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Maintenance

What to do when a pipe bursts or you have a water leak

RACV plumber working on kitchen tap
RACV

December 30, 2025

A burst pipe or hidden water leak can cause significant damage in just minutes.

From soaked carpets and warped flooring to mould, electrical hazards and expensive repair bills, water emergencies are some of the most stressful issues a homeowner can face. Acting quickly and safely is essential.

RACV Emergency Home Assist (EHA) responded to 16,808 callouts that related to burst pipes and 5,407 instances of water leaks in the 2025 financial year.  

Here's what to do when you notice a burst pipe or leak, plus how to mitigate the damage, and the steps you can take to prevent future problems.

More: The most common home emergencies tradies get called to

Be prepared for any emergency in the home

It's important to be prepared for serious situations in the home that demand immediate attention.

The team at RACV Trades recommends:

Even if you don't have an RACV Emergency Home Assist plan, you can call 13 46 63 to connect with a fully accredited and trained plumber, who will usually arrive on your doorstep within the hour. RACV's plumbers are available 24/7 with no out-of-hours surcharge.

Your emergency RACV plumber can help you identify the extent of the damage and recommend the best plan of action for your home. They will then either fix the problem on the spot or make temporary repairs to make sure your home is safe and secure, reducing the risk of further damage.

RACV tradie arriving at home

Always have the contact details handy for RACV Emergency Home Assist.

What causes water leaks in the home?

Burst pipes can occur for several reasons, including ageing pipes that corrode over time, high water pressure that stresses joints and fittings, and worn-out flexi hoses.

Shifting soil around underground pipes, tree root intrusion, or cold snaps that cause water to expand and crack pipes can also cause water leaks and bursts.

The most common cause of a leaking tap is a worn-out or damaged rubber washer. Leaks may also be caused by loose connections on appliances.

How to recognise water leaks early

Not all leaks are obvious. While a burst pipe usually results in sudden flooding, smaller or concealed leaks may show themselves through more subtle clues, such as:

  • damp or discoloured patches on walls, ceilings or flooring
  • musty smells, especially in bathrooms or laundries
  • swollen cabinetry or peeling paint
  • higher than usual water bills
  • a drop in water pressure
  • the sound of trickling water when taps are off.

Identifying a leak early can help you prevent more serious damage, so it's worth paying attention to these warning signs, particularly in older homes or properties with ageing plumbing.

7 steps to take in an emergency with a burst or leaking water pipe

Turn off the water mains

For serious water leaks, the first step in an emergency is to turn off the water mains to limit further damage. This will stop the flow of water into the house and prevent any further water coming into the pipes.

Every property has a water mains with a stop valve (also called a shut-off valve). In most Victorian homes, this is located:

  • in a covered underground box inside your fence or along the verge
  • under your kitchen or laundry sink (in apartments)

To turn your water mains off, remove the lid of the water mains box and locate the valve. For apartments, your mains valve should be uncovered and attached to your water pipe.

When on, the valve is pointing in the direction of the water flow (towards your home). Turn the valve clockwise 90 degrees to turn off the water mains. If the valve is tight or stuck, try using a cloth or glove for grip. You'll know your water mains are off if the meter dials have stopped spinning.

If you cannot locate your water mains, your neighbours or building management may be able to help, or your emergency plumber will be able to identify it once they arrive.

Once the flow of water has stopped, open a tap inside the house to drain any remaining water from the pipes.

Turn off the electrical mains

Water and electricity is a dangerous combination. If the leak is anywhere near appliances, wiring, light fittings or power points, switch off your electricity at the main switchboard before entering the affected area. This switchboard is usually in the front entry, main hallway, or on the external side of your residence.

To isolate all power, identify the isolator or circuit breaker (labelled 'main switch') and, if safe to do so, switch it off.

All power and lighting circuits should be isolated once the main switch is off. Leave power isolated until a licensed plumber attends and can assess the extent of the damage.

WARNING: If your home is flooded, or if the water damage is severe, there is a risk that your electrical wiring or sockets may be affected. Keep clear of the area and wait for a licensed professional or emergency services. Never take risks with electrical safety.

woman calling RACV Trades on mobile

Some things you can do yourself, but home emergencies are not DIY - call a professional.

Identify the source of the water leak

Once the immediate risk posed by a serious water leak has been dealt with, you can focus on identifying the source of the leak.

Locating a burst or leaking pipe can be quite tricky, especially if there is water leaking from the ceiling or the walls. Pipes are often hidden and water can travel unseen for some distance before it leaks out.

A good starting point is locating the wettest areas in your home. You can then work back, and up, towards walls which have taps or appliances that use water like dishwashers or washing machines. For double-storey homes, consider where upstairs bathrooms are and if water could be coming from them.

Even if you find the source, avoid attempting major repairs yourself. Plumbing work must be carried out by a licensed plumber, but your observations can speed up the repair process and help prevent further issues.

Call a licensed plumber

Once you’ve contained the immediate emergency, contact a licensed emergency plumber to assess and repair the damage. 

Choosing an emergency plumber can be overwhelming. If the repair work isn't performed correctly, small issues could turn into major problems and expensive repairs down the track. That's why it can be reassuring to use reputable plumber through RACV Emergency Home Assist.

Begin cleaning up and removing water

Water spreads quickly, so early clean-up can significantly reduce long-term damage. 

Depending on the severity of the leak, you may need:

  • buckets to catch drips
  • towels or mops to absorb smaller amounts of water
  • a wet-dry vacuum to remove pooled water
  • fans or dehumidifiers to help dry out floors and walls.

If carpets, rugs or soft furnishings are soaked, lift them if possible to allow air circulation. Avoid using heat sources like hairdryers or heaters directly on wet areas, as this can warp flooring or cause mould to grow faster.

Remember: your safety comes first. If the ceiling is sagging, walls are buckled or the structural integrity of the area is in question, do not attempt to enter the space.

Ventilate the area to help prevent mould

Mould can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours of a leak, so getting the area dry is essential. Make sure to:

  • open windows and doors to improve air flow
  • move furniture away from damp areas
  • use fans or dehumidifiers to speed up drying
  • if necessary, hire a commercial air mover to bring moisture out of the floor, carpets, walls and furniture.

Contact your home insurer

Once the immediate emergency is under control, notify your home insurer. Home insurance may help cover water damage caused by bursts or leaks.

Make sure you:

  • photograph all affected areas
  • record when you first noticed the problem
  • save plumber invoices and repair reports
  • keep damaged items, if safe to do so
  • note any temporary measures you've put in place.

The more information you can provide, the smoother the claims process will be.

RACV plumber talking to homeowner about kitchen tap

A licensed emergency plumber will be best placed to handle a burst or leaking pipe at your home.

How to prevent future leaks and burst pipes

Once everything has dried out and the repairs are complete, it's worth taking steps to reduce the risk of another water emergency. Preventive maintenance is far cheaper (and less stressful) than dealing with a burst pipe.

Consider:

  • replacing flexi hoses every five to ten years
  • checking your hot water system for signs of corrosion or leaks
  • having plumbing inspected if you live in an older home
  • installing smart water monitoring devices that can alert you to leaks early.

When the unexpected strikes, a reliable tradesperson makes all the difference

Discover RACV Emergency Home Assist

The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.

RACV Emergency Home Assist is an emergency home service product, separate to insurance, that is provided by Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) Ltd and not RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd. It is a fast response service for common plumbing, electrical and locksmith emergencies, all for one annual fee. Up to 1 hour of labour, including minor parts and materials, is used to repair or make your home safe. Emergency Home Assist does not insure you against the costs of a home emergency and is not a home insurance product. Call outs are unlimited, subject to the fair use policy. Refer to the RACV Emergency Home Assist Terms and Conditions for more details.

* Fair Use Policy applies.