Sewage is overflowing

What to do, in order

1. Stop using water: don't flush toilets or run the washing machine or dishwasher.
2. Find the overflow relief gully (a pipe with an open grate set in the ground) and the inspection shaft (a heavy lid marked 'IS'), usually outside near the laundry, kitchen or bathroom.
3. If they overflow only when water is used inside, or drains are just slow, the blockage is probably in your pipes - call a licensed plumber.
4. If they overflow constantly even with nothing running, or the inspection shaft is full, the blockage is probably in the water corporation's sewer - call its faults line.
5. Sewage spilling right now and you're not sure where from? Call your water corporation - Yarra Valley Water and Greater Western Water both ask to be called.
6. Clean up in rubber gloves, boots and eye protection. Throw out soaked carpet and soft toys, clean with hot water and detergent, then disinfect, and wash your hands.
7. Contact your insurer about any damage.

Who to call

Electricity, gas and water faults go to whoever owns the network in your street, so only one of these regional numbers is yours. It is also printed on your bill.

• Yarra Valley Water (faults, 24/7) 13 27 62

  Burst main or gushing water, a leak at the meter or street side, you can't turn off your stop tap, no water, or a sewer overflow or blockage in the network.

  Covers: Melbourne's northern and eastern suburbs

• South East Water (faults and emergencies, 24/7) 132 812

  Burst main or gushing water, a leak at the meter or street side, you can't turn off your stop tap, no water, or a sewer overflow or blockage in the network.

  Covers: Melbourne's south-east

• Greater Western Water (faults and emergencies, 24/7) 13 44 99

  Burst main or gushing water, a leak at the meter or street side, you can't turn off your stop tap, no water, or a sewer overflow or blockage in the network.

  Covers: Melbourne and its western region

When you need a plumber

Call a licensed plumber for blockages in your property's pipes. If the plumber finds the blockage is in the water corporation's sewer, ask them to report it: South East Water reimburses fair and reasonable costs of locating it, and Greater Western Water may reimburse up to $500. Renting? A blocked or broken toilet system is a legally urgent repair: call your rental provider or agent on the emergency number you were given and confirm it in writing.