What should I do if a water pipe bursts?

A burst water pipe can be stressful and potentially cause serious damage to your home but acting quickly can minimise the impact. Follow these steps to protect your property and get your plumbing back to normal.

• Turn off your water supply - Locate your internal stopcock, usually under the kitchen sink or in a cupboard, garage or cellar, and turn it clockwise to stop the water.

• Switch off your heating - Turn off your central heating or boiler to prevent further water circulation.

• Drain the system - Open all hot and cold taps to release remaining water and reduce pressure.

• Manage escaping water - Use towels or buckets to soak up water. If it has reached electrics, switch off the electricity at the mains first.

• Protect your home and belongings - Move furniture and personal items away from affected areas and block water spread with towels or boards.

• Call a qualified plumber - Contact a WaterSafe recognised plumber for a permanent and safe repair. You can find an approved plumber using our search tool.

• Check your insurance coverage - Review your policy to confirm if burst pipes and water damage are covered. Keep records of damage and repairs. For further information, read our guidance on whether home insurance covers plumbing work.

• Prevent future bursts - You can do this by insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas, leaving a small trickle of water flowing in cold weather, fixing leaks promptly, and draining tanks or unused systems before long absences. For more tips, read our advice on how to prevent pipes from freezing.