Emergency plumbing
When a pipe bursts, the first few minutes matter more than anything a plumber does later. Here is how to limit the damage, and what a proper repair involves.
Before you ring anyone, cut off the supply so the damage stops growing:
Not every burst is dramatic. Along with water spraying from a pipe, look for a damp patch spreading on a ceiling, water dripping through a light fitting, a hissing sound behind a wall, or a water meter that keeps turning when every tap is off. A sudden drop in boiler pressure can mean a leak on the heating side rather than the mains.
In cold snaps, pipes in lofts, garages and outside walls are the usual suspects. Water expands as it freezes, splitting the pipe, and the leak often only shows when it thaws.
Once the water is off, the damaged section has to be found and cut out. On copper pipe that usually means a new length of pipe joined with soldered or compression fittings; plastic pipe has its own fittings. A clamp or tape can be a stopgap, but it is not a lasting fix.
After the repair, the system is refilled and checked under pressure so we know the joint holds. If the burst was on the heating side, the boiler is repressurised and the radiators are bled. We will also point out other pipes at the same risk, such as lagging that is missing in the loft.
There is no fixed price, because the work depends on where the pipe is. A split pipe under the sink is very different from one under floorboards, behind tiles or buried in a solid floor. Access, the length of pipe affected and making good afterwards all make a difference. Chris will explain what is needed before he starts.
Ring 07429 632804 and Chris will tell you honestly whether and when he can attend. If he cannot get to you quickly, he will say so, so you can find help elsewhere rather than waiting. Our emergency plumber page covers other urgent leaks, and if you are near our base, the plumber in Neath page explains how we work locally.
For a small leak you have already contained, send a photo on WhatsApp or use the quote form to book a repair at a convenient time.
Common questions
Clear answers before you arrange a visit.
A pipe that has split, cracked or come apart at a joint, letting water escape under mains or system pressure. Frost, corrosion, physical damage and failed joints are the usual causes.
You can stop the water and fit a temporary repair clamp to limit damage. A lasting repair means cutting out the damaged section and fitting new pipe, which is best left to a plumber.
Look for spreading damp patches, dripping through ceilings, hissing in walls or a water meter that moves with every tap off.
They are one of the most common household water problems, especially after a hard frost when pipes in lofts and outside walls thaw.
Local plumbing & heating help
Call, WhatsApp or request your free quotation online.
