What are the most common plumbing emergencies?

Burst pipes, blocked sewers causing overflow, no hot water, gas leaks, and blocked toilets are the most common emergency calls we receive.

What should I do in a plumbing emergency?

For water emergencies: turn off the mains. For gas leaks: evacuate, don't touch switches, call from outside. For blocked sewers: stop using water. Then call ATC Plumbing on 1300 282 758.

Does ATC Plumbing respond to plumbing emergencies 24/7?

Yes — ATC Plumbing operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including weekends and public holidays for all plumbing emergencies across Melbourne's south-east.

Plumbing Emergencies 101: 5 Urgent Issues and How to Respond

Christopher Unwin
Apr 20, 2025
2 min read

Updated: May 3

5 Plumbing Emergencies and How to Respond

Knowing what to do in the first few minutes of a plumbing emergency can significantly limit damage to your home. Here are the five most common emergency situations and exactly what to do before the plumber arrives.

1. Burst Water Pipe or Fitting

Turn off the water supply immediately. The meter is usually near your front boundary, set into the ground under a small lid. Turn the lever or wheel to stop the flow. If water has entered electrical areas of the home, do not touch electrical equipment and switch the power off at the meter box. Call ATC Plumbing on 1300 282 758 — we're available 24/7.

2. Gas Leak

If you smell gas: don't operate any electrical switches (including lights), don't use your phone inside, leave the property immediately and leave doors open as you go, turn off the gas at the meter (the isolation valve is usually next to the meter), call your gas company's emergency line from outside (Multinet: 132 771, AusGas Networks: 1800 GAS LINE), and then call a licensed gas plumber. Do not re-enter the property until it has been cleared.

3. Blocked Sewer or Sewage Overflow

Stop using all drains and toilets immediately — every flush adds to the problem. Do not attempt to clear sewage overflow yourself without appropriate PPE — it's a health hazard. Call a plumber immediately. This is a genuine emergency requiring same-day response. ATC Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency drain service.

4. No Hot Water

Less urgent than the above, but still disruptive — especially for families. Check the basics first: gas supply, circuit breakers, pilot light, isolation valves. If none of these resolve it, call ATC Plumbing. We carry hot water units on our vans and can replace failed systems same-day in most cases across Melbourne's south-east.

5. Overflowing Toilet

Turn off the water supply to the toilet — there's usually an isolation valve behind or below the toilet cistern. This stops the overflow. Attempt a plunger if you have one. If the blockage doesn't clear with a plunger, or if other drains in the house are also slow (suggesting a main sewer blockage rather than a toilet blockage), call a plumber. ATC Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency service — call 1300 282 758.