Plumbing

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Plumbing Emergencies: What to Do Before a Plumber Arrives

25th February 2026

Plumbing emergencies often happen when you least expect them. From burst pipes and blocked toilets to boiler problems, these situations can be stressful and costly if not handled promptly or correctly. Whilst calling for an emergency plumber should be your top priority, there are also a few important steps you can take to reduce further damage and keep your home safe as you wait for help to arrive.

1. Turn Off Water Supply

The best immediate action you can take during a plumbing emergency is to switch off the water supply. Find your home’s stopcock (typically under the kitchen sink or near where water enters the property) and turn it to shut off the mains water.

If you can spot that the issue is isolated, such as to a specific appliance like a washing machine or toilet, you can turn off the local valve instead.

By acting quickly, you can majorly reduce the risk of flooding and water damage before the emergency plumber gets to you.

2. Switch Off Electricity if Necessary

If you spot water leaking near outlets or electrical appliances, safety comes first. Only if safe to do so, switch off the electricity at the mains. Never touch electrical equipment while standing in water and avoid using appliances in the affected areas.

3. Drain the System

Once you have shut off the water supply, open all cold taps to drain any excess water from the pipe work. Flushing toilets and turning on cold taps can also help to relieve system pressure and will help to limit further leaks, particularly if the job surrounds burst or cracked pipes or if there is another undetected issue that could be causing the problem.

4. Contain the Leak

Temporary fixes won’t compare to professional repairs however they are great for helping manage the situation. Use towels and containers/buckets to catch leaking water and prevent it from spread anywhere else. If you can identify the source of the leak, wrap it with tape or apply a cloth to it to slow the water flow until the emergency plumber arrives.

5. Avoid DIY Repairs

It can be tempting to jump in and attempt to fix the issue yourself when things go wrong. But, without the right tools or expertise, DIY repairs can often end up making plumbing emergencies worse. It’s always best to leave permanent repairs to the qualified professionals who can carry out the work safely and resolve the issue properly. The best course of action is to follow the above steps to reduce damage whilst you await help.

6. Find an Emergency Plumber You Can Trust

Once you have the immediate damage under control, it’s time to find an emergency plumber.

Look for professionals who are available 24/7, clearly list their services and have verified previews from previous customers. TrustATrader makes it easier than ever to find an emergency plumber who is reliable and properly vetted.

Plumbing emergencies are never convenient, but knowing what to do when the time comes can make all the difference. Make sure to act quickly and prioritise safety. Call a trusted emergency plumber and protect your home.

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Looking for more plumbing advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common plumbing questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

What should I do if I have a blocked drain or sink?

Start with a plunger - create a good seal and use firm, steady pressure. For a kitchen sink blocked with grease, bicarbonate of soda followed by vinegar can help. If that's not shifting it, a drain snake reaches further down the pipe. Go easy on chemical drain cleaners as they can damage older pipes and rarely sort the root cause. If the blockage keeps coming back, affects more than one outlet, or you're getting unpleasant smells, call a plumber rather than trying to patch up the problem.
How can I tell if I have a hidden water leak?

The most obvious clue is a water bill that's gone up without any change in your usage. Beyond that, listen out for running water when everything's turned off, and watch for damp patches on walls or ceilings nowhere near an obvious water source. A quick self-test is to turn everything off and watch your water meter - if it's still moving, there's a leak somewhere. Tracking down exactly where it is usually needs a specialist detection kit, which a plumber can bring in without having to rip everything up.
What should I do if I have a burst pipe?

Turn off your stopcock straight away - you'll usually find it under the kitchen sink or where the mains water enters the property. Once it's off, open your taps to drain what's left in the system, switch off the boiler if you can do so safely, and mop up any standing water before it reaches electrics or flooring. Then call a plumber. With burst pipes, the faster you act, the less damage you'll be faced with.
What is a gas safety certificate and do I need one?

A Gas Safety Record is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer after checking that all your gas appliances, flues, and pipework are safe. Landlords in England, Scotland, and Wales are legally required to get one every year and give tenants a copy within 28 days. For homeowners it's not a legal requirement, but getting a check done alongside your annual boiler service is a smart idea, particularly in older properties. Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can carry out the work or issue the certificate - you can check anyone's registration on the Gas Safe Register website.
Why is my water pressure low and can a plumber fix it?

Low pressure usually comes down to one of a handful of things: a stop valve that's not fully open, limescale build-up in older pipes, a failing pressure-reducing valve, or an issue with your water provider's mains supply. In most cases a plumber can sort it - though if the problem is with the mains itself, you'll need to contact your water company first. Either way, don't just live with it - ongoing low pressure can sometimes point to something more serious.
How do I know if my boiler needs replacing or just repairing?

If it's under ten years old and it's one specific fault, a repair usually makes sense. If it's over fifteen, has needed multiple fixes recently, is making strange noises, or your energy bills have crept up for no obvious reason - replacement is probably the better investment. A useful rule of thumb: if the repair would cost more than half the price of a new boiler, it's probably time to replace it.
How often should I get my plumbing inspected?

There's no legal requirement for homeowners, but every two to three years is a sensible habit - especially in older properties or hard water areas where limescale builds up over time. Your annual boiler service covers some of the associated pipework too. And if anything seems off between inspections - odd noises, discoloured water, unexplained damp - don't wait. Get it looked at sooner.
Why do my pipes make a banging or knocking noise?

That banging sound (sometimes called water hammer) usually happens when water flow is suddenly stopped or redirected, sending a pressure wave through the pipes. It's most common after flushing the toilet, shutting a tap sharply, or when a washing machine valve closes. Pipes that aren't properly secured can also knock against walls or joists. It sounds alarming but it's often an easy fix - a plumber can figure out whether it's a pressure issue, a faulty valve, or just some loose pipework.

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