Emergency plumber: what to do now and what it costs
A burst pipe or a flood cannot wait. Act first to stop the water, then find a plumber. We cannot promise a fast reply, but you can send us your job and we will pass it to up to five local plumbers.
What to do right now
A few calm steps limit the damage while you wait for help. Do these before you phone anyone, because every minute of running water costs you money.
Burst pipe: turn off the stop tap
Find your internal stop tap. It is usually under the kitchen sink or where the mains pipe enters the house. Turn it clockwise to shut off the water. Then open the cold taps to drain the pipes and ease the pressure.
Major leak or overflow: protect the electrics
Shut off the water first. If water is near sockets, lights or your fuse board, switch off the electrics at the main switch. Do not touch wet electrical items, because water and mains power can kill.
No water or no heating: quick checks
Ask your neighbours whether they have water too. If the whole street is dry, it is probably a mains problem for your water company. Check that your stop tap is fully open. If you have lost both hot water and heating, the fault may be the boiler, so see our emergency boiler repair page.
If you smell gas
Leave the house at once and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Do not use switches, naked flames or your phone inside. Only a Gas Safe registered engineer should work on gas.
What does an emergency plumber cost?
Price guides we checked put plumbers at about £40 to £70 an hour. Call-out fees often run from about £60 to £120, although some firms charge £150 or more. Out-of-hours work costs extra, often 50% or more on top, so a night-time call can cost far more than a daytime visit.
These are guides, not quotes, and they differ between sources. Our plumber cost guide explains the pricing in more detail. For work that can wait, daytime prices are lower, so a temporary fix followed by a booked visit can save money.
How to choose in a hurry
Panic makes people pay more, so slow down for one minute. Ask for the total price, the call-out fee, and what it covers. Ask for the plumber’s name and whether they are insured. A reputable plumber will answer clearly, while one that avoids the question is not worth the risk.
We do not vet or guarantee the plumbers who respond. Check them yourself using our guide to finding a tradesman you can trust. For gas work, check the Gas Safe Register. You can also read about plumbers near you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an emergency plumber cost in the UK?
Guides we checked suggest a call-out of about £60 to £150, plus labour and parts. Out-of-hours work costs more. Always agree the total before the plumber starts.
What should I do while I wait for the plumber?
Turn off the stop tap, drain the cold taps, and switch off the electrics if water is near them. Move valuables out of the way and take photos for your insurer.
Can I get an emergency plumber at night?
Some plumbers work out of hours and charge extra for it. We cannot promise a night-time reply, so ring your local plumbers directly if the job cannot wait.
Does home insurance cover a burst pipe?
Often it does, but policies differ. Call your insurer early, keep receipts and ask whether you need to use one of their approved plumbers.