If water is still running, isolate the supply where safe, move people away from electrical hazards, call emergency help and document the damage with photos.
First steps
Where safe, isolate the water supply, avoid electrical hazards, move people away from contaminated or slippery areas and call an emergency plumbing response team. Take photos before moving damaged items if it is safe to do so.
Why moisture matters
Visible water is only part of the problem. Moisture can travel under floors, inside wall cavities, into skirting boards and through adjoining rooms. Moisture readings help identify where follow-up drying or restoration support may be needed.
When to call immediately
- Water is still running or spreading
- Sewage or contaminated water is present
- A ceiling, wall or floor is damp or swelling
- The issue affects an apartment, strata property or commercial space
- You may need documentation for insurance or property management
What to tell the emergency contact
Give the suburb, property type and whether water is still flowing. Say which rooms are affected and whether the water is near electrical fittings. If you can safely reach a known water valve, explain whether it has been closed. In an apartment, identify the building contact and access arrangements. Do not enter an unsafe area to obtain more detail.
Keep a record after the source is controlled
Ask what failed and which repair was completed. Record any rooms or cavities that could not be checked. If flooring or cabinets became wet, ask whether extraction or moisture assessment is needed. Source repair and drying may be separate stages with different approval requirements.