🚨 Plumbing Emergency in Melbourne? Here’s Exactly What To Do to Stay Safe & Minimise Damage
A plumbing emergency can strike at the worst possible time — a burst pipe at 2 AM in Werribee, a blocked drain in Tarneit mid-lunch, or a leaking hot-water unit in Melton just as guests arrive.
I’ve seen it all across Melbourne’s western suburbs, and I can tell you: a quick response makes all the difference between a small mess and thousands of dollars in damage.
Here’s my step-by-step guide to handling any plumbing emergency safely — straight from a licensed plumber who deals with them every day.
1️⃣ Find the Source of the Problem
First things first: identify what’s happening.
Is water spraying from a burst pipe, flooding from a toilet, or dripping from your hot-water system?
The sooner you locate the problem, the faster you can stop the flow and explain it clearly when you call a plumber.
Look around for:
Wet patches on walls or ceilings
Unusual noises (hissing, gurgling, running water)
Overflowing fixtures or pooling water
2️⃣ Shut Off Your Main Water Supply
If water is leaking or flooding, turn off your water immediately.
Find your water meter — usually:
At the front of your property near the footpath
Inside a meter box in the front yard
Or occasionally in the laundry or garage
Turn the tap or valve clockwise until it stops.
That cuts water supply to the entire house.
Every second counts here — quick action can save carpets, floors, and walls.
💡 Tip: If you live in a unit, you may need to contact your body corporate or building manager for the main shut-off valve location.
3️⃣ Turn Off Gas or Power (If Necessary)
If the leak is near gas appliances or electrical outlets, play it safe:
Gas: Turn the yellow handle at the meter so it sits across the pipe (that means OFF).
Electricity: Go to your switchboard and turn off the main power or any affected circuits.
⚠️ Safety first: If there’s water around live wires or outlets, do not touch anything. Step back and wait for a professional.
4️⃣ Try to Contain the Damage
While waiting for your plumber to arrive:
Move furniture, rugs, and valuables away from water.
Use towels, buckets, or mops to catch or redirect leaks.
Don’t flush toilets or use taps connected to the problem area.
If safe, photograph the affected areas for insurance.
Small actions right now can save you major repairs later.
5️⃣ Call a Local Emergency Plumber
If you’re anywhere in Werribee, Melton, Tarneit, Caroline Springs, or Taylors Lakes, I can be there quickly to help.
📞 Call Fox Plumbing & Drainage on
0405 900 418 — tell me:
What the issue is (e.g., burst pipe, blocked drain, leaking unit)
Whether you’ve turned off the water, gas, or power
How urgent the situation is
The more details you share, the faster I can diagnose and bring the right equipment.
6️⃣ Take Photos for Insurance
After things are under control, document everything.
Take clear photos or short videos of:
The source of the problem (e.g., burst pipe, flooded area)
Any visible damage to floors, walls, or furniture
Appliances affected by water
Keep all receipts for plumbing repairs or cleanup, as your insurer will need them for your claim.
🧰 What Causes Plumbing Emergencies in Melbourne?
In Melbourne’s west, the most common emergencies I attend include:
Burst or leaking flexi-hoses under sinks
Blocked sewer or stormwater drains after heavy rain
Failing hot-water systems
Gas leaks from corroded fittings
Toilet overflows from pipe blockages
Many of these are preventable with regular plumbing maintenance — but when they happen, fast action is critical.
🧯 Stay Calm, Stay Safe, and Call a Professional
During an emergency:
Find the problem fast
Shut off water, gas, or power
Contain damage where possible
Call your local licensed plumber
Keep clear of unsafe areas
Don’t take risks — your safety comes first.
Plumbing disasters can be fixed; injuries can’t.
👨🔧 Fox Plumbing & Drainage — 24/7 Emergency Plumber in Melbourne’s West
If you need help right now, I’m only a call away.
At Fox Plumbing & Drainage, I handle emergency plumbing and gas issues across Melton, Tarneit, Werribee, Brookfield, Caroline Springs, and surrounding suburbs.
I offer:
✅ 24/7 emergency response
✅ Leak detection and burst pipe repairs
✅ Blocked drain clearing
✅ Hot-water repairs and replacements
✅ Gas leak detection and repairs
✅ BPC compliance certificates
You’ll always speak directly to a licensed plumber — not a call centre.
📞 Call 0405 900 418 or message me via the contact page.
I’ll get to you ASAP — no stress, no fuss.
