Emergency plumber Mildura: what to do while you wait

A plumbing emergency is stressful. Water is going where it should not, you do not know how serious it is, and you are not sure what to do while you wait for a plumber to arrive. The actions you take in the first few minutes can make a significant difference to how much damage occurs and how complex the repair ends up being.

This guide covers exactly what to do for the most common plumbing emergencies in Mildura and the Greater Sunraysia region.

Step one: turn off the water

For almost every plumbing emergency involving water, the first step is the same: stop the water at the source. The faster you do this, the less damage occurs.

Where to find your main water shutoff in Mildura

The main water stopcock for your property is almost always located at or near the water meter. In Mildura and surrounding areas, meters are typically set into the ground near the front boundary of the property, sometimes in a small rectangular box in the lawn or footpath. Turn the stopcock clockwise (to the right) to close it. This stops all water supply to the property.

It is worth finding yours before you ever need it. Do it today if you do not already know where it is.

Isolation valves under sinks and behind toilets

If the emergency is contained to one fixture, such as a leaking tap or a running toilet cistern, there may be an isolation valve nearby that lets you cut water to that fixture without shutting off the whole house. These are the small inline valves under kitchen and bathroom sinks and behind toilet cisterns. Turn them clockwise to close.

What to do for a burst pipe

1. Turn off the main water supply at the stopcock immediately.
2. Turn off electricity at the switchboard in any rooms where water is pooling. Water near power points or appliances creates an electrocution risk.
3. Open cold taps around the house to drain remaining water from the pipes quickly.
4. Move furniture, rugs, and valuables away from the affected area.
5. Take photos before cleaning up, in case you need to make an insurance claim.
6. Call Brad on 0411 755 399. Do not attempt to patch a burst pipe yourself.

What to do if you have no hot water

No hot water is uncomfortable but rarely dangerous. Before calling a plumber, try the basic checks in the Remote Plumbing guide on hot water system failures. These cover checking the circuit breaker (electric systems) and pilot light (gas systems) which resolve a significant number of no-hot-water calls without a plumber visit.

If the system is leaking, making unusual noises, or the water is rust coloured, call Brad straight away on 0411 755 399. These are signs the unit itself has failed and needs assessment.

What to do for a sewage blockage or overflow

A blocked sewer or sewage overflow is one of the more serious household plumbing emergencies because raw sewage creates a health hazard. If drains throughout the house are backing up simultaneously, or sewage is overflowing from a floor gully or inspection opening in the yard, that is a full sewer blockage.

1. Stop using all water in the house immediately. Do not flush toilets, run taps, or use the washing machine as this pushes more sewage through the blocked line.
2. Keep children and pets away from the affected area.
3. Do not try to clear the blockage yourself with chemicals or a plunger if the whole system is backing up. This will not fix a sewer blockage and may make it worse.
4. Call Brad on 0411 755 399. Sewer blockages require proper clearing equipment and are prioritised as emergency jobs.

For more on blocked drains and what causes them, see the Remote Plumbing guide on blocked drains in Mildura.

What to do for a gas leak

A gas leak is not a plumbing job. If you smell gas, follow these steps:

1. Do not turn any electrical switches on or off, including lights. Do not use your phone inside the building.
2. Evacuate everyone from the building immediately.
3. Turn off the gas at the meter if it is safe to do so and you can reach it without going back inside.
4. Call the gas emergency line: 1800 GAS LEAK (1800 427 532). This is a 24-hour line and takes priority over calling any tradesperson.
5. Do not re-enter until the gas network operator or emergency services has confirmed it is safe.

What information to have ready when you call

When you call Brad, having this information ready means he can assess the situation faster and arrive with the right equipment:

• What is happening and where in the property
• Whether you have been able to isolate the water supply
• Whether there is water near electrical equipment or switchboards
• Your full address including suburb (Mildura, Dareton, Wentworth, etc.)
• The type of hot water system if that is the issue (electric, gas, or solar)
• Whether the property is a rental and whether you need to notify a property manager

What counts as a genuine plumbing emergency?

Genuine emergencies that warrant an after-hours callout include burst pipes, major leaks causing active water damage, sewage overflow, complete loss of water to the property, and no hot water for a household with young children, elderly residents, or a medical need.

A dripping tap, a slow drain, or a running toilet cistern are real issues but they are not emergencies. They can wait until the next business day and doing so will save you the after-hours callout surcharge.

For full details on what Brad attends and how to reach him, see the Remote Plumbing emergency service page. For non-urgent jobs, send a message via the contact page or browse the full range of plumbing services across Greater Sunraysia.