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🚰 Burst Pipe Emergency
A burst water pipe can quickly cause significant damage to your home. Acting quickly can reduce damage to your belongings and the property.
If you discover a burst pipe, follow the steps below as soon as it is safe to do so.
Step 1 – Turn Off the Water Supply
If it is safe to do so, turn off the property’s internal stop valve (also called the stopcock).
This will normally be located:
- Under the kitchen sink
- In a utility room
- Under the stairs
- Near where the mains water enters the property
Turning off the water can significantly reduce flooding.
Step 2 – Switch Off Electricity (If Safe)
Only if it is safe to do so.
If water is approaching:
- electrical sockets
- light fittings
- consumer unit (fuse box)
- electrical appliances
switch off the electricity at the consumer unit only if you can do so safely without walking through water or touching wet electrical equipment.
⚠️ Never touch electrical equipment if you are standing in water.
If you cannot safely isolate the electricity, keep clear of the affected area and contact the emergency services or your electricity network operator if there is an immediate danger.
Step 3 – Protect Your Belongings
Where safe:
- Move furniture away from the leak.
- Remove electrical items.
- Lift rugs and carpets if possible.
- Place buckets or containers beneath leaking water.
- Use towels to help contain smaller leaks.
Do not place yourself at risk.
Step 4 – Contact Yes Properties Immediately
Report the emergency as soon as possible.
Please provide:
- Property address
- Contact number
- Where the pipe has burst
- Whether water has been isolated
- Photos or video (if safe)
- Whether electricity has been affected
The more information you provide, the quicker appropriate assistance can usually be arranged.
Step 5 – If Water Cannot Be Stopped
If the leak cannot be controlled and water continues flowing:
- Keep yourself and others safe.
- Leave affected areas if necessary.
- Await further instructions from our emergency contractor.
What Not to Do
Do not:
- Ignore the leak.
- Attempt major plumbing repairs yourself.
- Remove fixed plumbing.
- Turn electricity back on until it is safe.
- Use electrical appliances near standing water.
When Should I Call the Water Supplier?
You should normally contact your water supplier if:
- the leak appears to be outside the property;
- the leak is on the public water main;
- you have no water supply affecting the wider area; or
- you suspect the problem is with the external mains supply.
Internal plumbing issues should normally be reported to your landlord or managing agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a burst pipe an emergency?
Yes.
A burst pipe should be reported immediately as it can rapidly cause extensive water damage.
Am I responsible for repairs?
Most burst pipes affecting the property’s plumbing are the landlord’s responsibility, although tenants may be responsible for damage caused by negligence or accidental misuse.
Can I arrange my own plumber?
Please contact Yes Properties first wherever reasonably possible.
Only in exceptional circumstances where there is an immediate emergency and you cannot reach us should you arrange emergency assistance to prevent serious damage. Keep all receipts and evidence, but reimbursement cannot be guaranteed and will depend on the circumstances and the tenancy agreement.
What if my belongings are damaged?
Damage to tenants’ personal possessions is generally a matter for the tenant’s own contents insurance. You should check the terms of your insurance policy.
Emergency Contacts
During Office Hours
📞 Yes Properties
0208 191 3717
Out of Hours Emergency
Call our emergency line if your property is suffering active flooding from a burst pipe.
07337200950
Helpful Tips
Knowing where your stopcock is before an emergency occurs can save valuable time and help minimise damage.
If you’re unsure where it is, ask us during your tenancy—we’ll be happy to help if we can.
Need Urgent Assistance?
If your rental property has a burst pipe, contact Yes Properties immediately. Our team will guide you through the next steps and arrange appropriate assistance as quickly as possible.
