Discovering a burst or leaking pipe at home can be a real headache. But we've got you covered with our top tips and expert guidance. When you encounter a burst or leaking pipe, acting swiftly is crucial.

1. Turn off the water supply

Find and turn off the main stop tap – it should be in the cupboard under your kitchen sink or where the service pipe comes into your home.

2. Drain the cold-water system

Simply turn on all your cold taps to do this. 

3. Turn off water heating systems

Switch off your central heating, immersion heater or any other water heating systems. If you use solid fuel, let this die out. Once it’s shut down, turn on the hot taps to drain the system.

4. Turn off the electrics

Don't touch any wet electrical fittings such as lights, sockets or appliances. Switch off the electricity supply straight away and call an electrician.

5. Be careful of any ceiling water

If water’s been leaking for a while, it may have damaged your ceiling plaster. If you see a bulge in the ceiling, this may mean water has been captured in the ceiling. We suggest calling a professional to help remove this water build up. 

6. Check your insurance

Your home policy may cover you for plumbing or heating emergencies; if it does, contact your insurer for assistance. You may also want to check if you have an existing policy with HomeServe by calling 0330 0247 999.

7. Call a professional to repair the damage

If you need to find a qualified plumbing and/or heating professional, take a look at the online search tool Water Safe.