What to do if a pipe bursts

If a pipe has burst, follow these eight steps:

  1. Turn the water supply off at the stopcock tap. It's probably near the kitchen sink.
  2. Turn the cold taps ON. Make sure the sink and bath plugs are out. And save some water for drinking.
  3. Turn the immersion heater and central heating OFF if you have them. If you have a solid fuel boiler, let the fire die out.
  4. Turn the hot taps ON.
  5. If there's water near the lights or sockets, turn the electricity off at the meter.
  6. Catch leaks in basins and soak up water with towels to prevent water damaging your home.
  7. Phone us on 03000 123 123. You can use this number 24 hours a day, seven days a week - but only phone outside normal office hours (8am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday) if the problem is an emergency that threatens your health, safety or security.
  8. Keep warm and dry. Put on extra layers of clothes till things warm up again. And why not make a cup of tea with some of the water you remembered to save?

  9. If your water pipes are frozen NEVER use a blow torch, as your pipes will explode or crack. You should use a few hot water bottles, replacing them as needed to thaw out pipes safely without cracking them.

If your pipes have frozen but not burst

Follow steps 1, 2 and 7 above. Or if you know which pipe is frozen, very gently warm it with hot water bottles or a hair dryer. Start from the end nearest the tap.

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