What to Do When a Pipe Bursts

Dealing with a burst pipe right now? Call Nordic on (08) 8645 5011 for emergency plumbing in Whyalla.

A burst pipe can release a serious amount of water in a short space of time, and knowing what to do in the first few minutes makes a real difference to how much damage it causes. Here's exactly what to do, in order, starting with the most important step.

First step: shut off the water

Before anything else, get the water stopped at the source. This limits the damage far more than mopping up water ever will.

• Locate your stop tap, usually near your water meter at the front boundary of the property
• Turn it clockwise (or, for a lever-style valve, a quarter turn until the lever sits across the pipe) until it stops
• Confirm the water's off by turning on a tap inside, it should slow to a trickle and stop
• If you can't find the stop tap or it won't move, contact SA Water or call an emergency plumber straight away rather than continuing to search while water spreads

Turn off the power if water is near electrics

Water and electricity together are dangerous, and this step matters as much as shutting off the water itself.

• If water is pooling near power points, appliances, or your switchboard, turn off power at the switchboard, but only if you can reach it safely without stepping into water
• Never touch a wet switchboard, or one you're unsure about, call an electrician instead of risking it yourself
• If the switchboard itself is affected or you can't safely access it, leave that area of the house and call for help rather than attempting it

Contain the water and limit the damage

Once the water's off and the area's safe, focus on limiting how far the damage spreads while you wait for help.

• Move furniture, rugs, and valuables away from the affected area
• Use towels, buckets, or a mop to contain and remove standing water
• Avoid using a regular vacuum cleaner on standing water unless it's specifically rated for wet use
• Take a few photos of the damage once it's safe to do so, this helps if you need to make an insurance claim later

When to call an emergency plumber

Shutting off the water buys you time, but a burst pipe still needs a licensed plumber to fix it properly and confirm nothing else was affected.

Call an emergency plumber straight away if:

• Water is still flowing after you've shut off the mains supply
• Water has spread into walls, ceilings, or flooring
• You can't locate or access your shut-off valve
• The burst has affected shared infrastructure or a neighbouring property

Leaving a burst pipe overnight to save on an after-hours call-out generally costs more in the long run, since water damage compounds fast the longer it's left.

Common causes of burst pipes

Understanding what typically causes a burst pipe can help you spot early warning signs before it becomes a full emergency.

• Ageing or corroded pipes, particularly older galvanised steel plumbing
• High water pressure putting ongoing strain on pipes and fittings
• Tree root intrusion into underground pipes
• Ground movement affecting buried pipework over time
• Physical damage from renovations, digging, or gardening work near pipe locations

How to help prevent burst pipes

A few proactive habits reduce the chances of dealing with this again.

• Get your plumbing inspected periodically, particularly in older homes
• Have your water pressure checked, and a pressure limiting valve fitted if it's running too high
• Replace ageing or corroded pipes before they fail, rather than waiting for a burst
• Take care when digging or gardening near known pipe locations
• Address minor leaks or drips promptly, since small issues often signal bigger problems developing

FAQs

How much does burst pipe repair typically cost?
Cost depends on the location and severity of the burst, and whether any flooring, walls, or fixtures need repair alongside the plumbing itself. We'll give you an accurate quote once we've assessed the damage.

Can I claim burst pipe damage on my home insurance?
Many home and contents policies cover sudden, accidental water damage from a burst pipe, though gradual leaks or general wear are often excluded. Check your specific policy or contact your insurer to confirm what's covered.

Is every burst pipe an emergency?
Not always, but if water is actively flowing, spreading into walls or ceilings, or you can't shut it off, treat it as one and call an emergency plumber rather than waiting.

What if I can't find my water shut-off valve?
Don't spend too long searching while water spreads. Call SA Water or an emergency plumber straight away, they can help locate it or attend directly to stop the flow.

Emergency Plumbing in Whyalla

If you're dealing with a burst pipe right now, don't wait. Call Nordic on (08) 8645 5011 for emergency plumbing across Whyalla. For anything non-urgent, get in touch through our contact page.