Find it before you need it
Look for the incoming water line, meter and main isolation arrangement serving the property. In sectional-title, retail or commercial properties, the isolation may serve more than one area or may be controlled by building management. Confirm what the valve actually isolates before relying on it in an emergency.
Test carefully
A valve that has not moved for years can be stiff or may leak when operated. Do not force a fragile or heavily corroded valve. Where safe, arrange a planned test and label the relevant valves so staff or occupants can find them quickly.
Record access information
For businesses and managed properties, keep a simple note showing the valve location, access key requirements and who is authorised to isolate the supply. That information is often more useful during a leak than a generic emergency procedure.
Related information
A Water Leak: What to Do in the First 30 Minutes
The first half hour is about safety, isolation, protecting contents and documenting the event.
After-Hours Plumbing Emergency Checklist
The immediate objective is usually to protect people, limit water release and preserve useful information for the repair team.
Burst Flexible Hose
Flexible connectors can release large volumes of water quickly, so safe isolation and damage limitation come first.
Burst Pipe Repairs
A burst or split pipe requires rapid isolation first, followed by a repair suited to the pipe material, failure point and surrounding condition.