The short answer
When a pipe bursts, turn off the water at the stopcock straight away. Then make the electrics safe, open the cold taps to drain the pipes, move your belongings out of the way and call a plumber. Acting in the first few minutes can be the difference between a small repair and a ruined ceiling.
The first five things to do
- Turn off the stopcock. It is usually under the kitchen sink, near the front door or where the water pipe comes into the house. Turn it clockwise until it stops. In a flat it may be in a cupboard or by the front door.
- Make the electrics safe. If water is near sockets, lights or the fuse box, turn off the power at the consumer unit if you can reach it safely and dry. Never touch switches with wet hands.
- Drain the system. Open all cold taps and flush the toilets to empty the pipes. If you have a loft tank, this also lowers the water level. Switch off your boiler or water heater.
- Protect your home. Put down towels and buckets, move furniture and electricals, and lift rugs. If a ceiling is bulging, keep clear of it.
- Call a plumber and take photos. Photograph the damage for your insurer before you start clearing up.
Why do pipes burst?
| Cause | Where it usually happens |
|---|---|
| Frozen water expanding | Lofts, outside walls, garages and under floors |
| Corrosion of old pipes | Older copper, iron or lead pipework |
| Failed joints or fittings | Push-fit and compression joints, under sinks |
| Accidental damage | Nails or screws through pipes during DIY |
What does a burst pipe repair cost?
MyJobQuote's 2026 figures put a London emergency plumber call-out at about £90 to £120, then £75 to £95 an hour. A simple repair on an exposed pipe is often done within the first hour. Hidden pipes in walls or under floors take longer. We give a written price before starting the repair.
How to stop pipes bursting
- Lag pipes in lofts, garages and outside walls.
- Keep the heating on low when you are away in cold weather.
- Know where your stopcock is and check it turns.
- Fix small drips before they turn into bigger leaks.
Related service: burst pipe repair in London.
A few common questions
What is the first thing to do when a pipe bursts?expand_more
Turn off the water at the stopcock straight away. It is usually under the kitchen sink, near the front door or where the supply enters the home. Turn it clockwise until it stops. Then make the electrics safe and open the cold taps to drain the pipes.
Where is my stopcock?expand_more
In most houses it is under the kitchen sink, in a downstairs cupboard or near the front door. In flats it is often in a utility cupboard, the airing cupboard or by the entrance. Find it before an emergency and check it turns, as old stopcocks can seize.
How much does it cost to fix a burst pipe in London?expand_more
MyJobQuote's 2026 figures put a London emergency plumber call-out at about £90 to £120, then £75 to £95 an hour. Exposed pipes are often fixed within the first hour. Pipes hidden in walls or floors take longer. Ask for a written price before work begins.
Does home insurance cover a burst pipe?expand_more
Most buildings insurance covers sudden water damage from a burst pipe, and contents insurance covers your belongings. The repair to the pipe itself may not be covered. Take photos before clearing up, keep receipts and contact your insurer as soon as possible.
How can I stop my pipes freezing?expand_more
Lag pipes in cold spaces such as lofts, garages and outside walls. Keep your heating on low during cold spells, even when away. Fit an inside isolating valve for outside taps and drain them in winter. Fix dripping taps, as slow drips can freeze.