7 November 2026 · 2 min read · By the Plumbees team
A burst pipe feels like an emergency because it is one. Water spreads quickly, and every minute it runs adds to the damage. The good news is that the first few steps are simple, and anyone can do them.
Step by step
- Turn off the water at the main stopcock. It is usually under the kitchen sink, in a utility room or near the front door. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
- Open the cold taps, starting with the highest in the house, to drain the remaining water out of the pipes.
- Switch off the electricity at the consumer unit if water is near sockets, light fittings or appliances. Do not touch electrics if you are standing in water.
- Move valuables, rugs and furniture away from the wet area, and use towels and buckets to limit the spread.
- Take photographs and short videos of the damage before you clear anything up. Your insurer will want them.
- Call a plumber and tell them it is an emergency, with your postcode and a short description of what has happened.
If you cannot find or turn off the stopcock
Older stopcocks can seize up, particularly if they have not been turned for years. Do not force it with a tool, as you may snap the spindle. Instead, tell us as soon as you contact us and we will talk you through the alternatives. In a flat, there may be a communal stopcock, and your managing agent or neighbours may be able to help.
What to tell your plumber
- Where the water is coming from and how fast it is flowing
- Whether you have managed to turn off the supply
- Whether it is coming through a ceiling or near electrics
- Whether you own the property, rent it, or manage it for someone else
After the water is off
A temporary fix is not always a permanent one. A burst pipe often fails because of age, corrosion, frost or a poor joint, so it is worth asking the plumber to check the pipework nearby. Dry the area properly and ask your insurer whether they want to see the damage before repairs. Our emergency plumber page explains how we handle urgent requests.
If you are worried right now, you can request an emergency quote and mark it as urgent.