes, tree roots and accidental damage during renovations. Keeping pressure in check and replacing old flexi hoses reduces the risk.