Emergency Plumbing in Adelaide: What Counts as an Emergency and What to Do While You Wait
A burst pipe flooding your hallway at 10pm is clearly an emergency. A dripping tap that's been going for a week isn't. But there's a lot of grey area in between, and knowing the difference can save you from unnecessary stress and after-hours call-out costs.
In this guide, we'll cover what actually counts as a plumbing emergency, what you can do to minimise damage while you wait for a plumber, and how to prepare so you're not scrambling if something goes wrong.
What Counts as a Plumbing Emergency?
A plumbing emergency is any situation where delaying action could cause significant damage to your property, create a health risk, or leave you without an essential service.
Here's what we'd classify as an emergency:
Burst or leaking pipes causing flooding
If water is actively flowing where it shouldn't be, whether from a burst pipe, a failed fitting, or a damaged flexi hose, that's an emergency. Water damage escalates quickly, particularly if it's reaching flooring, cabinetry, electrical systems or ceilings.
Flexi hoses (the braided flexible hoses under sinks and behind toilets and washing machines) are one of the most common causes of sudden flooding in Australian homes. They can fail without warning, and when they do, they release a continuous flow of mains-pressure water.
Sewage overflow
If sewage is coming up through your shower drain, floor waste, or toilet, or overflowing from your overflow relief gully (ORG), you need a plumber as soon as possible. Sewage poses a genuine health risk and the situation won't resolve on its own.
Complete loss of hot water in winter
Losing your hot water in the middle of summer might be inconvenient. Losing it during an Adelaide winter with a young family or elderly household members is a different situation. If your hot water system has failed completely, it's worth calling to discuss your options rather than waiting for a weekday appointment.
For more on the warning signs that a hot water system is on its way out, have a read of our guide on signs it's time to repair or replace your hot water system.
Gas leak
If you can smell gas, isolate the gas supply if it is safe to do so and contact an emergency plumber immediately.
Our technician will attend site, investigate the source of the leak, and determine whether the issue is located on the utility provider’s network or within the property’s gas installation.
If the leak is on the utility provider’s side, we will advise and assist with contacting the appropriate gas authority. If the leak is on the property’s side, we will identify the fault and provide options for repair.
If the smell of gas is strong, open doors and windows where safe to do so, avoid operating electrical switches or naked flames, and move to a safe location until the issue has been assessed.
No water supply
If you've suddenly lost all water to your home (and it's not a planned outage from SA Water), you may have a burst water main or a pressure-limiting valve. This is worth an urgent call to a plumber, particularly if water is pooling in your yard or running down the street.
What Can Wait Until Normal Hours?
Not every plumbing issue needs an after-hours response. Here are situations that are usually fine to wait on, as long as you take some basic steps to manage them overnight.
A single dripping tap
Annoying, but unlikely to cause damage overnight. Place a container under the drip and call a plumber during business hours.
A slow-draining sink or shower
If it's draining, just slowly, it can generally wait. Avoid using that fixture heavily until a plumber can have a look.
A toilet that runs constantly
A running toilet wastes water but isn't usually causing damage. If you can, turn off the isolation tap (the small tap on the wall behind or beside the toilet) to stop the flow until a plumber can repair it.
A small, contained leak
If a tap or fitting has a minor drip that you can manage with a towel or bucket, and it's not near any electrical systems, it can usually wait until the next business day.
What to Do While You Wait for an Emergency Plumber
If you've got an active plumbing emergency, here's what you can do to limit the damage before a plumber arrives.
Turn off the water at the mains
This is the single most important thing you can do. Your mains water shut-off is usually the water meter.
Turn it clockwise to close it. This stops water flowing into your home and will stop or slow any active flooding.
If you've never located your water meter before, do it now, before you need it. Go and find it this weekend. Knowing where it is and confirming it turns freely could save you thousands in water damage.
Turn off the hot water system
If the emergency involves your hot water system (a burst tank, flooding from the unit, or a pressure relief valve that won't stop discharging), switch the system off.
For gas hot water, turn the gas isolation valve to the off position.
For an electric hot water system, switch it off at the circuit breaker.
Clear the area
Move furniture, rugs, electronics and anything valuable away from the water. If water is near electrical outlets or appliances, switch off the power at the switchboard for that area.
Document the damage
Take photos and video of the damage before you start cleaning up. If you need to make an insurance claim, having clear documentation from the start makes the process much smoother.
Call a plumber
Once you've managed the immediate situation, call a plumber. When you call, it helps to let us know what's happening (burst pipe, sewage, hot water failure), where the water is coming from if you can tell, and whether you've been able to turn off the mains.
This helps us prioritise your call and come prepared with the right equipment.
How to Reduce the Risk of a Plumbing Emergency
Most plumbing emergencies don't happen out of nowhere. They're usually the end result of an issue that's been developing for a while.
Check your flexi hoses
Flexi hoses are the number one cause of internal water damage from plumbing failures. They have a lifespan of around 10 years, and many homes have the originals still installed from when the property was built.
Check the flexi hoses under your bathroom and kitchen sinks, behind your toilet, and on your washing machine. If they're showing signs of rust, bulging, or fraying on the outer braiding, get them replaced before they fail.
Know where your water meter is
We've said it above, but it's worth repeating. Find your water meter and make sure it turns. If it's seized or difficult to operate, call SA Water for attendance.
Don't ignore early warning signs
Slow drains, gurgling sounds, intermittent hot water, damp patches on walls or ceilings, and unexplained increases in your water bill can all be signs that something is developing. Addressing these early is almost always cheaper and less disruptive than dealing with the emergency they eventually cause.
If you're dealing with slow or blocked drains, our guide onblocked drains: signs, causes and what to do next covers what to look for and when to call.
Service your hot water system
Hot water systems don't last forever. Most storage systems last 10 to 15 years, and continuous flow systems can last 20 years or more with proper maintenance. If your system is getting on in age, it's better to plan a replacement than deal with a failure on a cold Monday morning. Click here to read our full guide on servicing your hot water system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can an emergency plumber get to me?
Response times depend on the time of day, how busy we are, and where you're located. We service Adelaide's southern and western suburbs and do our best to respond to genuine emergencies as quickly as possible.
Is a blocked toilet a plumbing emergency?
It depends. If you have a second toilet you can use and there's no sewage overflow, it can usually wait until business hours. If it's your only toilet, or sewage is overflowing, call straight away.
What should I do if I can smell gas?
If you can smell gas, isolate the gas supply if it is safe to do so and contact an emergency plumber immediately.
If the smell of gas is strong, open doors and windows where safe to do so, avoid operating electrical switches or naked flames, and move to a safe location until the issue has been assessed.
How much does an emergency plumber cost?
After-hours and emergency call-outs typically cost more than standard appointments due to the time of day and urgency involved. We can provide guidance on pricing so you know what you're up for before we start any work.
Can I turn off the water myself?
Yes. You can isolate your water meter. Turning it off is the most effective thing you can do to stop flooding. If you're unsure where it is, go and locate it now so you're prepared.
Need an Emergency Plumber in Adelaide?
If you've got an active plumbing emergency, Richardson Plumbing and Gas can help. Call 0423 322 865 and let us know what's happening so we can prioritise.
We service Warradale, Marion, Brighton, Glenelg, Seacliff, Hallett Cove and surrounding suburbs across Adelaide.
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