A burst pipe is one of the most stressful plumbing emergencies you can face at home. Water can cause thousands of pounds of damage within hours if it isn't dealt with quickly. The good news is that the first few minutes of your response make the biggest difference. Here's exactly what to do, step by step.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water
This is the single most important thing you can do. Find your stopcock and turn it clockwise until it's fully closed. In most homes, the stopcock is in one of these locations:
- Under the kitchen sink — this is the most common location
- In a downstairs cloakroom or utility room
- Under the stairs
- Where the mains water pipe enters your property — often near the front of the house at ground level
If you've never turned your stopcock before, don't panic if it feels stiff. Use a cloth or towel for better grip and turn it slowly. If it won't budge at all, you may need to turn off the water at the external stop valve near your property boundary — this is usually in a small chamber in the pavement or front garden with a metal or plastic cover.
Step 2: Switch Off Your Boiler and Heating
Turn off your boiler and central heating system. If the burst is on a heating pipe, this prevents hot water from continuing to pump through the damaged section. It also protects your boiler from running dry, which can cause serious damage to the heat exchanger.
Step 3: Turn On Taps to Drain the System
Once the stopcock is off, open the cold taps in your kitchen and bathroom to drain any remaining water from the pipes. If the burst is on a hot water pipe, open the hot taps as well. This reduces the pressure in the system and slows the flow of water from the burst.
If you have a cold water storage tank in your loft (common in older Surrey and Sussex homes), you'll also want to flush the toilets a couple of times to drain this tank down.
Step 4: Contain the Water
While the system drains, focus on limiting the damage:
- Place buckets, towels, and containers under the leak to catch water
- If water is coming through the ceiling, place a container underneath and carefully make a small hole in the plaster to let it drain in a controlled way — this prevents the ceiling from becoming saturated and potentially collapsing
- Move furniture, rugs, and valuables away from the affected area
- If water is near electrical sockets or appliances, switch off the electricity at the consumer unit (fuse box) for the affected circuits
Step 5: Identify the Source
If it's safe to do so, try to locate where the burst has occurred. Common locations include:
- Loft space — pipes here are most vulnerable to freezing in winter
- Under floorboards — listen for the sound of running water
- Behind walls — look for damp patches or bulging plaster
- Under the kitchen sink or in the bathroom — visible pipes and joints
Knowing the location will help your plumber when they arrive, but don't attempt to repair the pipe yourself unless you're confident in what you're doing.
Step 6: Call an Emergency Plumber
Once the water is under control, call a professional. A qualified emergency plumber can carry out a proper repair that will last, rather than a temporary fix that might fail again. When you call, try to tell them:
- Where the burst is (if you've found it)
- What type of pipe it is (copper, plastic, lead)
- Whether the water is from the mains or the heating system
- How much water has escaped and what areas are affected
Step 7: Document the Damage
Before you start cleaning up, take photos and videos of all the damage for your insurance claim. Photograph the burst pipe itself, any water damage to walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture, and the overall extent of the flooding. Most home insurance policies cover damage from burst pipes under "escape of water" — but you'll need evidence to support your claim.
What Causes Pipes to Burst?
Understanding why pipes burst can help you prevent it happening again:
- Freezing — the most common cause in Surrey and Sussex winters. Water expands as it freezes, putting immense pressure on the pipe walls. Pipes in unheated spaces like lofts, garages, and external walls are most at risk.
- Corrosion — older copper and iron pipes gradually corrode from the inside, weakening the pipe wall until it fails. This is common in properties built before the 1980s.
- Water pressure — excessive mains pressure can stress joints and fittings over time. Some areas of Surrey have notably high water pressure.
- Ground movement — clay soils in areas like the Weald expand and contract with moisture changes, putting stress on underground pipes.
How to Prevent Burst Pipes
A few simple measures can dramatically reduce your risk:
- Insulate exposed pipes — especially in the loft, garage, and any unheated spaces. Foam pipe lagging is cheap and easy to fit.
- Keep your heating on a low setting during cold snaps, even when you're away from home. A thermostat set to 12–15°C is enough to prevent freezing.
- Know where your stopcock is and make sure it turns freely. Test it every six months.
- Fix dripping taps and small leaks promptly — they indicate weakness in the system that could worsen.
- Consider a leak detection system — smart water monitors can alert you to unusual flow patterns and automatically shut off the supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first when a pipe bursts?
Turn off your water at the stopcock immediately. This is usually found under the kitchen sink or where the mains water enters your property. Turning it clockwise will shut off the water supply and stop more water flowing through the burst pipe.
Should I turn off my boiler if a pipe bursts?
Yes, switch off your boiler and central heating system straight away. If the burst is on a heating pipe, this stops hot water being pumped through the damaged section and prevents potential scalding.
How long does it take to fix a burst pipe?
Most burst pipe repairs take between 1–3 hours depending on the location and severity. A straightforward copper pipe repair on an accessible section might take under an hour, while a burst pipe behind a wall or under floorboards will take longer due to access requirements.
Will my insurance cover burst pipe damage?
Most home insurance policies cover damage caused by burst pipes under the "escape of water" section. This typically covers the damage to your property but may not cover the cost of the plumbing repair itself. Check your policy or call your insurer as soon as possible after the incident.