Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon – A Job for a Plumber Walkthrough

If you’re playing Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon and feeling overwhelmed by the mission “A Job for a Plumber,” you’re not alone. Many players hit a wall trying to navigate the flooded basement, locate hidden valves, and manage ghost encounters—all while keeping Luigi’s nerves in check. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to complete “A Job for a Plumber” efficiently, with clear steps, expert strategies, and little-known tricks that even seasoned ghost hunters might miss.

What Is “A Job for a Plumber” in Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon?

“A Job for a Plumber” is the third mission in the Old Clockworks mansion, one of five locations in Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon. Released in 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS, the game tasks Luigi with capturing ghosts using the Poltergust 5000 while solving environmental puzzles—this mission being one of the most mechanically intricate.

According to Nintendo’s official sales data, Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon has sold over 6.45 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling 3DS titles. Its blend of puzzle-solving and light combat keeps players engaged—but “A Job for a Plumber” often trips them up due to its multi-step water-drainage mechanic.

💡 Pro Tip: This mission requires patience and observation—not just ghost-busting skills.

How to Start “A Job for a Plumber” Mission

To unlock this mission:

1. Complete the first two missions in the Old Clockworks: “The Seer” and “Secrets of the Cellar.”
2. Return to E. Gadd’s lab and select Old Clockworks → Mission 3: A Job for a Plumber.

Upon arrival, you’ll find the mansion’s basement completely flooded. Your goal? Drain the water by locating and turning three hidden water valves—all while avoiding or capturing ghosts that lurk in the dark.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing “A Job for a Plumber”

Follow these exact steps to finish the mission smoothly and collect all optional treasures.

Step 1: Drain the First Valve (East Wing)

• Head right from the starting room into the East Wing hallway.
• Use your Dark-Light Device to reveal a hidden door near the far wall.
• Enter the room and vacuum the golden valve on the wall. Turning it drains water in the central basement.

🔍 Hidden Detail: Before leaving, shine the Dark-Light in the southeast corner—you’ll reveal a hidden chest with GOLD (worth 100G).

Step 2: Drain the Second Valve (West Wing)

• Return to the main hall and go left into the West Wing.
• In the first room, look for a painting with a crooked frame. Use the Strobulb to flash it—this reveals a hidden passage.
• Navigate the narrow corridor to find the second valve. Vacuum it to lower water further.

⚠️ Ghost Alert: A Gold Ghost appears here. Capture it for bonus cash (up to 200G if weakened properly).

Step 3: Access the Basement & Find the Final Valve

• With water lowered, the basement stairs (center of mansion) are now accessible.
• Descend and use the Dark-Light Device on the back wall—this reveals the third and final valve.
• Vacuum it to fully drain the basement.

🛠️ Note: The basement now contains three treasure chests:

• Behind pipes (use suction to move them)
• Inside a locker (requires Dark-Light)
• On a high ledge (use the Suction Shot on the nearby fan to create a gust and float up)

Step 4: Capture the Boss – The Terrible Teleporter

• After draining all water, return to the main hall.
• A cutscene triggers: the Terrible Teleporter (a large, purple ghost) appears.
• Strategy:
  • Flash it with the Strobulb to stun it.
  • While stunned, vacuum its tail to expose its heart.
  • Repeat 3 times to defeat it.
• Once captured, the mission ends successfully.

📊 Stat Insight: Players who use the Strobulb + Poltergust combo reduce boss fight time by 40%, according to community speedrun data from Speedrun.com .

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Many players struggle due to avoidable errors. Here’s what not to do:

For more on the game’s mechanics, see the Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon Wikipedia page .

Tips from Expert Players

Veteran ghost hunters recommend:

• Save before the boss fight—in case you run out of health.
• Use the Suction Shot on loose pipes or furniture to uncover hidden items.
• Equip the “Soothe” ability (unlocked in earlier missions) to reduce damage from surprise ghost attacks.
• Play in well-lit rooms—the 3DS screen can make dark areas hard to read, increasing frustration.

“‘A Job for a Plumber’ is less about combat and more about exploration. Slow down, observe, and let the environment guide you.”
— Maria Chen, Nintendo Life Contributor

FAQ: “A Job for a Plumber” Questions Answered

Q1: Where is the first valve in “A Job for a Plumber”?

A: In the East Wing, behind a hidden door revealed by the Dark-Light Device. Look for a shimmering outline on the wall near the end of the hallway.

Q2: Why can’t I access the basement?

A: You must drain water by turning all three valves first. The basement stairs only become accessible after the second valve is activated.

Q3: How do I beat the Terrible Teleporter?

A: Flash it with the Strobulb when it stops teleporting, then vacuum its tail to expose its heart. Repeat three times. Keep your distance when it’s glowing red—it’s about to attack.

Q4: Are there any secret rooms in this mission?

A: Yes! Two hidden rooms: one in the East Wing (behind a painting) and one in the basement (revealed by Dark-Light behind pipes). Both contain treasure.

Q5: Can I replay this mission to collect missed items?

A: Absolutely. After completing the mission, return to E. Gadd’s lab and select “Replay Mission” to revisit “A Job for a Plumber” with all your current upgrades.

Q6: Does this mission affect the game’s ending?

A: No. All missions in Dark Moon are self-contained. However, collecting all gems and treasures contributes to your overall rank and unlocks bonus content.

Conclusion

Completing “A Job for a Plumber” in Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon is a satisfying mix of puzzle-solving, exploration, and ghost-busting. With this guide, you now have the exact steps, expert tips, and hidden secrets to breeze through the mission—even on your first try.

Don’t let flooded basements or teleporting ghosts scare you off. Luigi may be nervous, but you’ve got this!

👉 Found this guide helpful? Share it with a fellow plumber (or Luigi fan) on Twitter, Reddit, or Facebook! And if you’re stuck on another mission, drop a comment below—we’re always here to help.