A burst pipe is a plumbing emergency. Follow these quick steps to limit the damage
before help arrives.
A burst pipe is one of the most stressful plumbing emergencies a homeowner can face. Water can spread
fast, and every minute counts. Here’s exactly what to do, in order, while you wait for a plumber.
- Shut off your water supply immediately Locate your main stopcock, usually under the kitchen sink, near the water meter, or in a utility cupboard, and turn it off. This is the single most important step, as it stops more water from entering the system.
- Turn off the electricity in the affected area Water and electrics don’t mix. If the leak is anywhere near sockets, switches, or a fuse box, switch off the power at the consumer unit before doing anything else.
- Drain the remaining water from the pipes Once the supply is off, open your taps (starting with the
highest point in the house, then working down) to drain any water still sitting in the pipework. This reduces pressure and limits further leakage. - Contain and remove standing water Use towels, buckets, or a wet vacuum to soak up water and protect flooring, furniture, and belongings. Move anything valuable out of the affected area straight away.
- Take photos for insurance purposes Before you start cleaning up fully, photograph the damage. Most home insurance policies will ask for evidence, and it’s much easier to document the damage as it happens.
- Call a professional plumber A burst pipe usually means there’s an underlying issue, whether it’s pipe age, freezing temperatures, or pressure problems, and it needs a proper repair, not a temporary fix. Call a plumber who can identify the cause and repair it safely.
What not to do Don’t attempt to patch the pipe yourself with tape unless it’s a genuine short-term measure while waiting for help. Don’t turn the water back on to “test” the pipe. And don’t ignore a small drip thinking it will hold, pipework under pressure can fail suddenly.
PipeGuard Plumbing offers fast-response emergency callouts across London. If you’ve got a burst pipe, shut off your water and call us straight away