Stay Calm — You've Got This
A plumbing emergency is stressful, but acting quickly and correctly can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and tens of thousands of dollars in water damage. Whether it's a burst pipe, an overflowing toilet, or a gas leak, the first few minutes are critical.
Here's exactly what to do, step by step, to protect your home and your family until a licensed plumber arrives.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water
If water is flooding your home, your first priority is to stop it at the source. Every home has a main water shut-off valve — usually located near the water meter at the front of the property, or inside near the hot water system. Turn it clockwise to shut off all water to the house.
- Know where your main shut-off valve is before you need it — find it today
- For isolated issues (like a leaking toilet), use the isolation valve near the fixture instead
- If you can't find the valve, call 048 Plumber Central Coast and we'll talk you through it over the phone
Tip: Tag your main water shut-off valve with a brightly coloured label so you can find it quickly in an emergency, even in the dark.
Step 2: Turn Off Your Hot Water System
If you've shut off the main water supply, you should also turn off your hot water system to prevent it from overheating or boiling dry. For electric systems, switch off the power at the switchboard. For gas systems, turn the gas valve to the off position. For solar systems, shut off the water supply to the tank.
Step 3: If It's a Gas Leak, Act Differently
If you smell gas (a rotten-egg odour) or hear a hissing sound near a gas appliance or pipe, do not use any electrical switches, flames, or appliances — even a light switch can ignite gas. Open windows and doors to ventilate, evacuate your family and pets, then call your gas provider's emergency line and a licensed gas fitter immediately.
048 Plumber Central Coast offers 24/7 emergency gas leak detection and repair. Call 1300 048 048 and we'll dispatch a licensed gas fitter immediately.
Step 4: Contain the Water
While you wait for the plumber, minimise damage by moving furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the affected area. Lay down towels or use a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water. If water is flowing towards electrical outlets or switchboards, stay clear and turn off the power at the main switchboard.
Step 5: Take Photos for Insurance
If the damage is significant, take photos and video of the affected area before you start cleaning up. Your insurance company will need evidence of the damage and the source. Keep any damaged items — don't throw them away until your insurer has assessed the claim.
Step 6: Call a Licensed 24/7 Plumber
Not all plumbers answer the phone at 2am. At 048 Plumber Central Coast, we have licensed plumbers on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, right across the Central Coast. When you call 1300 048 048, you'll speak directly to a real person who can dispatch a plumber to your door immediately.
- We offer a $0 call-out fee — you don't pay for us to arrive and assess the problem
- We provide upfront fixed pricing before any work begins — no hourly rate surprises
- Every job is backed by our lifetime labour guarantee
- We service all Central Coast suburbs, from Woy Woy to Toukley
