A burst pipe can dump hundreds of litres into your home in minutes. What you do in the first five minutes — before the plumber arrives — decides how much damage you are left with. Print this or save it on your phone.
1. Shut off the main water supply
Find your main stopcock (usually at the boundary wall by the water meter) and close it. This stops the flow at the source and is the single most important step. Locate it now, before an emergency, so you are not searching while water spreads.
2. Switch off the geyser
If a geyser is involved, switch off its isolator at the distribution board so the element does not burn out dry, then close the geyser's water supply if you can reach it safely.
3. Trip the affected electrical circuit
Water and electricity do not mix. If water is near plug points, the distribution board or light fittings, trip the affected circuit if it is safe to do so.
4. Move valuables out of the way
Lift documents, electronics, rugs and furniture clear of the water to limit damage while you wait.
5. Photograph everything
Take photos and video of the damage before you clean up — your insurer will want them for a claim.
6. Contain the water
Towels, a mop and buckets buy you time. Direct water toward a drain where you safely can.
7. Call your plumber
Call a registered emergency plumber and describe the problem clearly. For burst pipes, geyser failures and sewage backups across Sandton, Midrand and the East Rand, call Garth directly on 082 886 9119 — you reach the owner, not a call centre. See also our emergency service.
Prevention beats panic
Know where your stopcock and geyser isolator are, service an ageing geyser before it fails, and fix small leaks early. A little preparation turns a disaster into an inconvenience.