A burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in damage within minutes. This video shows you exactly what to do in the first critical moments — from shutting off the mains to minimising water damage — while you wait for an emergency plumber.
If a pipe bursts in your home, the first thing you need to do is stay calm and act fast. Step one: turn off the main water supply immediately. Your water meter is usually at the front of your property near the boundary — turn the valve clockwise until it stops. Step two: turn on all the taps in your house to drain the remaining water from the system and reduce pressure. Step three: if there's water near electrical outlets or your switchboard, turn off the electricity at the main breaker. Step four: start mopping up water and move valuables away from the affected area. Use towels, buckets, anything you have. Step five: call your emergency plumber. Take photos of the damage for your insurance claim. The faster you act, the less damage you'll have.
