1. Not knowing where the stopcock is before there is an emergency
Many people cannot find their stopcock when a pipe bursts. Precious minutes go by while water pours out. Find yours now, and check it turns.
It is often under the kitchen sink or near the front door. Label it so everyone knows. A stopcock that is stiff may need replacing, so ask a plumber about it.
2. Turning the mains back on to “test the repair”
Turning the water on to check a quick fix can restart the flood, because weak repairs fail fast. A weak repair may fail again at once. Test slowly and be ready to turn it off.
If you are not sure the repair is sound, wait for a plumber. Our emergency plumber page explains how we pass requests on. A proper repair saves time, because it lasts.
3. Running electricity in a wet area
Water and electricity are a dangerous mix, so take care. Do not touch switches or sockets if they are wet. If water is near the fuse board, switch off the power only if you can do so safely.
If you are unsure, keep away and call an electrician. Safety comes first, so never take a risk to save a few minutes.
4. Ignoring secondary water damage
Water can soak into plaster, floors and ceilings, since it spreads out of sight. It can cause damp, mould and rot after the leak stops. Dry the area well and check for hidden wet patches.
Open windows and use fans or a dehumidifier. Take photos for your insurer. Because damage can spread out of sight, check again in a few days.
5. Waiting until the next working day for a non-emergency pipe
Some people wait for morning when a pipe is leaking slowly, yet a small leak can turn into a big one. A small leak can turn into a big one. Water damage grows with time.
If you can shut off the water, do that first. Then decide how urgent the repair is. Our emergency plumber page can help you find a local plumber, or you can request a free quote.
The right sequence when a pipe bursts
First, turn off the water at the stopcock, because that stops the flow. Next, switch off the heating and open the taps to drain the pipes. Then keep electrics away from the water and move your belongings.
Take photos and call a plumber. Our guide on what to do when a pipe bursts gives the full steps. For urgent help, see the emergency plumber page.
Related guides and local help
If you want to know more, read 5 Plumbing Checks to Do Before You Leave on Holiday Trips. You can also read Noisy Pipes: Water Hammer, Banging and What Causes It and Plumbing a Kitchen Extension: What You Need to Know First, because they cover closely related problems.
These guides help too: New Bathroom or En-Suite: A Complete Drainage Planning Guide, Plumbing Jargon Explained: A Homeowner’s Guide to Key Terms, Low Water Pressure: Causes, Diagnosis and Fixes in the UK, 6 Ways to Protect Your Pipes from Freezing This Winter and Lead Pipes: Health Risks, How to Spot Them and Replacement. Each one explains a related topic in plain English.
Need help near you? Read our plumbing help page first, or see Plumbing Repairs in Cambridge and Plumbing Repairs in Cannock. You can also see Leak Detection in Eltham, since every service page has a free quote form. We pass each request to a local drainage engineer.
