It’s every homeowner’s nightmare – waking up in the early hours to the sound of running water, only to discover a burst pipe. If you ever find yourself facing this stressful situation, the best course of action is to act quickly and calmly. As your reliable emergency plumber in Brighton, Glow Zone has helped countless local residents handle burst pipes efficiently and minimise damage to their homes.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the key steps to take when a pipe bursts, explain what to expect from a professional plumber, and share a few preventative measures you can take to keep your plumbing system in top condition. Whether it’s day or night, Glow Zone is here to lend a hand when you need it most.
Stay Calm and Turn Off the Water Supply
The moment you discover a burst pipe, don’t panic. Your first priority should be to stop the flow of water. Locate your stopcock – usually found under the sink, beneath the stairs, or near the water meter – and turn it off clockwise to shut off the main supply. This will prevent further flooding and water damage throughout your property.
If the burst occurs in a central heating pipe, turn off your heating system as well. For larger properties or those with complex heating installations, it may be worth having the stopcock clearly labelled for quick access in emergencies.
Drain the System and Protect Your Belongings
After shutting off the water, open all your cold taps to drain any remaining water from the system. Flush toilets once to empty the cistern. Remember, do not run the hot taps if you have a hot water cylinder, as this could affect the system’s pressure balance. Also, move any furniture, rugs, or electrical items away from the affected area to avoid further damage.
Use towels or a mop to soak up standing water and place a bucket under the damaged section of pipe to collect any remaining drips. The quicker you contain the leak, the easier it will be for your plumber to assess and repair the issue.
Contact an Emergency Plumber in Brighton
Once the immediate risk is managed, it’s time to call in the professionals. A qualified plumber in Brighton can quickly locate the cause of the burst, make safe repairs, and restore your water system to normal. If you’re unsure whether it’s a plumbing or heating-related burst, don’t worry – a Worcester Accredited Gas Safe Engineer, like one of our team at Glow Zone, is fully trained to deal with both scenarios safely.
At Glow Zone, we’re proud of our swift response times and customer satisfaction. Our team of experienced professionals offer 24/7 support across Brighton and surrounding areas, so you’re never left stuck in the middle of the night with a growing puddle and no help in sight. You can learn more about what our customers think of our services by reading our Glow Zone testimonials.
Temporary Fixes You Can Try While Waiting
In some cases, if your plumber can’t arrive immediately, you can try temporary fixes to contain the problem. For minor bursts or hairline cracks, you can wrap the pipe with strong tape or apply a pipe repair clamp – but remember, these are only short-term solutions.
It’s tempting to apply quick DIY fixes using household materials, but it’s always safer to have a professional inspect the damage. Hidden issues inside your walls or floorboards might not be visible straight away, and an expert plumber ensures that the repair is both safe and long-lasting.
What Causes Pipes to Burst?
Burst pipes are more common during cold weather, as freezing temperatures can cause the water inside pipes to expand and split the metal or plastic. Other causes include high water pressure, corrosion from age, or accidental damage during renovations. Regular maintenance and inspections are the best ways to reduce the risk of plumbing emergencies.
If your property is older or has metal pipes, you may benefit from professional maintenance services such as power flushing to remove debris or sludge that can put extra strain on your system. Our experts can advise the best treatments to prolong your plumbing and heating system’s life.
Preventing Future Burst Pipes
Once your immediate emergency is resolved, consider scheduling a professional inspection. Insulating exposed pipes, servicing your heating system, and checking for leaks are essential steps that help avoid future issues. As part of our dedicated our services, we offer comprehensive heating and plumbing checks across Brighton and surrounding areas, to keep your home safe and efficient year-round.
Regular plumbing maintenance not only prevents unexpected bursts but can also save you money by improving the efficiency of your water and heating systems. A few small preventative steps today can stop major headaches tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a burst pipe in the middle of the night can be stressful, but acting quickly can significantly reduce damage and cost. Remember to shut off your water supply, protect your belongings, and call your local emergency plumber immediately. Glow Zone’s team of friendly, qualified engineers are available around the clock to support you when it matters most.
If you’ve experienced a burst pipe in Brighton or need expert advice on preventing one, don’t hesitate to contact us today. For fast, reliable assistance from your trusted emergency plumber Brighton, reach out to Glow Zone – your local experts in plumbing, heating, and peace of mind.