Water where it shouldn't be
Breathe. Then do these four things, in this order.
Most of the damage from a burst pipe happens in the first ten minutes. Here's how to stop it, before we even arrive.
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1
Turn off the stopcock
Usually under the kitchen sink, sometimes by the front door or in a downstairs loo. Turn it clockwise until it stops. Stiff? Wrap a tea towel round it for grip.
Try it: drag the handle clockwise, or use the arrow keys.
Open
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2
Switch off the heating
Turn the boiler off at the switch or the controls, and let the hot water cylinder be. You don't want the system refilling or heating while it's leaking.
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3
Open the cold taps
Run every cold tap in the house to drain what's left in the pipes. Flush the toilets once. The leak slows to a drip within a minute or two.
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4
Keep water away from electrics
If water is near sockets, light fittings or the consumer unit, switch off at the fuse box, but only if you can reach it with dry hands from somewhere dry. If not, leave it and call us.
Done all four?
Now call us. Day or night.
01632 960552Average arrival in HP1–HP3: 38 minutes. We'll talk you through anything you're unsure of while we drive.