— Emergency Plumbing
What To Do When You Have a Burst Pipe Emergency
The first 60 seconds matter. Here's exactly what to do — and what not to do — when a pipe bursts.
By Jordan Lamb · Gas Safe Engineer · Northampton
The first 60 seconds matter most
A 15mm copper pipe under mains pressure delivers around 12 litres per minute. That's a full kitchen sink every 90 seconds, pouring through ceilings and floors. The difference between a £200 repair and a £20,000 insurance claim is how fast you turn the water off.
Step 1: Stop the water at the stopcock
Find your main stopcock — in 90% of Northampton homes it's under the kitchen sink, sometimes in the downstairs WC, garage, or under the stairs. Turn it clockwise until it's fully closed. If you can't turn it (very common), look for the outside stop tap on the pavement boundary and use a stop-tap key (or the back of a long-handled spanner).
Step 2: Drain the system fast
Open every cold tap in the house — kitchen, bathroom, basin, bath. Flush every toilet once. This drains stored water out of the pipework instead of through your ceiling. Don't open hot taps until the boiler is off (next step).
Step 3: Turn the boiler off
Switch the boiler off at its fused spur or on the front panel. If you have a hot water cylinder, switch the immersion heater off too. This protects the boiler heat exchanger from running dry.
Step 4: Kill electrics in affected rooms
Water + ceiling lights = serious risk. If water is dripping near light fittings or sockets, switch off lighting and ring main circuits at the consumer unit before going underneath them.
Step 5: Call J Lamb on the 24/7 emergency line
I aim to be on-site within 60 minutes anywhere in Northampton, and within 90 minutes across Wellingborough, Kettering, Daventry, Towcester and Rushden. Take photos of the damage for your insurer while you wait — and don't move sodden carpets until they've been documented.
Frequently asked
Can I patch a burst pipe myself?
A SylMasta or rubber-and-jubilee-clip patch will hold for a few hours — long enough for an engineer to arrive. Don't rely on it long-term.
How long until water damage causes mould?
Mould can establish within 24–48 hours on plasterboard and wood. Get the affected area dried with industrial dehumidifiers ASAP.
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