Emergency Plumber in Portsmouth: What to Do When a Pipe Bursts

Stay Calm — Here's What to Do

A burst pipe is one of those plumbing nightmares that can happen to anyone. Water spraying everywhere, ceiling stains spreading, and that sinking feeling that this is going to be expensive. But the first few minutes are crucial — acting quickly can save you thousands in water damage.

Here's exactly what to do if a pipe bursts in your Portsmouth home.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water

This is the most important thing you can do. Find your stopcock (mains water shut-off valve) and turn it clockwise to stop the water supply.

Where is my stopcock? In most Portsmouth homes, it's in one of these places:

• Under the kitchen sink
• In a downstairs cupboard
• Under the stairs
• Near the front door in the hallway

Step 2: Turn Off the Heating

If the burst pipe is part of your central heating system, turn off the boiler. This stops hot water being pumped through the broken pipe and prevents further damage to the boiler.

Step 3: Drain the System

Turn on all the cold taps in the house to drain the remaining water from the pipes. This reduces the amount of water that can leak from the burst. If it's a hot water pipe, turn on the hot taps too.

For heating system leaks, you can also drain water by turning off the boiler and running the hot taps.

Step 4: Contain the Water

While you're waiting for the plumber:

• Put buckets and towels under the leak to catch dripping water
• If the ceiling is bulging, place a bucket underneath and carefully puncture the bulge with a screwdriver to release the water in a controlled way (otherwise it might collapse)
• Move furniture and valuables away from the affected area
• If water is near electrics, turn off the electricity at the consumer unit

Step 5: Call an Emergency Plumber

Now that you've minimised the damage, call a local emergency plumber. At Blimp Plumbing, we offer same-day emergency callouts across Portsmouth and the surrounding areas.

When you call, we'll talk you through anything else you can do while we're on our way. We aim to reach you within 1-2 hours during working hours.

Why Pipes Burst

Understanding why pipes burst can help you prevent it happening again:

• Freezing — The most common cause in winter. Water expands when it freezes, cracking the pipe. This is especially common in unheated lofts, garages, and external walls.
• Corrosion — Older copper and especially lead pipes corrode over time, weakening until they eventually fail.
• High pressure — Excessive water pressure puts constant strain on pipes and joints.
• Age — All pipes have a lifespan. Old pipes become brittle and prone to cracking.
• Movement — Building settlement, ground movement, or even vibration from traffic can stress pipes.

Preventing Burst Pipes

Prevention is always better (and cheaper) than cure:

• Insulate your pipes — Lag any pipes in unheated areas like lofts, garages, and under-floor voids. Pipe insulation is cheap and easy to fit.
• Keep your heating on low — In very cold weather, keep your heating ticking over on a low setting rather than turning it off completely, even when you're out.
• Fix dripping taps promptly — A dripping tap in a cold area can lead to a frozen pipe.
• Know where your stopcock is — Seconds matter when a pipe bursts. Know where it is and make sure it works.
• Get old pipework replaced — If your home still has lead or old copper pipes, consider replacing them before they fail.

What About Insurance?

Most home insurance policies cover damage from burst pipes, but there are things to be aware of:

• Document the damage — Take photos and videos before cleaning up.
• Keep receipts — Keep receipts for any emergency repairs and temporary measures.
• Report promptly — Contact your insurer as soon as possible.
• Emergency repair costs — Most insurers will cover reasonable emergency repair costs, but check your policy.

The plumbing repair itself (fixing the pipe) is usually your responsibility, while the resulting water damage (ceiling, flooring, belongings) is typically covered by insurance.

Emergency Plumber Costs

Emergency plumbing callout costs in Portsmouth typically range from:

• Emergency callout and simple repair: £100 – £250
• Burst pipe repair: £150 – £350
• Major leak repair with pipework: £250 – £500+

At Blimp Plumbing, we're upfront about costs. We'll tell you what the repair will cost before we start work, even on an emergency callout.

Don't Wait — Save Our Number

Plumbing emergencies don't wait for convenient times. Save our number in your phone now so you've got it when you need it. We cover Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Waterlooville, and Chichester.