When a pipe bursts, the first few minutes decide how much damage the water does. Stay calm and work through these steps in order.
1. Turn off the water at the mains
Find your main stopcock and turn it clockwise until it stops. In most homes it sits near the water meter at the boundary, often in a small box in the ground. If you do not know where yours is, find it this week and label it.
2. Switch off power near the water
If water is near plug points, lights or the DB board, switch off the power at the main switch before you go near it. If the geyser is involved, switch its breaker off too.
3. Drain the pipes
Open the cold taps in the house to empty the lines. This takes pressure off the damaged pipe and slows the leak.
4. Move valuables and take photos
Lift rugs, electronics and documents clear of the water. Take photos of the damage before you clean up: you may need them for an insurance claim.
5. Get help
Send us a WhatsApp with a photo of the pipe and your address, or phone if you cannot get the water to stop. We are available 24/7.