Burst Pipe: What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives

Keep people away from water and electrics

If water is near a socket, light fitting or electrical appliance, do not touch the equipment or step into the water to reach a switch. Move people clear and explain the electrical risk to the person you call. Only isolate electricity if you can do so from a dry, safe position. Avoid lifting a ceiling that has bulged with water or opening a wall around a live fitting.

If it is safe, move belongings away from the wet area and put a container under a visible drip. Photographs can help record what happened, but no photo is worth standing in an unsafe place for.

Find the stopcock, if you can reach it safely

A pipe on the incoming water supply will normally keep running until the supply is isolated. If you know where the household stopcock is and the way to it is dry and safe, close it and see whether the flow reduces. Do not force a seized valve until it breaks. In a shared building, take care not to turn off somebody else's supply without understanding what it controls.

A small amount of water may still drain out of pipework after the supply is off. That is not proof that the valve has failed. If you cannot find or safely operate it, say so when you ring rather than spending time dismantling fittings.

Tell the caller where water is coming from

A clean-water spray from a visible pipe or supply fitting suggests a plumbing fault. Foul water rising through a bath, toilet or outside chamber when an appliance is used suggests a drainage restriction instead. If you cannot tell, describe when the water appears and whether it stops when taps are off. That distinction helps decide whether the visit begins with plumbing or drain clearance.

Note the room, whether the flow is continuous, which fixtures have stopped working and whether anyone else in the property is affected. If it is a rented or managed property, tell the landlord or factor as well; they may need a record of the leak and of the repair.

Limit the spread without attempting a risky repair

Move items away from the floor where possible and contain drips with towels or a bucket if the water is clean and access is safe. Avoid using electrical appliances in the affected area. Do not wrap or tape a burst pipe and assume it is repaired; the supply pressure and the condition of the fitting still need proper attention.

If water is coming from below a sink, you may be able to see the local isolation valve. Only use one you can reach without encountering water near electrics. If no safe valve is accessible, keep clear and pass that information on the phone. You do not need to identify the exact fitting to request help.

What help is available

Burst and leaking pipework are listed under Curran's emergency and general plumbing services, alongside toilet, sink, waste and internal drainage repairs. The site states a 24-hour response, 365 days a year, with no call-out charge. The base is Pumpherston, Livingston, and the stated service area includes West Lothian, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Lanarkshire and Fife.

When you ring 07427 195142, explain the leak and any safety risk first, then say whether the water supply has been turned off. If foul water is backing up instead, explain which drains are affected so the right work can be discussed. Once the immediate leak is controlled, keep a record of the affected area and ask what was repaired, especially if a landlord, factor or insurer will need details later.

Questions we get asked