What to do in the first few minutes
- Turn off the water at the stopcock (see below). This stops more water getting into the house.
- Turn off the heating and, if you have one, the immersion heater.
- Open the cold taps and flush toilets to drain water out of the system.
- Be careful with electricity. Only switch things off at the consumer unit if it is dry and safe to reach. If water is near sockets, light fittings or appliances, stay clear and call for help.
- Contain the water with buckets and towels, and move furniture and valuables out of the way.
- Take photos and notes for your insurance company.
- Call a plumber. In Sheffield, JR Plumbing and Heating offers a 24/7 emergency service on 07377 869384.
If water is coming through a ceiling near lights, or you can see water around electrical items, keep well away and do not touch them. Call an electrician as well as a plumber if necessary.
How to find your stopcock
The stopcock (also called the stop tap or main stopcock) controls the mains water supply to your home. It is usually a small tap or valve on the incoming cold water pipe. Common places to look:
- Under the kitchen sink — the most common spot
- In a utility room or downstairs toilet
- Under the stairs or in a hallway cupboard
- In the garage or an integral store
- Near the front door, or where the pipe enters the house
Turn it clockwise to close it. If it is stiff, do not force it with tools — apply gentle, steady pressure. There may also be a stop tap outside the property, near the boundary or pavement, but that usually belongs to your water company, so contact them if you cannot reach your own.
Find your stopcock now and check it turns freely. Mark it with a tag or label so everyone in the house knows where it is. Stopcocks that have not been used for years can seize up.
Can I fix a burst pipe myself?
A temporary fix, such as self-amalgamating repair tape or a pipe repair clamp, may hold things together until a plumber arrives, but it should not be treated as a permanent repair. A damaged or frozen pipe needs to be replaced or repaired properly. Do not use a naked flame or blowtorch near pipes.
After a burst pipe
- Contact your insurer as soon as you can, and keep photos and receipts
- Dry the area as quickly as you can, opening windows and using fans or dehumidifiers
- Have the electrics checked if they were affected
- Ask your plumber to check the rest of the pipework, especially if the cause was freezing
Pipes burst most often when they freeze, so see our guide to how to thaw and prevent frozen pipes.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the stopcock in most houses?
Most often under the kitchen sink, but it can also be in a utility room, under the stairs, in a garage or near the front door.
Which way do I turn the stopcock?
Clockwise to close it, anticlockwise to open it.
Is a burst pipe covered by home insurance?
Many policies cover burst pipes and escape of water, but cover and excess vary. Check your policy and contact your insurer promptly.
Can I use my electrics after a burst pipe?
Not if water has reached sockets, wiring or appliances. Have them checked by a qualified electrician first.
Prefer not to do it yourself, or not sure what is wrong? JR Plumbing and Heating covers Sheffield and the surrounding areas, with free, no-obligation quotes and a 24/7 emergency service. Call 07377 869384.