Have you ever had a plumbing emergency? Perhaps you’re having one right now and looking for answers. If so, we understand how you’re feeling. There’s nothing quite as stressful as a burst pipe flooding your home or, worse, an overflowing toilet threatening to spill across the bathroom floor.
Knowing how to quickly shut off the water supply will serve you well in such an unfortunate event. Closing the water supply temporarily nips it in the bud, buying you time to call a professional plumber for the rescue. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do, so you’re prepared when the unexpected happens.
Step-by-Step: How to Turn Off the Water Supply
When a plumbing emergency hits, every second counts. Here’s how to swiftly shut off your water and limit the damage.
First, you must find the main water shut-off valve. In most Australian homes, it’s located near the front of the house. Look around the water meter, garden tap, or street boundary. It usually looks like a tap or lever attached to the pipe.
Turn the valve clockwise (to the right) until it’s fully closed. This cuts off the water supply to the entire house, helping stop leaks or flooding.
If you live in an apartment or rental, the main shut-off may be in a service cupboard, under the laundry sink, or near the hot water system. If you’re unsure, check with your landlord, body corporate or call your property manager.
Pro tip: Find and test your shut-off valve before you need it. You’ll thank yourself later!
Immediate Actions to Take Before the Plumber Arrives
So, you’ve shut off the water and called the plumber, now what?
There are a few smart steps you can take while you wait to minimise damage and keep everyone safe.
Turn off the electricity
If water is near electrical outlets, electrical appliances, or power boards, switch off the electricity at the main switchboard to avoid electrical hazards.
Double-check that the water supply is off
Make sure the main water shut-off valve is fully closed. Additionally, turn off any local isolation valves (like under sinks or behind toilets) to stop residual water, if possible.
Contain the water
Use towels, buckets, or mops to soak up and catch the water leak to stop it from spreading to other areas.
Avoid DIY repairs on gas or major leaks
If the issue involves a gas leak from a gas hot water heater or a large, complex leak, leave necessary repairs to the professionals for your own safety.
Understanding Your Plumbing System
Now it’s time to impress the socks off your plumber by acquiring some deeper knowledge on how your plumbing system works. Knowing the basics will help you handle plumbing emergencies with confidence.
Locating the main shut-off valve
As we’ve mentioned, it’s crucial you know where your main shut-off valve is. Typically located near the front of your home, it should be close to the water meter or garden tap. In apartments or rentals, it’s often tucked away in a service cupboard or near the hot water unit.
Types of valves
You’ll commonly encounter two types of valves:
- Ball valves — operated with a lever handle, requiring just a quarter turn to open or close.
- Gate valves — controlled with a round wheel handle, needing several turns to fully shut off.
Fixture valves and the T-Top isolation valve
Alongside the main valve, most homes have fixture valves under sinks, behind toilets, or near appliances. These control more specific parts of your home. As such, if you can isolate the problem and do not wish to shut off the main water supply, you can cut the water to this area only.
Outside, you may also have a T-Top isolation valve. This is like the middle-ground to your main water supply and your fixture valves. It controls the supply to sections of the property, allowing you to also isolate the water supply.
Common Plumbing Emergencies That Require Fast Action
Here are the most common plumbing emergencies we come across. If you experience one of these, shut off the main water supply and call a plumber.
Burst water pipe
A burst pipe can send litres of water gushing into your home within minutes. Shut off the main water valve immediately and call a plumber to prevent serious flooding.
Overflowing toilet
As you can imagine, an overflowing toilet can quickly turn into a messy and unsanitary situation. Turn off the isolation valve behind the toilet straight away or shut off the main water supply if needed, then call for help.
Leaking hot water system
If your hot water system is leaking, turn off the water supply to the unit straight away, as well as the power or gas supply, and then contact a plumber.
Backed-up sink or shower
A backed-up sink or shower means there’s a blockage in your drainage pipes. While shutting down your main water supply is not necessary, stop using the fixture, whether it’s a kitchen sink or shower. Call a plumber to assess, unblock or replace pipes. Even if the back-up is minor, ignoring small plumbing issues can be costly.
When to Call an Emergency Plumber
Most emergency plumbing situations are not suitable for DIY fixes. Too often, we see homeowners trying to handle them themselves, only to make things worse and create long-term damage. If you’re facing flooding, a burst pipe, a leaking hot water system, or anything involving sewage or gas, all you need to do is shut off the main valve and call a licensed emergency plumber.
A reliable emergency plumber offers 24/7 services, so help is available around the clock. When you call, be ready to explain the issue clearly so that they can guide you on what to do until they arrive.
Preventing Future Plumbing Emergencies
Now that you know how to stop a plumbing emergency, how do you keep one from happening in the first place? A few simple steps can go a long way toward protecting your home.
Routine maintenance is crucial. Have a licensed plumber check your pipes, hot water system, and fixtures regularly to catch small issues before they become big problems.
Make sure everyone in your household knows where the shut-off valves are, in case you’re not there when the emergency happens. For extra peace of mind, consider installing leak detectors or automatic shut-off systems.
Spotting a Burst Pipe Before it Becomes an Emergency
Knowing how to shut off your water quickly can make all the difference when facing a plumbing emergency. But even better is catching problems before they escalate. Watch for warning signs like:
- Damp patches
- Unusual water pressure
- Unexplained increases in your water bill
- Strange noises are coming from your pipes
These plumbing concerns could be warnings of a hidden leak or a pipe on the verge of bursting. For extra peace of mind, consider booking a drain camera inspection to catch hidden issues early and avoid costly emergencies.
Having your plumber on speed dial helps you ensure that if an emergency does occur, the damage remains minimal, and the situation is under control as quickly as possible. Contact the friendly and professional team at The Relining Company today to keep your home’s plumbing in top shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you turn off water in an emergency?
Locate the main shut-off valve near the water meter and turn it clockwise until fully closed to stop water flow and avoid costly repairs.
How do you go to the bathroom when the water is shut off?
You can flush the toilet once using the water already in the tank, pour a bucket of water into the bowl to force a flush or use a public toilet until plumbing repairs are completed.
Should I open faucets when shutting off water?
Avoid using taps or appliances, contain any leaks in the cold water inlet pipe or hot water outlet pipe, and contact a plumber if needed.
What to do when the water is shut off?
Avoid using plumbing fixtures or systems while the water is shut off. Your plumber can advise when it’s ok to turn the water back on.
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