What to do when a pipe bursts in your home
Water everywhere and panic setting in? Here are the first five things to do in the minutes after a burst pipe, before your plumber arrives.
Coming home to a burst pipe is enough to fill any homeowner with dread. Acting fast makes the difference between a quick repair and ruined floors, furniture and ceilings. Here’s what to do, step by step.
1. Shut off the water at the main valve
Find your main stop valve. It’s usually near your meter, polytank or where the main line enters the house. Turn it clockwise until it stops. If the leak is coming from a pipe after your tank, also close the outlet valve on the tank.
2. Switch off electricity near the leak
Water and electricity don’t mix. If water is near sockets, extension boards or appliances, turn off power at the distribution board before you step into the wet area.
3. Open your taps to drain the system
Open cold taps around the house to drain the water left in the pipes. Flush toilets too. This takes pressure off the damaged pipe and reduces the leak.
4. Move valuables and start mopping
Lift rugs, electronics and furniture out of the way. Use towels, buckets and a mop to stop water spreading and soaking into walls and wooden floors.
5. Take photos and call a plumber
Take clear photos of the damage. They help your plumber understand the problem quickly, and are useful if you rent. Then book a HouseClap plumber or WhatsApp us the photos.
Preventing the next one
- Ask your plumber about PPR pipes for hot and cold lines. They resist pressure and heat better than many older PVC installations.
- Fit a pressure-reducing valve if you use a booster pump.
- Have exposed pipes on roofs and outside walls checked every year, as strong sun weakens them over time.
