Burst pipe emergency: what to do before the plumber arrives

Turn off the mains stopcock immediately — usually under the kitchen sink or in a cupboard near the front door.

Open cold taps at the lowest point in the property to drain remaining pressure from the system.

Switch off electrics to affected areas if water is near sockets or the consumer unit.

Photograph damage for insurers and your managing agent before moving furniture where safe to do so.

Call an emergency plumber with the property address, access details and whether the leak is still active.

BB Property Maintenance attends burst pipe call-outs across London with make-safe repairs and full reporting for block managers.