When a plumbing emergency happens, the goal is simple: stop damage, stay safe, and keep things under control until professional help arrives.
In Greater Victoria, we commonly deal with fast-developing emergencies — clogged drains, burst lines, failed hot water tanks, leaks around fixtures, and more. The key is knowing what you can do in the moment to minimize the damage.
Here are the most frequent emergency calls we see, and what you can do right away.
1. Burst or Leaking Pipes
What to do immediately:
- Shut off the main water supply valve
- Open faucets to drain pressure
- Move belongings away from the area
Leave the rest to us. A burst line is structural — it needs a pro.
2. Clogged Toilets & Sewage Backups
What to do immediately:
- Stop flushing — don’t force water down
- Use a plunger only (no chemicals)
- If multiple drains start backing up, stop using water altogether
Sewage backup is a health hazard — we treat these as priority calls.
3. No Hot Water
What to do immediately:
- Check if the breaker tripped
- Listen for unusual tank noises
- Don’t try to relight gas components unless you’re trained
Hot water tanks can fail suddenly and leak without warning — call us fast if you see water pooling around the base.
4. Faucet or Fixture Leaks
What to do immediately:
- Turn off the fixture shut-off valve (under sink or behind toilet)
- If there is no valve, shut off the main water line
- Place towels or a bucket to contain drips
A “small drip” can waste hundreds of litres overnight.
5. Gas Smells or Suspected Gas Leak
What to do immediately:
- Do not use matches, lighters, or appliances
- Do not turn anything on or off — leave switches alone
- Open doors/windows if safe
- Leave the building and call for help
We are fully licensed for gas. Safety comes first — always.
When In Doubt — Shut It Down & Call Us
If you’re unsure — turn off the water supply. That single move prevents 90% of the damage homeowners face.
On Demand Plumbing & Gas Ltd. handles emergency calls across Victoria and surrounding areas — quickly, professionally, and with proper code-compliant repairs.
Get it handled — not patched.
Done right. On Demand.