How to Fix a Burst Pipe

Getting Started

A burst pipe in the home can cause some serious damage. Keep on top of things with our handy hints below. A burst pipe is classed as a water emergency - it can cause serious damage to your home's structure and electrical wiring. It's vital to take action as soon as you discover a burst pipe.

Dealing with a Leaking Pipe

If you've got a burst pipe problem, follow these directions to get things back to normal fast:

Step: 1

Turn off the water supply
• Turn off the main stopcock. You should find this under the kitchen sink or where the service pipe enters your home.

Step: 2

• Then drain the system by turning on all your cold taps and flushing your toilets.

Step: 3

• If it's a heating pipe that's burst - Turn off water heating systems. • Switch off the central heating, immersion heater and any other water heating.

Step: 4

• If you discover a burst pipe or subsequent leak arising near any electric points or electrical appliances, switch off your mains supply immediately. If you discover your main switch is wet or your hands are wet, do not attempt to turn it off or tackle any alternative solutions, you may be electrocuted! Telephone a qualified electrician urgently.

Step: 5

• If you detect a leak that you can quickly and safely rescue, you can do so by employing methods such as catching the water in buckets, pots and pans (temporarily). If you suspect the leak has been prevalent for some time and your ceiling is bulging, you may be in imminent danger. Alternatively, if you are confident and have checked for any wire outputs that could cause electrocution, you can punch or cut a hole in order to drain away the water build up.

Step: 6

• If you are unsure about tackling a burst pipe yourself, give us a call and we will dispatch a professional plumber to repair the problem. If you have a home emergency policy that covers you for burst pipes, get in touch with your insurer as soon as possible.

If you're an expert DIY-er you may want to attempt the job yourself. If the burst pipe is leaking from a screw fitting, see if you can tighten it in order to plug or compress the leak. If the pipe is split or pierced with a nail then it will need to be repaired urgently. Buy a DIV kit which replaces the broken part with a piece of new pipe. Full instructions will be included.