Emergency plumber

What counts as a plumbing emergency?

A burst pipe or a major leak needs quick action. First, turn off the water at the stopcock, which is often under the kitchen sink. Then send a request and say that it is urgent. We pass it to a local plumber. However, we cannot promise when they will arrive.

• Burst or split pipe. A burst pipe can release a lot of water quickly. Turn off your main stopcock, which is often under the kitchen sink, and send a request.
• Water through ceiling. A ceiling leak can mean a failed pipe or joint above. If water is near light fittings or sockets, switch off the power only if it is safe to do so.
• No mains water. Loss of supply can have several causes, such as a failed pipe, a frozen main or a fault on the water company's network. Check with your water company first.
• Sewage backing up. Sewage in the home is a health risk. If several outlets back up, or sewage reaches the floor, treat it as urgent and say so in your request.
• No heating or hot water in winter. Boiler faults and frozen pipes can leave you without heat. Boiler repairs need a Gas Safe registered engineer.
• Gas-related plumbing. In Great Britain, if you smell gas, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 and leave the property. Only contact a plumber for follow-up work afterwards.

Isolate the supply before the plumber arrives. Turn the mains stopcock clockwise to cut water to the whole property. Run a tap afterwards, because it should stop flowing.

If you cannot find the stopcock, there may be an outside stop tap under a small cover near the property boundary. Your water company can help if you cannot reach it. However, keep clear of wet electrics, and get an electrician to check them before you switch the power back on.

Other plumbing services

Drainage problems can combine with plumbing faults. For example, sewage backing up and a burst pipe can happen together. Say so in your request, because the plumber may need to bring in a drainage engineer.

A burst pipe call-out can also show other issues, such as corroded joints or an old stopcock. Ask the plumber to quote before any extra work, because then you can decide with no pressure.

Your home insurance may cover damage from a leak. Check your policy, because cover and limits vary. Tell your insurer early, and keep photos of the damage.