Burst Pipe? Do This Before We Arrive

A burst pipe is one of the few plumbing problems where what you do in the first five minutes genuinely changes the amount of damage. None of the steps below need tools or plumbing knowledge — just knowing what to do before panic sets in.

1. Shut off the main stopcock

This is the single most important step. The main stopcock is usually near your water meter, at the boundary of the property, or under the kitchen sink. Turning it clockwise stops water flowing into the house entirely, which limits damage while you wait for help.

2. Switch off electricity to the affected area

Water and electricity don't mix. If the leak is anywhere near a plug point, light fitting or the geyser itself, switch off that circuit — or the whole distribution board if you're not sure which one — at the mains.

3. Open a cold tap to release pressure

Once the stopcock is off, open the lowest cold tap in the house briefly. This relieves pressure still sitting in the pipes and reduces how much continues to drip from the burst section.

4. Move what you can, and start containing water

Move furniture, electronics and rugs away from the water. Towels, buckets and a mop help limit how far standing water spreads and soaks into flooring while you wait.

5. Photograph the damage

Before you start cleaning up, take a few photos or a short video of the affected area. This makes any insurance claim far more straightforward later, and helps us understand what happened before we even arrive.

6. Call an emergency plumber

With the water off and the immediate damage contained, call our emergency line. Tell us your address, what you can see, and whether the stopcock is off — that lets us bring the right parts on the first visit instead of a second trip.