Burst Pipe? What to Do Right Now
A burst pipe can release hundreds of litres of water into your home in under an hour. The single most important thing you can do is stop the water at the stopcock β everything else comes after. This guide walks through the first five minutes, then what an emergency plumber should cost.
6 minute read Β· Updated June 2026 Β· UK guidance
Quick answer
To stop a burst pipe: (1) Turn off the water at your internal stop tap (stopcock), usually under the kitchen sink β turn it clockwise. (2) Open all cold taps to drain the pipes. (3) If water is near electrics, switch off the electricity at the fuse box. (4) Soak up standing water and move valuables. (5) Call a 24/7 emergency plumber and photograph the damage for your insurer. The first action β closing the stopcock β prevents the most damage.
Turn off the water at the stopcock
Your internal stop tap (stopcock) is usually under the kitchen sink, in an airing cupboard, or near the front door. Turn it clockwise to shut off the mains supply to the whole house. If you cannot find it or it is seized, turn off the external stop valve at the boundary of your property (often under a small metal cover near the pavement) using a stopcock key. This single action stops more water damage than anything a plumber can do.
Drain the system
Open every cold tap and flush the toilets to drain the remaining water in the pipes. This relieves pressure at the burst and stops water continuing to pour out of the damaged section while you wait. Do not turn on hot taps if the boiler is firing β turn the boiler or immersion heater off first.
Switch off electrics if water is near them
If water is dripping near light fittings, sockets, or the consumer unit (fuse box), switch off the electricity at the mains immediately. Water and electricity together are a serious shock and fire risk. Do not touch switches with wet hands. If the fuse box itself is wet, do not approach it β call an electrician and your network operator.
Contain and soak up the water
Place buckets, towels, and a washing-up bowl under the leak. Lift rugs, move electronics and valuables, and get furniture off wet carpet. The faster you remove standing water, the lower your risk of warped floors, ruined plaster, and mould later.
Call an emergency plumber and photograph everything
Once the water is off and contained, call a 24/7 emergency plumber. Before anything is cleaned up, photograph the burst, the standing water, and any damaged belongings β you will need this for a home insurance claim. Note the time the leak started.
Find Your Stopcock Before You Need It
The worst time to go hunting for your stop tap is while water is pouring through the ceiling. Find it today and label it. The most common locations are under the kitchen sink, inside the airing or boiler cupboard, beneath the stairs, or in the garage near where the mains pipe enters the house.
Test that it actually turns. Stopcocks that have not been moved in years often seize. If yours is stiff, do not force it β a plumber can free or replace it during a routine visit, which is far cheaper than a flooded kitchen. While you are at it, locate the external stop valve at your boundary and check you have a stopcock key.
How to Prevent Frozen and Burst Pipes
Lag exposed pipework. Foam pipe insulation on pipes in lofts, garages, and against external walls is inexpensive and dramatically reduces freezing risk.
Keep the heating ticking over in winter. If you are away during a cold snap, leave the heating on a low frost-protection setting rather than off entirely.
Fix dripping taps and weeping joints. A slow leak today is the pipe that bursts under pressure tomorrow. Small plumbing repairs are exactly the kind of job worth booking before they escalate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop a burst pipe quickly?
Turn off your internal stop tap (stopcock) β usually under the kitchen sink or near the front door β by turning it clockwise. Then open all cold taps to drain the pipes. If water is near electrics, switch off the electricity at the consumer unit. This stops the flow within seconds, before a plumber even arrives.
How much does an emergency plumber cost in the UK?
Most UK emergency plumbers charge a callout plus an hourly rate. A typical out-of-hours callout is in the range of a standard daytime visit plus a premium, with the first hour and callout often bundled. Burst pipe repairs commonly land in the mid-hundreds once parts and labour are included. Always ask for the callout fee and hourly rate before they travel.
Does home insurance cover a burst pipe?
Most buildings and contents insurance policies cover "escape of water" β sudden damage from a burst pipe β but not the gradual leak that caused it if it was due to lack of maintenance. Photograph everything, keep damaged items, and call your insurer the same day. Frozen-pipe damage is usually covered if you took reasonable precautions.
Why do pipes burst in winter?
Water expands by about 9% when it freezes. A frozen section of pipe builds enormous pressure between the ice plug and a closed tap, splitting the pipe β often where it runs through cold, unheated spaces like lofts, garages, and external walls. The burst frequently only becomes visible when the ice thaws and water starts flowing again.
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Read the Cost GuideProtect Your Home Beyond the Repair
Water damage from a burst pipe can run into thousands. A reminder to check your cover:
- GeraSure β compare home and contents insurance so escape-of-water claims are covered.
- Gera Action Warranty β eligible GeraHome bookings are protected by a limited service guarantee.
- How to find a trusted tradesperson β the 10 checks to do before hiring.