What to Do If a Pipe Bursts in Your Home

A burst pipe can release gallons of water in minutes, soaking floors, ceilings and belongings. The good news is that what you do in the first few minutes makes a big difference. Stay calm, work through the steps below and call a plumber as soon as the water is under control.

Why do pipes burst?

Most burst pipes come down to one of these causes:

What to do, step by step

1. Turn off the water at the stopcock

   This is the single most important step. The stopcock is usually under the kitchen sink, but may be in a utility room, airing cupboard, garage or under the stairs. Turn it clockwise until it stops. Check now that you know where yours is, and that it turns easily.

2. Switch off the electricity if it is safe

   Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. If water is dripping near sockets, light fittings or the fuse box, switch off the power at the consumer unit, but only if you can reach it without standing in water. Otherwise, stay clear and seek professional help.

3. Drain the system and turn off the heating

   Open all the cold taps and flush the toilet to empty the pipes. Turn off your central heating and any immersion heater so they do not run without water. If the burst is on a pipe from a loft tank, you may also need to turn off the valve on the tank.

4. Contain the water and protect your belongings

   • Use buckets, bowls and towels to catch and soak up water.
   • Move furniture, rugs and electrical items out of the way.
   • If a ceiling is bulging with water, carefully make a small hole to let it drain into a bucket. This relieves the weight and can prevent a collapse.

5. Photograph the damage

   Take clear photos and videos before you clear up. They will help with an insurance claim. Keep damaged items if possible until your insurer has seen them.

6. Call a plumber

   Once the water is off and the area is safe, call a qualified emergency plumber. Our engineers cover the UK 24/7, and our rates are clearly published. Tell us where the leak is, which pipe it is on and whether you have stopped the water.

If the pipe froze

If you think a frozen pipe has burst, the damage often only becomes obvious as it thaws. Do not use a naked flame or blowtorch. Keep the water off at the stopcock and let the pipe thaw naturally, then ask a plumber to check for splits. For next time, our guide to preventing frozen pipes shows how to protect your home.

Do and don't

After the repair: dry out the property

Water that soaks into plaster, floors and insulation can cause damp and mould weeks later. Open windows, use dehumidifiers if you have them and keep an eye on any stains that return. If large areas are wet, ask your plumber or insurer whether professional drying is needed.

Frequently asked questions