Burst water pipe first stop the water
Is water spraying or flowing? Turn off the stopcock now and call 070 783 0224.
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When a pipe bursts, every minute counts: tens of litres of water can flow out per minute. The most important thing you can do yourself is to turn off the water at the mains stopcock. After that, there is time to calmly assess what has happened.
Short answer
Turn off the mains stopcock (usually in the meter cupboard by the water meter, sometimes in the crawl space or by the front door), switch off the electricity if water reaches any electrics, and turn off the hot-water system or water heater. Repairing a burst water pipe costs € 85 excl. VAT (€ 102.85 incl.) with us, plus call-out charge.
- Turn stopcock clockwise to close
- Power out when water near electrics
- Take photos for the insurer
Call me back
Leave your name and number and we'll call you. Prefer immediate contact? Call 070 783 0224 or message us.
Step by step: stopping the water
- Close the stopcock. It's usually in the meter cupboard, near the water meter. In older houses sometimes in the crawl space, the cellar or under the stairs. Turn clockwise until it stops. If it's stuck, don't force it; call us.
- Power off. Is water near sockets, the meter cupboard or appliances? Turn off the main switch, but only if you don't have to go through the water to do so.
- Turn off the water heater or gas water heater. An electric water heater without water can be damaged. With a central heating boiler with hot water, you usually don't need to do anything.
- Open taps. Open a low tap; then the water still in the pipes will drain there instead of through the leak.
- Water away and photos. Mop up, put things up high and take photos of the leak and the damage.
Where the stopcock is located and how to shut off the outside tap is explained in detail on stopcock and outside tap.
Why does a water pipe burst?
- Frost: water expands when it freezes. Pipes in a cold crawl space, in the loft, in the garage or the outside tap often burst as a result. You only notice the leak when it thaws again. Tips to prevent this: pipes and freezing.
- A loose fitting: a compression fitting or press fitting that has not been tightened properly or has come loose after years.
- Corrosion and wear: old copper or lead pipes become thinner; a pinhole suddenly becomes a crack.
- High water pressure or pressure surges: a washing machine or dishwasher that closes quickly causes a knock in the pipe. Over time a weak spot can give way.
- Drilling or nailing: a pipe in the wall hit when hanging a cupboard or shelf. More common than you'd think.
What we do
If you can see where the leak is, we usually repair the pipe immediately: cut out the damaged section, fit a new piece or coupling, then pressurise the pipe and check. If the pipe is in the floor or wall and the location isn't clear, we first locate it using leak detection, so we only need to open up in one place.
If a pipe leaks repeatedly, or there are still old pipes (for example lead in a pre-war house), we advise replacing a section. You'll get a price for that in advance. A pipe that regularly freezes can be relocated or insulated.
What does it cost to repair a burst pipe?
| Item | Excl. VAT | Incl. 21% VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Repairing a burst water pipe | € 85 | € 102,85 |
| Tighten or turn on indoor tap | € 120 | € 145,20 |
| Relocating pipes | € 145 | € 175,45 |
| Leak inspection (if the leak is not visible) | € 220 | € 266,20 |
| Leak detection including report (pipe in floor or wall) | € 350 | € 423,50 |
Guide prices from the PandFix price list (October 2026). Call-out charge is additional: €35 excl. VAT (€42.35 incl.), emergency €65 excl. VAT (€78.65 incl.). Evening or weekend: surcharge €80 excl. VAT (€96.80 incl.). Materials and extra hours only by agreement. You will always hear the price before we start.
Is the pipe on the street side of the water meter or before the stopcock? That is usually the water company's section. Please call your water company.
Questions about a burst water pipe
Where is my stopcock?
Usually in the meter cupboard by the water meter. In older homes sometimes in the crawl space, cellar or under the stairs. Clockwise is closed.
The stopcock is stuck. What now?
Do not force it: a broken tap makes it worse. Call us urgently. If the leak is before the water meter, call your water company.
What does repairing a burst pipe cost?
According to our price list €85 excl. VAT (€102.85 incl.), plus call-out charge (€35 excl. VAT (€42.35 incl.), emergency €65 excl. VAT (€78.65 incl.)).
Will the water damage be covered?
Damage caused by sudden water escape is often covered by buildings or contents insurance. The repair of the pipe itself usually isn't. It varies by policy.
How do I prevent pipes from freezing?
Insulate pipes in cold spaces, shut off the outside tap indoors and drain it, and keep the crawl space closed during severe frost.
