A burst pipe or sewage overflow never happens at a convenient time. What you do in the first few minutes can limit the damage a lot. Here is a simple checklist for Darwin and Palmerston homeowners, plus when to call us straight away on 08 7942 2214.
Step 1: Stop the water
Find your main water shut-off valve, usually near the water meter or where the pipe enters the property, and turn it off. Know where it is before you need it. If you can’t find it, call us and we can talk you through it.
Step 2: Make it safe
- Turn off power at the switchboard if water is near outlets, appliances or light fittings.
- If you smell gas, leave the house, don’t use switches or flames, and call emergency services and a licensed gas fitter.
- Keep children and pets away from standing water, especially if it may be sewage.
Step 3: Limit the damage
- Open taps to drain remaining water from the pipes.
- Move furniture, rugs and valuables out of the wet area.
- Take photos and video for your insurance claim before you clean up.
Step 4: Call a licensed plumber
Call us on 08 7942 2214 any time. Tell us what happened, where the water is coming from and whether you’ve turned the main off. We’ll give you upfront pricing before work starts. Jaetech Plumbing is licensed (licence no. LPD2590). Learn more on our emergency plumber page.
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
- Burst or leaking pipes you can’t stop
- Sewage backing up or overflowing
- No water at all, or no hot water in the household
- A suspected gas leak
- A blocked toilet or drain that is overflowing
Preventing the next one
Once the emergency is fixed, ask your plumber why it happened. Ageing pipes, tree roots in the drain, high water pressure and worn fittings are common causes in Darwin homes. A regular check or a leak detection inspection can catch problems early and is usually cheaper than an emergency call-out.
Not sure if it’s urgent? Call anyway. For non-urgent jobs, see our plumbing FAQs or request a free quote.
