Burst Pipe in London? Here's Exactly What to Do

A burst pipe can cause serious structural damage within minutes. Water moves fast — through ceilings, walls, and floors — and every second counts. Here's exactly what to do in the first 10 minutes, before your emergency plumber arrives.

Step 1 — Turn Off the Water at the Stopcock

This is the single most important step. Your main stopcock controls the water supply to your entire property. Find it and turn it clockwise to shut off.

Common stopcock locations in London homes:

• Under the kitchen sink (most common)
• In the utility room or airing cupboard
• Under the stairs
• In the bathroom, behind the toilet panel
• In the cellar or basement

If you can't find your internal stopcock, call Thames Water on 0800 316 9800 — they can shut off the external supply at the pavement.

Pro tip: Find your stopcock now, before an emergency. Turn it off and back on once a year to prevent it seizing up.

Step 2 — Switch Off Electrics If Water Is Near Wiring

If water is running near plug sockets, light fittings, or the consumer unit (fuse box), switch off the electricity at the main switch in your fuse box immediately.

Never touch electrical switches or sockets with wet hands. If in doubt, leave the room and do not re-enter until a qualified electrician has confirmed it is safe.

Step 3 — Open All Cold Taps to Drain the System

Once the stopcock is off, open all cold water taps throughout the property. This drains water from the pipes and reduces pressure on the burst section, slowing the flow of water.

Do not open the hot taps yet — hot water cylinders need to be turned off at the boiler first before draining.

Step 4 — Turn Off Your Boiler

Switch your boiler to standby or off. If water has already entered the boiler or the surrounding area, do not restart it until a Gas Safe engineer has inspected it.

Step 5 — Contain the Damage

While you wait for your emergency plumber:

• Place towels, buckets, or bowls under the leak
• Move furniture, rugs, and valuables away from the wet area
• If water is coming through the ceiling, place a bucket directly below and make a small hole in the ceiling plaster to direct the flow — this relieves pressure and can prevent a full ceiling collapse
• Open windows to start drying the affected area

Step 6 — Call an Emergency Plumber

Most emergency plumbers in London can reach you within 60 minutes. Use our free comparison service to get connected with a verified, Gas Safe registered plumber in your borough — without getting locked into inflated emergency rates.

Step 7 — Document the Damage for Insurance

Before you start cleaning up, take photos and video of:

• The source of the burst (if visible)
• All water damage to floors, walls, ceilings, and belongings
• Any damaged furniture or contents

Most standard buildings and contents insurance policies in the UK cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes. Report to your insurer as soon as possible and keep all repair receipts.

Common Causes of Burst Pipes in London

• Frozen pipes in winter — temperatures around 0°C can cause water in pipes to freeze and expand, causing splits. London winters regularly hit these temperatures
• Old pipework — many London properties, particularly Victorian terraces and Edwardian houses, still have original lead or iron pipes that are prone to failure
• High water pressure — water pressure that is too high (above 3 bar) puts stress on joints and older pipes
• Corrosion — older copper pipes can corrode from the inside, developing pinhole leaks that eventually burst
• Accidental damage — drilling into a wall and hitting a pipe is more common than you'd think

How to Prevent Burst Pipes in London

• Know where your stopcock is before an emergency happens
• Keep your heating on a low setting (at least 12°C) during cold snaps rather than switching it off entirely
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas like lofts and garages
• Have your pipework inspected if your property is over 40 years old
• Install a water leak detector near vulnerable areas (under sinks, behind washing machines)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will an emergency plumber charge for a burst pipe in London?

Expect to pay £80–£150 for a daytime callout, or £120–£200 for an out-of-hours emergency. The repair cost depends on the location and nature of the burst. See our full London plumber cost guide for a complete breakdown.

Can I use pipe repair tape as a temporary fix?

Pipe repair tape (such as PTFE tape or self-amalgamating tape) can slow a minor leak temporarily while you wait for a plumber. It is not a permanent solution and should not be used on joints or major bursts.

Should I call the plumber before turning off the water?

Turn off the water first — every second counts. Then call the plumber. The 30 seconds it takes to shut off the stopcock can prevent thousands of pounds of water damage.