Not every leak needs a plumber in the middle of the night. A slow drip from a tap can usually wait for a booked visit. Others can’t wait, especially when water is spreading quickly or reaching electrical fittings.
This guide explains how to tell the difference, the safe first steps to take in a water emergency, and simple ways to check for a hidden leak before it causes damage.
Signs a Water Leak Is an Emergency
Treat a leak as urgent if you notice any of the following.
Water near electrical fittings
Water near power points, light fittings, appliances or the switchboard is a safety risk, not just a plumbing problem. Keep everyone away and follow the electrical safety steps below before doing anything else.
A burst pipe or fast-flowing water
Water that is spraying, gushing or spreading across floors can cause a lot of damage in a short time. Turn off the water at the meter tap and call a licensed plumber.
A sagging or bulging ceiling
A ceiling that is sagging, bulging or dripping may be holding water. Keep people out from underneath it, do not pierce it yourself, and keep clear of any light fittings in the affected area.
Wastewater backing up
Wastewater coming up through floor drains, showers or toilets, or a sewage smell inside the house, is a health risk. Avoid contact with the water and call a licensed plumber. If wastewater is overflowing outside your property, or you suspect a blockage in Sydney Water’s pipes, report it to Sydney Water on 13 20 90 (24/7).
An overflowing toilet that will not stop
If the toilet keeps filling and overflowing, turn off the isolating tap on the water pipe behind the toilet, or turn off the meter tap, then call a plumber.
A sudden loss of water
If you suddenly have no water, check with neighbours. If they are affected too, it may be a fault in Sydney Water’s network that you can report on 13 20 90. If only your property is affected, there may be a problem with your pipes.
Water pressure suddenly drops across the house
A sudden drop at every tap can point to a leak or a supply problem. Check with neighbours, then call a licensed plumber or Sydney Water on 13 20 90.
Leaks That Can Usually Wait for a Booked Visit
Some leaks aren’t dangerous, but they’re still worth fixing soon because they waste water and can cause slow damage:
- A dripping tap. Sydney Water notes that you can lose a few litres of water an hour from a slow-dripping tap.
- A running toilet. It is rarely an emergency, but Sydney Water notes a constantly running toilet can waste thousands of litres a day, so book a repair promptly.
- A slow-draining sink or shower. Slow drainage is often an early sign of a blockage. It becomes urgent if water backs up into other fixtures.
First Steps in a Water Emergency
- Put safety first around electricity. Stay out of water that is near power points or appliances. The NSW SES warns against touching electrical equipment while you are standing in water or have wet hands.
- Switch off power only when it is safe to do so. According to Ausgrid, you can switch off and unplug appliances if your property is not flooded and it is safe, but you should never approach the main switchboard in wet weather or if the property is flooded.
- Turn off the water. The meter tap next to your water meter controls the water supply to your property. Turning it off stops the flow while you wait for help.
- Limit the damage. Move valuables, catch water in buckets and use towels to soak up spills, as long as you are not near wet electrics.
- Call the right people. Call a licensed plumber for leaks on your property. Have a licensed electrician check any electrical fittings or appliances affected by water before they are used again. In Ausgrid’s network area, electrical emergencies can be reported on 13 13 88. Outside Ausgrid’s network, call your own electricity distributor. Call 000 if anyone’s life is in danger.
How to Check for a Hidden Leak
Hidden leaks can cause damage long before you notice them. These simple checks come from Sydney Water’s leak detection guidance.
The water meter test
- Turn off all taps and appliances that use water, including dishwashers, washing machines and irrigation.
- Read your water meter, or watch whether it is moving.
- If the meter keeps moving with everything off, water may be escaping somewhere on the property.
Our guide on finding a leak when your water meter is spinning explains what to do next.
The toilet paper test
Sydney Water suggests placing a small piece of dry toilet paper at the back of the toilet bowl and checking that it stays dry until the next flush. If it gets wet, water may be leaking from the cistern into the bowl.
Other signs of a hidden leak
- damp patches, stains or bubbling paint on walls or ceilings
- a musty smell in cupboards or rooms
- warped flooring or loose tiles
- a water bill that is higher than usual with no obvious reason
If you have a stain on the ceiling, our guide to whether a ceiling stain is a roof leak or a plumbing leak can help you narrow it down.
Who Is Responsible for Fixing a Leak?
Sydney Water explains that the property owner is responsible for the pipes and fittings on the property, so a leak inside your home or on your property will usually need a licensed plumber. The NSW Government states that a licence or certificate is needed for any plumbing work in NSW, and you can confirm a plumber’s licence with the Service NSW licence check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I call a plumber or Sydney Water?
Call a licensed plumber for leaks in the pipes and fittings on your property, which Sydney Water says are the owner’s responsibility. Call Sydney Water on 13 20 90 (24/7) to report a fault or leak in its network, a leaking meter tap, or wastewater overflowing outside your property.
Should I turn off the power if there is a leak?
Only if it is safe and you are not standing in water. Never approach a wet switchboard, and have a licensed electrician check anything water has reached.
How do I find a leak I cannot see?
Start with the water meter test: turn everything off and watch whether the meter moves. Then look for damp patches, musty smells and an unusually high water bill. A licensed plumber can locate leaks hidden inside walls or under floors.
Key Takeaways
- Water near electrics, burst pipes, sagging ceilings, wastewater backing up and toilets that will not stop overflowing all need urgent action.
- Keep clear of electrical equipment when there is water around, and never approach a wet switchboard.
- Know where your meter tap is, so you can turn off the water quickly.
- Use the water meter and toilet paper tests to check for hidden leaks.
- Property owners are responsible for pipes on their property, and plumbing work in NSW needs a licensed plumber.
If you have a leak that cannot wait, see our emergency plumber page. For a burst pipe, our guide to the common causes of pipe bursts explains what to do and how to lower the risk.
