What To Do If a Pipe Bursts in Your Home (Emergency Plumbing Advice)

Christian Pollitt
Feb 21
2 min read

A burst pipe is one of the most stressful problems a homeowner can face. Water damage can begin within minutes, especially in lofts, kitchens and bathrooms. Knowing what to do immediately can reduce damage before an emergency plumber arrives.

We attend burst pipes across Chislehurst, Bromley and surrounding areas every year, particularly during cold weather.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Immediately

The first and most important step is shutting off the mains water supply.

Your stopcock is usually located:

• under the kitchen sink

• near the front door

• in a utility cupboard

• sometimes under the stairs

Turn it clockwise to stop the water.

This alone can prevent thousands of pounds of damage.

Step 2: Turn Off Your Boiler

Switch off your boiler and central heating system.

Running the heating while pipes are damaged can worsen leaks and damage components.

Step 3: Drain the System

Turn on cold taps in the house to drain remaining water from the pipes. This reduces pressure and slows leaking.

Step 4: Protect Your Property

While waiting for a plumber:

• Move furniture away

• Use towels or buckets

• Lift carpets if possible

• Turn off electricity near water if safe

Why Pipes Burst

The most common causes we see in Chislehurst properties are:

Frozen Pipes

Water freezes and expands inside pipes, causing them to split.

Corroded Pipework

Older copper or steel pipes weaken over time and eventually fail.

High Water Pressure

Excessive pressure stresses joints and fittings.

Poor Installation

Loose fittings or unsupported pipes can fail suddenly.

Do Not Ignore Small Leaks

Many burst pipes begin as small leaks days or weeks earlier. Warning signs include:

• knocking pipes

• fluctuating water pressure

• damp smells

• higher water bills

Calling a plumber early can prevent major damage.

Emergency Plumbing Response

Our emergency plumbers cover Chislehurst, Sidcup, New Eltham and Mottingham. We isolate the leak, repair or replace damaged pipework and make the system safe.