A burst pipe, an overflowing cistern or a leak through the ceiling needs action, because water spreads fast. This page explains what to do in the first few minutes and when a plumber helps. If you searched for a 24 hour plumber, our 24/7 online enquiry form takes requests at any time. A local plumber will get back to you about the job.
However, you can contain many urgent problems yourself. Because the stop tap controls the water to every tap in the home, knowing where it is matters most. We cover Colchester and nearby towns such as Clacton-on-Sea and Braintree.
First steps in a plumbing emergency
Turn off the water at the stop tap first, since that stops the flow everywhere. Anglian Water says the stop tap usually sits under the kitchen sink or in a kitchen cupboard. It can also sit in a bathroom, garage, utility room, cellar or under the stairs. If you cannot find it inside, look for the outside stop tap in a chamber near the boundary.
Next, open the taps to drain the system. 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. Then check your home insurance paperwork before the repair starts, because you may need to report the damage.
What an emergency plumber does
When a plumber visits, the first job is to find the source and stop the water. For example, that can mean replacing a split section of pipe or fitting a new valve. Because every home differs, request a quote online and describe the problem; the plumber will discuss the job with you.
Plumbers also check for damage nearby. Wet plaster, stained ceilings and soft floors can hide a second leak. Therefore a good visit ends with advice on drying out and on what to watch for.
When the problem is your water company's
Not every leak is yours to fix. The water company owns the mains and, normally, the pipe up to your boundary. Essex & Suffolk Water says leaks in your home or on your property are your responsibility, while leaks in the street are the company's job.
Report a street or footpath leak to your water company online. If the leak has stopped your supply, use the company's emergency leak line instead. Meanwhile, keep the stop tap handy in case your own pipes are also affected.
Drain problems are a different job
Sewage backing up or a drain flooding is a drainage fault, while a burst is a pipe fault. Our emergency drain services page covers it. Our guide to blocked drains explains the usual causes.
How to request a plumber online
Use the form on this page and describe the problem. Say where you are, for example Colchester, Maldon or Halstead, and mention whether you have shut off the water. A local plumber will get back to you with the next steps.
You may also want our burst pipe repair guide or our leak detection page. Both go into more detail than this overview, so they are worth a look while you wait.
Emergency Plumber — frequently asked questions
What should I do first if a pipe bursts?
Turn off the water at the stop tap and open the taps to drain the system. 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. Then request a plumber through the online form, because the pipe still needs a proper repair.
I searched for a 24 hour plumber. How do I ask for help?
Use our 24/7 online enquiry form, which takes requests at any time. A local plumber will get back to you. For a leak in the street, report it to your water company as well, since the company owns that pipe.
Who fixes a leak in the street outside my home?
Your water company. Report it online, or use its emergency leak line if the leak has stopped your supply. Leaks inside your boundary are usually the owner's to repair, however.
Where is my stop tap?
Anglian Water says it is usually under the kitchen sink or in a kitchen cupboard. Other common places are a bathroom, garage, utility room or cellar. A stop tap that has seized may need a plumber, because forcing it can damage the pipe.