This guide covers safe immediate steps. It is not a substitute for professional assessment when water is still entering, sewage is present, or large areas are affected.
If the situation is urgent: Call 1800 739 867.
Immediate safe actions
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Safety first
Stay out of standing water if there is any chance of electrical hazard. Do not touch water-affected switchboards or electrical equipment. Keep clear and get help from a licensed electrician. -
Stop the source if safe
Turn off the isolation valve or main water supply if a pipe has burst and you can do so without risk. -
Limit spread
Close doors to unaffected rooms. Avoid walking wet materials through dry areas. -
Protect contents if practical
Move undamaged items out of the wet zone if it is safe. Do not risk injury. -
Photograph what you can see
Source, affected rooms, standing water, and any contents. These help triage and later documentation. -
Avoid common mistakes
- Do not use household heaters or unguided fans on large wet areas.
- Do not lift carpet yourself if the water category is unknown.
- Do not assume the problem is only what you can see on the surface.
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Call for professional help
Especially if water is still entering, sewage is involved, or materials have been wet for more than a few hours.
A clear next step · 58-second guide
Burst pipe or water through the ceiling?
Put people and electrical safety first, then learn the safe first steps for a water leak, photographs and early restoration support.
Read the video transcript
Burst pipe, or water coming through the ceiling? Here's what to do right now.
Stay safe. If water is near power points, appliances or light fittings, keep clear. Don't touch a switchboard or electrical equipment affected by water. Get help from a licensed electrician.
Stop the water. Turn off the water at the mains, usually near the water meter at the front of your property.
If a ceiling is sagging or bulging with water, keep everyone out from under it.
Call a plumber to repair the burst pipe or leak.
If it's safe, move furniture and valuables out of the wet area, or lift them onto blocks.
If it's safe, take photos of the damage before you start cleaning up. They help with your insurance claim, and help us plan the work.
Don't use a household vacuum on standing water.
Call Reztor as soon as you can. The sooner drying starts, the less damage the water can do.
Reztor. One call. A clear path forward.
Why hidden moisture matters even in the first hours
Water travels into underlay, wall cavities, skirtings and joinery. What looks like a small surface wet area can already be larger. Professional moisture mapping finds what visual inspection misses.
Full explanation: water damage restoration
For the next stage, read why prompt water extraction matters and what follows it, including the difference between water removal and drying.
When to call immediately
- Water is still actively entering
- Sewage or contaminated water is present
- Electrical hazards or structural concerns
- Large areas of carpet, walls or ceilings are wet
- The property is a managed or multi-unit building and you need coordinated response
Next step
Call 1800 739 867 for 24/7 guidance and response.
Or send details & photos.
Further reading: water damage restoration, wet carpet drying and sewage clean-up.