Water pouring through a ceiling or flooding a kitchen floor is stressful, but the first few minutes make the biggest difference to how much damage is done. Follow these steps in order. Here is exactly what to do after a burst pipe.
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Minute 1: Turn off the water
Find your stopcock and turn it clockwise until it stops. In most London homes it is under the kitchen sink, near the front door, under the stairs or in a downstairs toilet. In flats, it can be in a hallway cupboard or, in some blocks, outside the flat in a communal riser. If you cannot find it, there may be an outside stop tap under a small cover in the pavement, but these often need a special key.
Minute 2: Make electrics safe
If water is near sockets, light fittings or the consumer unit, switch off the electricity at the consumer unit, but only if you can reach it without standing in water. Never touch electrical items that are wet. If in doubt, stay out of the room.
Minutes 3 to 5: Drain the system
Turn on all the cold taps in the house to drain the remaining water out of the pipes, and flush toilets. This reduces how much water is left to escape. If you have a cold-water tank in the loft, this also drains it down.
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Minutes 5 to 8: Limit the damage
- Put buckets and bowls under drips
- If a ceiling is bulging with water, keep clear. A controlled small hole with a screwdriver into a bucket can release the water, but only if it is safe and you are confident
- Move furniture, rugs and electronics out of the way
- Soak up standing water with towels
Minutes 8 to 10: Record and call
Take photos and videos of the leak and damage for your insurer. Then call a plumber. If you live in a flat, let the neighbours below know straight away, because water travels fast between floors.
What happens after a burst pipe is repaired
A plumber will find the burst, cut out the damaged section, fit a permanent repair and test the system before turning the water back on. If the pipe is hidden in a wall or floor, leak detection may be needed to find it without unnecessary damage.
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn off water in a flat?
Look for the stopcock under the kitchen sink or in a cupboard near the front door. In some blocks it is in a communal riser cupboard, so ask your building manager if you are unsure.
Should I turn off the heating too?
If the burst is on a heating pipe or near the boiler, yes, switch the heating off at the controls.
Who pays if the water damages the flat below?
Usually your home insurance or theirs, depending on the cause and the policies. Report it promptly to both insurers and to your landlord or managing agent.
