A burst pipe can soak floors, ceilings and wiring within minutes. Pipes often split in cold weather, because water expands as it freezes. However, old joints and worn pipes can also give way in summer. Whatever the cause, turn off the water first and then send your request.
WaterSafe advises turning your internal stop tap clockwise to stop the flow. After that, switch off the heating and open the taps to drain the system. If water has reached sockets or wiring, the Met Office advises you not to touch them. Instead, switch off the power at the fuse box if it is safe.
We pass your request to a local plumber, who contacts you to arrange the repair. For example, a plumber can often fix a short split in a copper pipe under a sink quickly. A pipe hidden in a wall or floor takes longer, since the plumber has to reach it first. The plumber explains the options, and you can ask for the price before they start.
UK price guides put a simple repair on a pipe you can reach at about £150 to £350 (BestBuilders and MyJobQuote, 2026). A pipe hidden in a wall or floor can cost £400 or more, since the plumber has to reach it. These are typical ranges rather than our prices. Your plumber confirms the cost for your job before starting.
WaterSafe advises turning your internal stop tap clockwise to stop the water. Then switch off the heating and open the taps to drain the system. Keep away from any electrics the water has reached.
UK price guides put a simple repair on a pipe you can reach at about £150 to £350 (BestBuilders and MyJobQuote, 2026). A pipe hidden in a wall or floor costs more, because the plumber has to open it up. These are typical ranges, not our prices.
Many home insurance policies include escape of water cover, but the terms vary. Check your own policy, since some also pay to find a hidden leak. Take photos of the damage before the repair, because insurers often ask for them.
Water expands when it freezes, so pipes in lofts, garages and outside walls can split in a cold snap. Old joints and corroded pipes can also fail at any time of year. Lagging exposed pipes cuts the risk in winter.
Fill in the short form on any page with your postcode and a note about the problem. We pass your request to a local engineer, who contacts you to agree a time. Because we have no phone line, the form is the fastest way to reach us.
Yes, the form stays open 24/7, including bank holidays. Mark your request as urgent if water is still escaping. The engineer then knows to treat it as an emergency.
Our guide on what to do while you wait for emergency help covers the first steps in more detail. If you cannot see where the water is coming from, our leak detection page explains how a plumber finds it. For anything else urgent, see our emergency plumber page.