Repair a Burst Pipe

⭐ Introduction

A burst pipe is a common plumbing issue in UK homes, often caused by freezing temperatures, corrosion, or wear and tear. It typically results in water leaking or flooding, which, if not dealt with promptly, can cause significant damage to floors, walls, and personal belongings. Repairing a burst pipe is essential to prevent further water damage and restore your home’s plumbing to safe, working order.

You might need this job urgently in cold weather when pipes freeze and split, or during the year if old pipes degrade or joints fail. Acting quickly not only reduces your repair costs but also minimises disruption and potential health risks from dampness and mould.

🔧 What the job involves

Repairing a burst pipe means stopping the leak and fixing or replacing the damaged section. A plumber will first turn off the water supply to stop further leaking. They will then:

• Locate the exact damaged pipe section.
• Drain the affected water from the system if necessary.
• Cut out the burst or faulty piece of pipe.
• Replace it with new pipework and fittings, ensuring a watertight seal.
• Test the repair by restoring water flow and checking for leaks.
• Clean up the area, removing any debris or damaged materials.

Depending on the pipe type (copper, plastic PVC/PEX, or older lead or galvanised steel), the plumber may use soldering, push-fit fittings, or compression joints to secure the repair. They will also assess if any surrounding water damage requires attention, such as drying out damp walls or floors.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

1. Make an enquiry: Contact a Gas Safe registered plumber or a reputable plumbing company to describe the issue and arrange an emergency or routine visit.
2. Survey and quote: The plumber will visit your home to inspect the damage, identify the pipe type, and provide a written estimate for repairs.
3. Schedule the repair: Agree a convenient time for the work. Emergency calls typically happen quickly, while non-urgent repairs may be arranged within a few days.
4. Day of the works: The plumber arrives, turns off your water supply, isolates and repairs the burst pipe, tests the fix, and cleans the work area.
5. Wrap-up and payment: You receive an invoice detailing the work undertaken and any guarantees. Keep this documentation in case of future issues or insurance claims.

💷 Main costs to expect

• Labour: Typically charged hourly (£40–£70 per hour), depending on plumber’s experience and urgency.
• Materials/parts: New pipe section, fittings, clips, and sealants (~£20–£60).
• Emergency call-out fees: Additional charge if repair is outside regular hours (£50–£100 extra).
• Disposal: Small fee for removing damaged pipe and waste (~£10–£20).
• Certification: Usually unnecessary for cold water pipe repairs, but if the job affects hot water systems or heating, a compliance certificate may be needed (£40–£80).

Example breakdown:

Item	Cost
Labour (2 hours)	£80–£140
Materials	£30
Call-out fee (urgent)	£60
Disposal	£15
Total (approx.)	£185–£245 (excluding VAT)

📊 What affects the price

• Ease of access to the burst pipe (under floors, inside walls, outdoors).
• The complexity of the plumbing system (pipe material, layout).
• Whether other damage (e.g. damp, rot) needs repair.
• Time of day and emergency vs routine service.
• Location of your home — tradesmen in rural or high-demand areas might charge more.
• Regulatory requirements if the pipe is part of a gas or heating system.
• Additional jobs like replacing fittings or valve upgrades.

⏱ How long does it take?

• Simple burst pipe repair: 1–2 hours to locate, isolate, replace, and test.
• Difficult access or pipe runs inside walls/floors: 3–5 hours with possible partial removal of wall coverings for access.
• Further damage repair (floorboards, plaster, insulation): can extend to multiple days, often involving other trades.

Quick, straightforward repairs minimise disruption and water damage.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

While turning off the water supply is straightforward, repairing a burst pipe yourself is generally not recommended unless you have plumbing experience. Risks include:

• Using incorrect fittings or pipe types.
• Poor seals causing ongoing leaks.
• Damaging structures when accessing pipes.
• Invalidating home insurance or warranties.

If the pipework relates to your heating system, boilers, or gas appliances, the work must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

For small visible leaks on accessible copper or plastic pipes, temporary fixes like pipe repair clamps or waterproof tape may help until a plumber arrives, but these are not permanent solutions.

💰 Typical UK price range

Expect a repair costing roughly between £150 and £350 including labour and materials, depending on complexity and urgency. Prices quoted typically exclude VAT but always check with your plumber. Emergency call-outs and difficult access can push the price higher.

✅ Handy tips before you start

• Locate your main water stopcock and turn it off immediately if you suspect a burst to reduce water damage.
• Turn off immersion heaters or heating systems before the repair if needed.
• Move valuables and furniture away from the leak area.
• Take photos of any water damage for insurance.
• Confirm your plumber is Gas Safe registered if the job involves gas or heating pipework.
• Ask for a written quote and ensure you receive an invoice detailing all work done.
• Keep any paperwork, receipts, and guarantees for future reference.
• After repair, monitor the area for any signs of ongoing leaks.
• Consider insulating exposed pipework to prevent future bursts, especially in cold weather.

Prompt, professional repair of burst pipes can save you money and stress, keeping your home safe and dry.