What to Do When a Pipe Bursts

1. Stop the water

Find the property main isolation valve and turn it off if it is safe. In apartments, shared services can complicate isolation, so contact building management as well.

2. Protect people first

Keep away from wet electrical fittings, ceilings that are bulging, and unsafe flooded areas. Call emergency services where there is immediate danger.

3. Reduce secondary damage

Move furniture and valuables, use containers only where safe, and take photos for your records.

4. Get the pipe diagnosed

A repair should address the failed section and, where possible, consider why it failed: corrosion, movement, pressure, impact or a failed fitting.

After the leak is stopped

Drying and water-damage management may still be required even after the pipe repair. If water has entered walls, floors or ceilings, document the affected areas and avoid sealing wet materials before they have been properly assessed.

Why the pipe burst matters

The repair depends on pipe material, location and cause. A local split may be repaired directly. Repeated failures can point to pressure, corrosion, movement, damaged fittings or another system issue that deserves investigation.

First five minutes: reduce the water source

1. If it is safe, shut the nearest isolation valve or the property’s main water supply.
2. Move people and valuables away from spreading water.
3. Keep clear of electrical equipment and wet power points.
4. Open a safe lower-level tap only if you understand the system and doing so will help relieve pressure; otherwise leave the system isolated.
5. Contact a plumber and explain where the burst is, whether water is isolated and what areas are affected.

When to call a plumber

If the problem is causing active water damage, sewage overflow or loss of an essential service, message us on WhatsApp 24/7. For non-urgent work, photos and a clear description can help with the initial conversation.