What to do when a pipe bursts

A burst pipe can cause serious damage quickly, but acting fast and in the right order limits the damage while you wait for help.

What to do first

1. Turn off your main stopcock — usually found under the kitchen sink, or near where the water supply enters the property.
2. Turn off the boiler or immersion heater if the burst has affected your hot-water system, to avoid the system running dry and overheating.
3. Open cold taps around the house to drain remaining water out of the pipework and relieve pressure.
4. Move anything valuable away from the affected area, and use towels or buckets to contain water where safe to do so.
5. Switch off electrics at the consumer unit if water is near sockets, switches or light fittings, and avoid the area until it's safe.

Then call for help

Once the water is isolated, call David on 07526 431404 for a 24-hour emergency call-out. Sending a photo of the affected area on WhatsApp can help him understand the situation before arriving.