A burst pipe? Stop the water, protect electrics and get help fast. Step-by-step first response. Call 020 8050 9933, open 24/7.
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A burst pipe can flood a home in minutes. Acting quickly limits the damage. These steps are what to do straight away while you wait for a plumber.
Find your main stopcock, often under the kitchen sink or where the water supply enters the property, and turn it clockwise to shut off the water. Our stopcock guide shows how to find it.
Switch off the boiler and any immersion heater so they do not run dry or overheat. If the burst is on a hot water or heating pipe, this stops more hot water escaping.
Open the cold taps to drain the remaining water from the pipes, then flush toilets to empty cisterns. This lowers the pressure and the amount of water that can leak.
If water is near sockets, appliances or light fittings, switch off the electricity at the consumer unit only if you can do so safely and without standing in water. If in doubt, call an electrician or the emergency services.
Move belongings away, mop up and use buckets to catch drips. Take photos and video of the damage for your insurer. Do not throw away damaged items until you have spoken to them.
Call us 24 hours a day on 020 8050 9933. A call-out fee applies, worked out from the distance to your postcode and shown before you pay. We tell you the expected arrival time when you book.
Burst pipe repair is typically £100 - £200 including VAT, plus the call-out fee. The final price depends on access and the pipework.
Many policies cover sudden damage from burst pipes, but terms vary. Check your policy and contact your insurer early.
Yes. We take emergency bookings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and bank holidays.