From the team behind Hampstead Renovations · Est. 2009 · Learn more
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⚠ WATER EMERGENCY — Act immediately. Uncontrolled water can cause structural damage, electrical hazards and mould within hours.

Emergency Guide

Burst Pipe Emergency — What to Do Right Now

A burst pipe is one of the most common and most damaging home emergencies in NW London, particularly during cold snaps when pipes in loft spaces and outside walls freeze. Acting quickly in the first five minutes can prevent thousands of pounds of damage to your period property. This guide walks you through exactly what to do while waiting for our emergency plumber.

Call Now: +44 20 8054 8756

Available 24/7 — average 47-minute response

Step-by-Step Emergency Guide

  1. 1

    Turn off the main water stopcock immediately

    Your stopcock is usually under the kitchen sink, in a downstairs cupboard, or beneath the floorboards near the front door. Turn it clockwise (right) until it stops. This cuts water to the entire property.

    ⚠ If you cannot locate your stopcock within 2 minutes, go to step 2 first while someone else continues searching.

  2. 2

    Switch off your boiler and immersion heater

    Turn your central heating and hot water system off at the boiler controls. If the burst pipe is near electrical fittings, also turn off the relevant circuit at your consumer unit (fuse board).

    ⚠ Never touch electrical switches or sockets with wet hands. If there is water near electrical outlets, turn off at the consumer unit first.

  3. 3

    Open all taps to drain the system

    Open all cold taps in your home to drain the remaining water from pipes as quickly as possible. Flush the toilets to empty the cisterns. This reduces the volume of water that can escape through the burst.

  4. 4

    Contain and protect your belongings

    Place buckets, pots, and towels under any drips or pooling water. Move furniture, rugs, and valuables out of affected areas. If water is dripping through a ceiling, the ceiling cavity may be filling — place a bucket and consider piercing the plaster at the lowest point to create a controlled release.

    ⚠ If water is actively dripping near light fittings or electrical sockets, leave the room and switch off the circuit at the consumer unit.

  5. 5

    Call our 24/7 emergency plumber

    Call +44 20 8054 8756 now. Our Gas Safe registered emergency plumbers cover all of NW London with an average 47-minute response time. Give us your postcode and describe the location of the burst so we can dispatch the nearest available engineer.

  6. 6

    Document the damage for insurance

    Take photographs and video of all water damage before cleaning up. Include any damaged possessions, flooring, walls, and ceilings. Contact your home insurer to report the claim — most policies cover trace and access for burst pipes.

Emergency Numbers

Emergency FAQs

How much does an emergency plumber call-out cost in NW London?▼
Emergency plumber call-out rates in NW London typically range from £150–£400 depending on the time of day and complexity. Our 24/7 emergency service includes the call-out charge and the first hour of labour. Quotes are confirmed before any work begins.
Can I temporarily repair a burst pipe myself?▼
As a very temporary measure, you can apply waterproof pipe repair tape or a pipe repair clamp (available from hardware shops) once the water is off. This is not a permanent fix — a qualified plumber must properly repair or replace the pipe. Never attempt to repair a pipe while water is flowing.
Will my home insurance cover a burst pipe?▼
Most home insurance policies cover sudden and accidental damage from burst pipes, including water damage to floors, ceilings, and contents. They typically cover "trace and access" — the cost of finding and reaching the pipe. Check your policy excess and report the claim promptly with photographic evidence.
How long does it take to repair a burst pipe?▼
A simple accessible burst pipe can be repaired in 1–3 hours. If the pipe is within a wall, under concrete screed, or in a loft space, access work (cutting into walls, lifting boards) adds time. Complex repairs can take a full day. Our plumber will assess and give you a fixed quote before starting work.