Burst Pipe or Water Leak: What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives

Seven steps, in order

1. Turn off the water at the internal stop tap. It is usually under the kitchen sink. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
2. Open the cold taps to drain the system and reduce pressure on the leak.
3. Turn off the central heating and hot water if the leak is on the heating system.
4. Switch off the electrics at the consumer unit if water is anywhere near sockets, lights or appliances, and do not touch anything wet.
5. Catch what you can. Use buckets and towels, and if water is coming through a ceiling, make a small hole to let it drain into a bucket rather than letting it pool.
6. Move belongings out of the way, especially electricals, paperwork and anything under the leak.
7. Call us. Whoever answers can talk you through any step you are unsure of while the technician drives.

What not to do

• Do not touch electrics with wet hands or while standing in water.
• Do not ignore a ceiling that is bulging, because it can collapse.
• Do not wait for the leak to stop by itself.
• Do not assume the damage is only where you can see water.

Cannot find the stop tap?

Look under the kitchen sink first, then in a utility room, under the stairs or in the garage. There may also be an external stop tap in a pavement box near the boundary of your property. Knowing where it is before an emergency is one of the most useful things you can do.

Smell gas as well?

Do not touch any switch. Open the windows, turn the gas off at the meter and leave the property. Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

What it costs

An emergency plumber charges an hourly rate with a one-hour minimum, and the rate depends on the time of day. See how much an emergency plumber costs for the figures and a worked example.