A burst pipe can soak floors and ceilings quickly. The steps below follow advice from Essex & Suffolk Water, because it publishes clear winter guidance. Once the water is off, a plumber can repair the pipe.
We cover Colchester and the towns around it, including Harwich and Sudbury. However, the first few steps are yours to take, so read this page before winter arrives.
Stop the water first
Turn off the stop tap, then open the taps to drain the system. This lowers the pressure while you wait. If water is near electrical sockets or fittings, switch off the electricity at the consumer unit, but only if it is safe to reach it. Never touch a wet or damaged consumer unit. Check your home insurance paperwork too.
If the stop tap will not turn, it may have seized. Anglian Water advises that a seized stop tap may need a plumber. Meanwhile, try the outside stop tap, which usually sits in a chamber at the boundary.
Dealing with a frozen pipe
A frozen pipe may split as it thaws, although it may also stay whole. First turn off the supply at the stop tap and check whether the pipe has burst. Then thaw it gently with a hair dryer, a hot water bottle or towels soaked in hot water.
Never use a blowtorch or anything with a naked flame. Essex & Suffolk Water gives the same warning, because fire and old pipework do not mix. If water starts to leak as the pipe thaws, treat it as a burst.
What a plumber does
A plumber finds the split and checks that the water is off, because safe work needs a dry pipe. Next, the plumber removes the damaged section and fits new pipe and fittings. Finally, the supply goes back on and every joint gets checked for leaks.
You can ask for a WaterSafe-registered plumber, since WaterSafe lists plumbers for this work. Tell us what you can see when you request a quote online; the plumber will discuss the job with you.
Preventing a burst in winter
Insulate your water tanks and pipes with lagging, because lagging slows freezing. The Met Office says good quality lagging also helps your hot water system. Find your stop tap before the cold weather, and test it every six months.
Cover outside taps in winter. In cold spells, keep cabinet doors open so warm air reaches the pipes, since cold air sits behind cupboards. Also leave the heating on low if you go away.
When it is your water company's job
A burst in the street or on the footpath belongs to the water company, so it is not yours to repair. Report it online, or use the emergency leak line if your supply has stopped. If you are unsure, our emergency plumber page explains who owns which pipe, and our leak detection page shows how to test for a hidden leak.
Burst Pipe Repair — frequently asked questions
Can I thaw a frozen pipe myself?
Yes, but gently. Turn off the stop tap, then use a hair dryer, a hot water bottle or towels soaked in hot water. Never use a blowtorch or a naked flame, because it can damage the pipe and start a fire.
Is a burst pipe my responsibility?
Leaks in your home or on your property are your responsibility. Leaks in the street or footpath belong to your water company, so report those to the company. Meanwhile, shut off your own stop tap if water enters your home.
Should I switch off the electricity?
If water is near electrical sockets or fittings, switch off the electricity at the consumer unit, but only if it is safe to reach it. Never touch a wet or damaged consumer unit.
How do I stop the water?
Turn off the stop tap, usually under the kitchen sink. Then open the taps to drain the system and request a plumber online, since the pipe will still need repair.