A burst pipe is one of those plumbing problems that can cause a lot of damage in a short space of time.

For most homeowners, it is not something they have dealt with before, so when water starts escaping into the property it can quickly become stressful. The main thing is to act quickly. A few simple steps can make a big difference in limiting the damage before a plumber arrives.

In this article, we’ll explain what to do if a pipe bursts in your home, what can cause it, and why knowing where your stopcock is matters more than many people realise.

Turn Off the Water Supply

The first thing to do is turn off the water supply to the property.

Every home should have a main stopcock, which controls the incoming water. Once this is turned off, it will stop more water flowing through the damaged pipe.

In many homes, the stopcock is usually found:

• under the kitchen sink

• in a downstairs cupboard

• near where the water pipe enters the property

Turn it clockwise until it stops.

A lot of people are not completely sure where theirs is until there is a problem, which is why it is worth locating it before you ever need it.

What If You Can’t Find the Stopcock?

If you cannot find the internal stopcock, there may also be an external stop valve outside the property. This is often located in the pavement, driveway, or garden in a small underground box near the boundary of the property.

These covers can sometimes be stiff or difficult to open, and you may need a stopcock key to turn the valve.

If you are unable to locate either valve and water is continuing to escape, contacting a plumber or your local water supplier may be the quickest way to get the supply isolated.

Turn Off Electricity if Needed

If water is leaking near sockets, light fittings, or the fuse board, it is safest to turn off the electricity at the consumer unit.

Water and electrics are obviously not a combination to take lightly. If there is any doubt about whether the area is safe, it is better to isolate the power and avoid getting too close until the situation is under control.

Drain the System

Once the water has been turned off, it helps to drain the remaining water from the plumbing system.

You can do this by opening taps and flushing toilets. This reduces the pressure in the pipework and helps limit how much more water can escape from the burst section.

Try to Contain the Water

If water is already coming into the property, try to contain it as best you can.

Buckets, towels, and moving nearby furniture or valuables out of the way can all help reduce damage while waiting for repairs.

If the leak is above a ceiling, you may notice the plasterboard beginning to bulge as water collects above it. In that situation, it can sometimes make sense to carefully puncture a small hole in the lowest point and let the water drain into a bucket. Done carefully, this can take some of the weight off the ceiling and reduce the chance of a larger section giving way.

That said, you do need to be prepared for the water to come through quickly, and electricity in the area should be turned off first.

Call a Plumber

Once the immediate situation is under control, the next step is arranging a repair.

Sometimes the damaged section of pipe is straightforward to identify and replace. In other cases, the problem may be less obvious, particularly if the leak is behind walls, under floors, or above ceilings.

The repair itself is only part of the issue. It is also worth understanding why the pipe failed in the first place, especially if the property has older plumbing.

Why Do Burst Pipes and Leaks Happen?

There are a number of reasons a pipe or fitting might fail.

Some of the most common include:

• frozen pipes during cold weather

• ageing or corroded pipework

• high water pressure

• poor installation

• unsupported pipework putting strain on joints

• fittings or seals simply failing over time

Sometimes there is a clear cause, and sometimes it is just a case of an older fitting reaching the end of its life.

Can Burst Pipes Be Prevented?

Not every leak can be avoided, but there are a few sensible steps that can reduce the risk.

These include:

• insulating pipework in lofts and other cold areas

• keeping heating on low during freezing weather

• checking older plumbing from time to time

• dealing with small leaks or warning signs before they become bigger problems

A small issue is usually far easier to deal with than a major escape of water.

Final Thoughts

A burst pipe can be disruptive, but quick action usually prevents a much worse situation.

The most important steps are:

1. turn off the water supply

2. turn off electricity if needed

3. drain the system

4. contain the escaping water

5. arrange a repair

More than anything, it is worth knowing where your stopcock is before there is ever an emergency. It is one of those simple things that can save a lot of water, damage, and stress when something goes wrong.