Water pouring from a burst pipe or a geyser leaking through the ceiling can cause a lot of damage in a short time. What you do in the first few minutes makes a real difference. This guide covers the most common emergency plumbing problems and the steps to take, safely, before the plumber arrives.
Before an emergency: know where your shut-offs are
The best time to learn this is now, not when water is spraying across the kitchen.
- Main water stopcock: in many Johannesburg homes it's near the water meter, often at the front boundary or close to where the supply pipe enters the property. In complexes and flats it may be in a meter box, a service duct or a shared area. Ask your body corporate or building manager if you're not sure.
- Geyser isolating valve: on the cold water supply pipe to the geyser, usually in the roof space or wherever the geyser is installed.
- Geyser circuit breaker: in your distribution board (DB). It's worth labelling it clearly.
- Isolating valves under basins and toilets: small valves that let you shut off one fixture without turning off the whole house.
Safety first: water and electricity
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If water is near plug points, appliances, light fittings or the DB, don't touch them. If you can reach the DB safely from a dry area, switch off the affected circuits or the main switch. If you can't do that safely, keep everyone away from the area. Never stand in water while touching electrical equipment.
Common plumbing emergencies and what to do
Burst or leaking water pipe
- Close the main stopcock (or the nearest isolating valve) to stop the flow.
- Open a cold tap at the lowest point of the house to drain water out of the pipes.
- Switch off the geyser at the DB if hot water pipes are affected.
- Move belongings out of the way and soak up as much water as you can.
Our article on common causes of burst water pipes explains why pipes fail and how to reduce the risk.
Leaking or burst geyser
- Switch the geyser off at the DB.
- Close the cold water isolating valve to the geyser, or the main stopcock.
- Open a hot tap to release pressure from the system.
- If the ceiling is sagging with water, keep people and pets away from underneath it.
Not sure whether your geyser is on its way out? Read 7 signs your geyser needs replacing.
Overflowing toilet
- Close the isolating valve behind or beside the toilet.
- If there isn't one, lift the cistern lid and raise the float to stop more water entering.
- Don't flush again until the blockage is cleared.
Overflowing or backed-up drain
- Stop using water in the house. Every tap and flush adds to the overflow.
- Keep children and pets away from sewage, and wash hands thoroughly after any contact.
- Don't pour chemical drain cleaners into an overflowing drain.
For less urgent blockages, see how to unblock a drain safely.
Water leaking through a ceiling or wall
Shut off the water, switch off electricity to the affected area, and catch dripping water in buckets. If a ceiling is bulging, don't stand underneath it.
Limit the damage and prepare for your plumber
- Take photos and videos of the problem and the damage. Your insurer will probably ask for them.
- Note when it started and anything you noticed beforehand, such as banging pipes or low pressure.
- Clear access to the problem area, the geyser and the water meter.
- Tell your insurer as soon as possible if you plan to claim, and check what they require.
A simple plumbing emergency kit
A few basic items, kept somewhere easy to find, help you act quickly:
- A torch, because the stopcock or geyser valve is often in a dark meter box or roof space.
- Old towels, a mop and a couple of buckets.
- An adjustable spanner, or a meter key if your stopcock needs one.
- A note of where your main stopcock, geyser valve and geyser circuit breaker are, plus your plumber's number.
What not to do
- Don't touch electrical equipment while standing in water.
- Don't try to repair a geyser or pressurised hot water system yourself.
- Don't turn the water back on "to check" until the fault has been fixed.
- Don't block a geyser overflow or safety valve that is discharging water.
Contact Badge Plumbers
Badge Plumbers helps with urgent plumbing problems, including unexpected leaks and burst or damaged pipes, for homes and businesses across Randburg, Midrand, Fourways and Sandton. Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 07:30 to 17:00 and Saturday 08:00 to 13:00. Call or WhatsApp us on 068 440 6976. Once your water is safely shut off, sending photos of the problem helps us advise you quickly. You can also find all our details on the contact page.
