Ignite Plumbing & Heating
What to Do When a Pipe Bursts in Your Norwich Home
A burst pipe at midnight is terrifying. Here's exactly what to do in the first 10 minutes — before the plumber arrives.
Step 1 — Turn off the mains immediately
Your mains stopcock is usually under the kitchen sink or where the supply pipe enters the house. Turn it clockwise to close. If it's seized and won't move, call us and we'll talk you through using the external stopcock in the pavement.
Step 2 — Open all cold taps
This drains the water from your cold water tank (if you have one) and reduces the volume of water that will continue to flow from the burst. Leave hot taps closed — hot water cylinders should drain through the burst rather than through taps.
Step 4 — Move valuables and electrics
Get anything electrical off the floor. Do not operate light switches or plug sockets if water is near or above them. If water is near your consumer unit (fuse board), get everyone out and call the electricity network operator.
Step 5 — Call us
Call 07825 930939. We're available 24/7 and will dispatch an engineer immediately. Tell us your address and the rough location of the burst — this helps us prepare the right parts on the van.
Preventing burst pipes in winter
Most burst pipes happen during cold snaps when water in external or poorly insulated pipes freezes and expands. Lag your pipes, maintain a low heat setting when away in winter, and know where your stopcock is before you need it.