A plumbing emergency does not wait for business hours. A burst pipe, gas leak, sewage backup, or complete loss of hot water demands an immediate response, and the quality of that response determines how much damage you are left dealing with afterward.
Westwater Plumbing is based in Melbourne’s western suburbs and provides emergency plumbing services to residents and businesses across the full area, including all suburbs within a 20 to 30 kilometre radius. Here is exactly what to expect when you call us.
What Counts as a Plumbing Emergency?
Not every plumbing problem is a genuine emergency, but the following situations require immediate professional attention regardless of the time or day.
Gas leaks: If you smell gas anywhere in or around your property, leave the building immediately, do not turn any switches on or off, and call the gas emergency line on 132 771 followed immediately by a licensed gas plumber. Gas leaks are dangerous and must be treated with absolute urgency.
Burst or heavily leaking pipes: Water escaping at pressure will cause serious property damage within minutes. Turn off your main water supply at the meter and call an emergency plumber straight away.
Sewage backup: If sewage is backing up through drains or toilets, vacate the affected area and call a plumber immediately. Sewage contains pathogens that are a genuine health risk to your household.
Complete loss of hot water: While not a safety emergency, losing hot water entirely, especially in winter, typically requires a same-day or next-morning response to keep your household functioning.
Flooded bathroom or laundry: Standing water that cannot be stopped or contained needs an emergency response to prevent further damage to flooring, cabinetry, and the structure of the property.
What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives
Taking the right steps before the plumber arrives limits the damage and lets us get to work faster once on site.
For burst pipes or major leaks: Turn off the main water supply at the meter. Place towels or buckets to contain water. Move valuables, electronics, and furniture away from the affected area. Take photos of everything for your insurance claim before you start cleaning up.
For gas leaks: Leave the property immediately. Do not operate any electrical switches inside the building. Do not re-enter until a licensed gas fitter has confirmed the property is safe.
For blocked drains or sewage backup: Stop using all water in the property. Do not flush toilets. Avoid the area where sewage is present and open windows to ventilate if there is a strong smell.
For hot water failure: Check the circuit breaker if you have an electric system. Check the gas supply valve if you have a gas system. Check for a visible pilot light if your unit has one. If none of these resolve the issue, call us on 0423 964 282.
