3 min read
Burst pipe: what to do in the first ten minutes
A burst pipe can put a lot of water into a home very quickly. The first few minutes matter, and most of what helps is simple.
Do these first
- 1Turn off the water at the main stop tap. It is often under the kitchen sink, but it may be in a cupboard, the garage or near the front door.
- 2Open the cold taps to let the water in the pipes drain away. Flush the toilets once or twice.
- 3If the heating or hot water is on, turn it off so the system is not trying to refill.
- 4Move belongings and furniture away from the wet area, and use towels or buckets to catch drips.
- 5Take photos of the damage as it is. You may want them later.
Find your stop tap before you need it
Knowing where the stop tap is, and checking it turns, is one of the most useful bits of home preparation. Stop taps that have not been used for years can stick, so turn yours off and on once a year.
Then get it looked at
Even if you have slowed the leak, the pipe still needs a proper repair. Tell us what has happened and we will arrange a qualified engineer. If work is chargeable, you get a quote first and agree the cost before anything starts.
General guidance only, not a substitute for advice from a qualified engineer. If you are in any doubt, stop and ask a professional.