Emergency plumber in Brisbane

What counts as urgent

A burst pipe, active water leak, sewage overflow or blocked drain that is flooding an area all need attention. So does a hot water unit leaking into a building or a gas issue that has made the area unsafe.

Tell us the plain version. "Water is coming through the ceiling near the lift." "The rear toilet is overflowing into the shop." "The hot water unit is pouring out water." That is enough to get the conversation moving.

Keep the area clear

Do not keep using a fixture that is feeding an overflow. Move people away from water near electrical gear. If water can be shut off safely and you know the right valve, do that.

Caution: If you smell gas, get clear of the area and call emergency services.

Keep the area clear without taking risks. A photo helps if it can be taken safely, but it is not essential.

Burst pipes and active leaks

Tell us where water is appearing, whether it is still flowing and what it is reaching. A wet ceiling, water under a vanity or a patch spreading along a wall can all point to an active leak.

When you call, let us know:

• where the water is appearing
• whether it is still flowing
• what rooms, units or areas are affected
• whether the water has been isolated
• if there is electrical equipment nearby

The shut-off point may be at the meter, under a sink, in a riser or a locked cupboard. Tell us what you know.

For less urgent dampness or a suspected hidden leak, see leak detection and burst pipes.

Overflows and blocked drains

A drain problem becomes urgent when water or sewage is coming back into the property. Stop using the fixtures tied to the issue where you can. Do not keep flushing to see if it will clear.

Tell us the affected fixture, where the overflow is going and whether other drains are slow as well. A single blocked basin and several toilets backing up point to very different parts of the system.

We can deal with the immediate blockage, investigate a recurring drain issue or scope repair work after the cause is known. See blocked drains for the full picture.

Urgent hot water and gas issues

A leaking hot water system can cause plenty of damage if it is left running. Let us know where the unit is, where water is going and whether it is near occupied rooms, electrical equipment or a shared area.

If there is no active leak, see hot water for repairs or replacement work.

A suspected gas issue is different. Keep people out of the area and follow the caution above. Once the immediate danger has passed, gas fitting covers normal gas work.

Managed buildings and commercial sites

At a managed building, water may be travelling through levels or an overflow may be near residents, customers or staff.

Give us the building address, affected level or tenancy and the best person to call on site. Let us know about a locked plant room, loading dock, security desk or any part of the property that is hard to enter.

For body corporate buildings, we focus on the plumbing issue in front of us and the work needed at the property. See body corporate and strata plumbing for ongoing repairs and maintenance.

After the immediate issue

Once the active problem is dealt with, a damaged pipe may need further repair or a blocked drain may need investigating.

We will explain what we have found and what the next work looks like. Some problems are all fixed in one visit. Others need a separate piece of work. Better to be straight about that than patch over the real issue.

FAQ

What should I say when I call?

Give us the address, the affected area, what is happening now and a phone number for the person at the property.

Can I send photos?

Yes, if you can take them safely. A photo of the leak or overflow can help, but call first when the issue is active.

What if the problem is in a unit or tenancy?

Tell us the unit or tenancy, building address and who can let us in. We will work from the reported issue on site.

Call for urgent plumbing help

Do not wait for a small leak or overflow to turn into a bigger mess. Call 07 3902 1186 and tell us what is happening, where it is and who we need to meet at the property.