Burst pipe: what to do before the plumber arrives
Last reviewed 2 October 2026 by the Swansea Plumbing Quotes team
The short answer
Turn the water off at the stopcock, then open the cold taps to drain the system. If water is near light fittings, sockets or the consumer unit, keep away and switch the power off at the consumer unit only if it is dry and safe to reach. Move valuables, photograph the damage for your insurer, and get a plumber to fix the pipe. A burst in the street or pavement is for Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (0800 052 0130), not a private plumber.
Step by step
- Turn off the stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink).
- Open the cold taps and flush toilets to drain the remaining water.
- Switch off the boiler and immersion heater.
- Keep away from wet electrics. If water has reached a light fitting, don’t touch the switch.
- Catch drips with buckets and towels, and move belongings out of the way.
- Take photos and video before cleaning up, for your insurer.
Temporary fixes
A pipe repair clamp or self-amalgamating tape can slow a small leak until a plumber arrives, but it is not a permanent repair. Mention any temporary fix in your request.
Insurance
Most home insurance covers "escape of water" damage, but not always the repair to the pipe itself. Keep the plumber’s invoice and note what caused the burst.
Cold-weather bursts
Pipes in lofts, garages and outside walls are the usual places to freeze and split. If the burst happened in a cold snap, check other exposed pipes too.
When to get help
Request urgent quotes straight away. Describe where the water is coming from and whether the stopcock stopped it.
General guidance only. If anyone is in danger, or you smell gas, call the emergency services first.