Where is my stopcock?

In most UK homes, the internal stopcock is under the kitchen sink, in the cupboard beneath the stairs, or in a downstairs cloakroom. It looks like a brass or chrome tap or gate valve on the main supply pipe. Turn it clockwise to shut off the water. If you cannot find it or it is seized, the external stopcock is in a small cover in the pavement or front path — you may need a stopcock key to turn it.

Can I fix a burst pipe myself as a temporary measure?

Yes, for a temporary fix. A pipe repair clamp, self-amalgamating tape or epoxy putty can stop the leak until a plumber arrives. Turn off the stopcock first and drain the pipe. These are emergency measures only — a plumber should make a permanent repair as soon as possible.

Will my home insurance cover a burst pipe?

Most home insurance policies cover "escape of water" — the damage caused by a burst pipe (ruined flooring, damaged ceilings, etc.). However, the cost of repairing the pipe itself is usually not covered, as insurers consider pipe maintenance the homeowner's responsibility. Check your specific policy wording. Document the damage with photos before cleaning up.

How quickly can an emergency plumber come out in Exmouth?

Most emergency plumbers in the Exmouth area can attend within 1 to 2 hours during working hours. Evenings, weekends and bank holidays may take longer — up to 3 to 4 hours. If you have turned the stopcock off and contained the leak, there is no active flooding, so a short wait is usually fine.

How long does a burst pipe repair take?

A straightforward repair to an accessible pipe typically takes 1 to 2 hours. If the burst is under floorboards, behind a wall or underground, access work can add several hours. Your plumber should give you a time estimate once they have assessed the damage.

Why do pipes burst more often in winter?

Water expands by about 9% when it freezes. This expansion creates enormous pressure inside the pipe — enough to split copper and crack plastic. The burst itself often happens at the weakest point: a joint, a bend or a section where the pipe wall has thinned from corrosion. Pipes in unheated spaces (lofts, garages, exterior walls) are most at risk because they are exposed to the coldest temperatures.

Should I turn off the boiler if a pipe bursts?

Yes. Switch off the boiler and any immersion heaters immediately. Running a boiler with no water in the system (or low water) can damage the heat exchanger. If the burst is on a central heating pipe rather than a mains water pipe, you should also drain the heating system by opening the drain valve at the lowest radiator.

What to Do When a Pipe Bursts: A Step-by-Step Emergency Guide

A burst pipe can cause thousands of pounds of damage in hours. This guide walks you through exactly what to do — step by step — to stop the water, protect your home and get a plumber on the way. Bookmark this page so you have it ready if the worst happens.

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What to Do Right Now

If a pipe has just burst in your home, follow these steps in order. The first two steps — stopcock and draining — will stop the flooding within minutes.

Turn off the mains stopcock

This is the single most important step. Your mains stopcock is usually under the kitchen sink, in the cupboard beneath the stairs or near the front door. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply. If you have not located your stopcock before, find it now — do not wait for an emergency.

Turn on all taps to drain the system

Once the stopcock is off, open all the cold taps in the house to drain remaining water from the pipes. Flush every toilet. This reduces the amount of water that can escape from the burst and relieves pressure in the system.

Switch off the central heating

Turn off your boiler at the thermostat or the boiler itself. If you have a hot water cylinder or immersion heater, switch that off too. This prevents the boiler from trying to heat an empty system, which can cause damage.

Turn off the electricity if water is near electrics

If water is dripping near light fittings, sockets or the consumer unit (fuse box), switch off the power at the main switch. Do not touch any electrical fittings or switches that are wet. Water and electricity are a lethal combination — if in any doubt, call your electricity supplier's emergency number.

Contain the water

Place buckets, bowls and towels under the leak. If water is pooling on the floor, mop it up to prevent it seeping into floorboards and the ceiling below. If a ceiling is bulging with trapped water, place a bucket underneath and carefully puncture the bulge with a screwdriver to release the water in a controlled way — this prevents the ceiling from collapsing.

Call an emergency plumber

With the water off and damage contained, call a local emergency plumber. Explain what has happened, where the burst is (if you can see it) and whether water has reached any electrics. Most emergency plumbers in Exmouth can attend within 1 to 2 hours.

Why Do Pipes Burst?

Understanding what caused the burst helps your plumber make the right repair and prevents it happening again.

Freezing temperatures

The most common cause of burst pipes in the UK. Water expands by about 9% as it freezes, cracking copper and plastic pipes. Pipes in unheated lofts, garages and exterior walls are most at risk. The burst often only becomes apparent when the ice thaws and water starts escaping.

Age and corrosion

Copper pipes can develop pinhole leaks after 30 to 50 years. Galvanised steel pipes corrode from the inside, weakening the pipe wall. Lead pipes become brittle over decades. If your Exmouth home has original pipework from the 1950s or earlier, it is more vulnerable to sudden failure.

High water pressure

Excessive water pressure stresses pipe joints and fittings. UK mains pressure varies but can reach 10 bar in some areas. If your pipes regularly hammer or vibrate when taps are turned off, your pressure may be too high. A pressure reducing valve (PRV) can solve this.

Accidental damage

Drilling into a wall or floor and hitting a pipe is more common than you might think. Pipes are not always where you expect them. Always use a pipe and cable detector before drilling, and avoid drilling near known pipe runs.

Ground movement

Underground supply pipes can crack due to ground settlement, tree root growth or heavy vehicle traffic over shallow pipes. Clay soils in parts of Devon expand and contract with moisture levels, putting stress on buried pipes.

Poor previous repairs

Badly soldered joints, incompatible fittings (e.g. mixing copper and galvanised steel without a dielectric union) and inadequate support clips can all fail over time. DIY repairs that were "good enough" can become the weakest point in the system.

Temporary Fixes While You Wait for a Plumber

These are emergency measures only — they buy you time until a plumber can make a permanent repair. Always turn off the stopcock and drain the pipe first.

Pipe repair clamp

A metal clamp with a rubber gasket that wraps around the pipe over the split. Available from any hardware shop for under £10. Tightening the clamp compresses the rubber against the pipe to form a temporary seal. Good for straight splits in copper pipe.

Pipe repair tape (self-amalgamating)

A silicone tape that fuses to itself when stretched and wrapped tightly around the pipe. It creates a waterproof seal on low-pressure leaks. Wrap at least 5 layers, overlapping by half the tape width. Not suitable for high-pressure mains or hot water pipes.

Epoxy pipe putty

A two-part putty that hardens in minutes when mixed. Press it firmly over the hole or crack. Works on copper, plastic and iron pipes. Best for pinhole leaks and small cracks. The pipe must be dry for the putty to bond properly.

Need a cost estimate for a permanent repair? See our pipe repair and replacement cost guide for typical Exmouth prices, or get a quick estimate with our cost calculator.

How to Prevent Burst Pipes

Most burst pipes are preventable. These steps are especially important for Exmouth homes with pipes in lofts or exterior walls.

Lag all pipes in unheated areas — lofts, garages, exterior walls and under raised floors
Keep your heating on a low setting (at least 12°C) during cold snaps, even when you are away
Know where your stopcock is and check it turns easily at least once a year
Fix dripping taps — moving water is less likely to freeze
Open loft hatches slightly during freezing weather to let warm air circulate
Insulate your cold water tank in the loft if you have one
If leaving your home empty in winter, consider draining the system or asking someone to check daily
Have your plumbing inspected if your home has original pipework over 40 years old

Burst Pipe Repair Costs

Typical costs for burst pipe repairs in the Exmouth area for 2026. For a full breakdown of plumbing rates, see our plumber costs guide.

Scenario	Cost	Notes
Emergency callout (evenings/weekends)	£100–£200	Callout fee before any repair work
Burst pipe repair (accessible)	£100–£300	Pipe visible under sink or in cupboard
Burst pipe repair (under floor/in wall)	£250–£600	Includes access and making good
Frozen pipe thawing + lagging	£80–£200	If no burst has occurred
Underground supply pipe repair	£500–£1,500	Excavation and reinstatement
Temporary repair clamp (DIY)	£5–£15	From any hardware shop

Prices are estimates for 2026. Emergency callout rates apply outside normal working hours (typically 8am to 6pm weekdays).

Burst Pipe FAQs

Need an Emergency Plumber in Exmouth?

If you have a burst pipe or major leak, browse our directory of local emergency plumbers. Many offer same-day callouts across Exmouth and East Devon.

Find Emergency Plumbers

Not an emergency? Browse our pipe repair and replacement guide for scheduled repairs. For a full breakdown of what plumbers charge, see our plumber costs guide. Not sure what's wrong? Try our diagnosis tool.