Plumbing emergencies do not wait for business hours. A burst pipe at 11pm, a flooding bathroom on a Saturday morning, a blocked drain backing up into the kitchen: these demand immediate action.
Step 1: Stop the water
Find your stopcock (main water shutoff valve) and turn it off immediately. In most Lagos apartments, it is under the kitchen sink, in the bathroom, or just outside the flat door. Turning this off stops more water entering the system.
Step 2: Turn off the electricity in the affected area
Water and electricity are a deadly combination. If water is near any sockets, switches, or appliances, turn off the circuit breaker for that area.
Step 3: Contain the damage
Use towels, buckets, and mops to prevent water spreading further. Move furniture, electronics, and valuables out of the water's path.
Step 4: Find an emergency plumber
On PronearMe, filter for available-now plumbers in your area. Many pros offer same-day emergency callouts across Lagos. Look for the "Available today" badge.
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Step 5: Document everything
Take photos before any cleanup for insurance purposes. Note the time the emergency started.
Common Lagos plumbing emergencies
Burst overhead tank pipe: Usually caused by corrosion or pressure. Shut the tank valve first.
Blocked soak-away or septic: Signs are slow drains throughout the house and bad smells. Do not pour bleach; call a drainage specialist.
Burst rising main: Water pressure issues are common in Lagos. A plumber needs to assess the pipework condition.