A burst pipe can pump out hundreds of litres in minutes. Whether it's a flexi hose under the sink, a hot-water unit on the side of the house or a copper line in the ceiling, the first 30 minutes matter most.
1. Shut the water off at the meter
Most Illawarra homes have a meter at the front fence line. Turn the tap clockwise until it stops. If you can't find it, isolate the closest valve to the leak (under the sink, behind the toilet, on the side of the hot water unit).
2. Kill the power to electric hot water
If the leak is from or near the hot water tank, switch its dedicated circuit off at the switchboard. Don't touch the unit if water is pooling around it.
3. Open the lowest tap in the house
This drains the pipework, stopping water continuing to weep from the burst.
4. Move what you can, photograph what you can't
Lift rugs, electronics and anything porous. Snap photos for your insurer — they'll ask.
5. Call us with the details
Tell us where the leak is, what you've isolated, and whether power is off. We'll dispatch with the right parts and give you a realistic arrival time.