What to Do When a Pipe Bursts

First, turn off the water at the main stopcock. In many Chelsea homes and mansion flats it is under the kitchen sink, in a utility cupboard or near the front door. Turn clockwise until it stops. Open a downstairs cold tap to drain pressure from the system and slow the leak.

If water is near lights, sockets or a consumer unit, switch off the electrics at the consumer unit only if you can do so safely without standing in water. Move furniture and belongings, lift rugs and use towels or a wet vac to limit damage. Photograph the burst and any staining for insurance.

Do not try to patch a high-pressure spray with tape alone — that is a temporary hold at best. Call Emergency Plumber Chelsea on 020 3002 6667. We aim for rapid isolation and permanent repair across SW3 and SW10, with clear pricing before major work starts.

After isolation we repair or replace the failed section, pressure-test where appropriate and advise on drying. Common causes in Chelsea stock include frozen external runs, failed joints in basements and aged fittings in period properties and harbour apartments.

Quick tips

• Know your stopcock location before an emergency — test it once a year so it is not seized.
• Open cold taps after isolation to relieve pressure and reduce spray while you wait.
• Take photos and keep receipts; insurers often want evidence of emergency make-safe work.
• Avoid DIY soldering or random fittings on live systems — wrong joints fail again under pressure.

FAQs