Using water and gas in flood and cyclonic affected areas

Look for signs of damage to pipework and fittings. If your pipework is covered and you can’t see any damage, turn off all the taps and check your water meter. If the dial is still turning, then you may have a broken pipe. Contact a licensed plumber to do the repairs.

Appliances such as hot water units, pumps and pipework should also be checked by a licensed plumber before you use them.

Check with your local government to see if the water in your area is fit to drink. If it is, run the tap first to flush out the water that has been in the pipes, and clean aerators as required. 

Contact a licensed plumber to check all external pipework and appliances before you use them. Electrical appliances, such as a water pump, should be checked by a licensed electrician.

If water has an unusual smell or colour, do not drink it. Notify your local government of the problem as soon as possible so it can be fixed quickly.

If no flood water has entered the tank, the rainwater should be suitable for drinking. However, we recommend that rainwater is filtered/treated first.

Contact your local government to confirm the local sewerage system in your area is working. If it is, toilets and sanitary fixtures may be used. 

We recommend you use a licensed plumber to check all pipework, as well as flush and clean the cistern and tap aerators before use.

Flood water may have entered, so ask a licensed plumber to check the tank before you use it. Contact a licensed electrician for treatment plants to check all the electrical components before the power supply is turned on.
 

Any system using electricity should be checked by a licensed electrician. Solar or heat pump hot water systems may require an inspection and/or servicing by a licensed plumber. Gas hot water systems may require an inspection and/or servicing by a licensed gasfitter.

Appliances, meters, or regulators that have been covered or damaged by flood water must be inspected by a licensed gasfitter before the gas supply is restored. 

After the inspection is completed, a compliance certificate will be issued.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the damage so any necessary claims can be processed.

If the insurance company recommends a contractor, contact the Queensland Building and Construction Commission to check if the tradesperson holds a current licence to perform the work.

To have your gas reconnected after disconnections/inspection, contact:

• APA Group on 1300 001 001

For general enquiries and complaints, contact the Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate on:

• Southern region: (07) 3330 4108
• Northern region: (07) 4936 0188

For Gas Emergencies:

• Gas leak
• Gas explosion
• Gas related injury

Contact the Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate Emergency Hotline 1300 910 933