What Should I Do If a Pipe Bursts?
A step-by-step guide from a qualified Woking plumber — act fast to minimise damage.
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Step-By-Step: What To Do When a Pipe Bursts
Turn off the stopcock immediately
Your stopcock is the main water shut-off valve for your home. It controls all cold water supply coming into the property. Turning it off stops water flowing to the burst pipe and limits further flooding.
Where is my stopcock? Most commonly found: under the kitchen sink · in a ground-floor cupboard · near the front door · in a utility room. The stopcock is usually a brass valve with a flat-head slot — turn clockwise to close. Keep a note of its location before an emergency happens.
Turn off your electricity
Water and electricity are a deadly combination. If the burst pipe is near or above any electrical sockets, switches, appliances or consumer units — switch off electricity at the main fuseboard immediately.
Do not touch electrical switches with wet hands. If in doubt, turn off the electricity at the main switch and stay out of any rooms where water is near sockets or light fittings.
Drain the system
Once the stopcock is closed, open all cold water taps in the property. This draws remaining water out of the pipes and reduces pressure on the burst section. Flush toilets to reduce water in the cisterns.
If you have a hot water cylinder, turn off the boiler or immersion heater but do not open hot taps yet — allow the system to cool first.
Contain and protect
Place buckets, towels and absorbent material under any leaks. Move furniture, rugs, electronics and valuables away from water. If water is coming through the ceiling, place a small incision in the ceiling plaster to allow water to drain in a controlled point rather than causing the ceiling to collapse under the weight.
Document the damage
Take photos and video of all water damage — walls, floors, ceilings, and belongings. This documentation is essential for any insurance claim. Note the time the incident occurred and what steps you took.
Call a plumber
Call us on 07714 433 429. We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing cover across Woking, Guildford, Weybridge, Chertsey, Staines, Kingston and the wider Surrey area. We'll advise you over the phone while we're on our way and give you a clear price before starting any repair.
Why Do Pipes Burst?
Frozen pipes
Water expands as it freezes, building enormous pressure inside the pipe until it cracks or splits. Most common in lofts, garages and external walls during cold snaps.
Corrosion
Older copper or steel pipes corrode from the inside over years of use, developing pinholes and cracks. Accelerated by aggressive water chemistry.
High water pressure
Excessively high supply pressure puts constant stress on pipe joints and fittings, eventually causing failure. Your supply should be regulated to 1–3 bar.
Physical damage
Drilling through walls, hammering near hidden pipes, or accidental impact during building work can puncture or crack pipes immediately or cause delayed failures.
Joint failure
Push-fit, compression or soldered joints can fail due to movement, thermal expansion, vibration or incorrect original installation.
Ageing pipework
Pre-1970s lead pipework and early plastic pipes are increasingly failure-prone and should be considered for replacement.
How to Prevent Burst Pipes
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