7 Warning Signs You Have a Burst Pipe (And What to Do Next)

The short answer

A burst pipe often shows itself slowly. Damp patches, weak pressure and odd noises are the usual clues. If you think a pipe has gone, shut off the water at the stop tap. Then switch off the heating.

Sign 1: damp patches on walls or ceilings

A stain on a ceiling or a cold, damp wall is a classic clue. Water can run along joists, so the leak may sit far from the patch. It will not dry out by itself, because the source keeps feeding it. Check the spot again the next day.

Sign 2: a drop in water pressure

Weak flow at every tap can mean a leak in your supply pipe. However, the fault may sit on the water company’s side. Ask a neighbour if they have the same problem. A leak on your side is more likely if only your home is hit.

Sign 3: running water when everything is off

Turn off every tap and appliance, then listen. A hiss or a drip points to a leak. If you have a water meter, note the reading, wait a while and read it again. A moving dial while no water is in use is a strong clue.

Sign 4: wet floors or lifting boards

Pools near radiators, under sinks or along skirting boards can come from a split pipe. Floorboards that warp or lift suggest water has sat below them for some time. Treat any wet patch as a warning, because small leaks grow.

Sign 5: brown or cloudy water

Rust or grit in tap water can point to a corroded pipe, although street work on the water main can cause the same thing. Run the cold tap for a minute. If it stays brown, ask a plumber to look.

Sign 6: a higher water bill

If you pay by meter, a jump in your bill can mean a hidden leak, because the water still runs through the meter. Compare it with the same months last year. Slow leaks often show up in the figures before they show on a wall.

Sign 7: mould in odd places

Mould in a cupboard or behind a bath panel needs a damp source. A slow leak is one possible cause. Cleaning the mould will not cure it, since the damp will bring it back. Look for the water first.

What to do if you think a pipe has burst

The Met Office gives clear advice on frozen or burst pipes. The steps below follow it.

1. Turn off the water at the stop tap.
2. Switch off the boiler and the heating.
3. Open the cold taps to drain the pipes.
4. Keep away from electrics near the leak, and switch them off only if it is safe.
5. Mop up the water and take photos for your insurer.
6. Ask a plumber to attend. The WaterSafe directory lists approved plumbers.

Our guide to the first 10 minutes of a plumbing emergency covers each step. If you cannot find the valve, read where your stop tap is likely to be.

Finding a hidden leak

If you can hear water but cannot see it, do not start opening up walls. Instead, ask the plumber how they plan to trace the leak first. Our burst pipe repair page explains how we handle these jobs.

A fall in boiler pressure can also hint at a leak in the heating circuit, and our boiler pressure guide covers that case. Leaks under a floor may cause damp, which matters if you plan a refit. The bathroom fitting cost guide shows what drives that job.

What a burst pipe repair may cost

TradeMatch puts burst pipe repairs at roughly £150 to £400, while MyJobQuote shows about £100 in labour alone. Access and hidden pipework move the figure up or down. Our guide to emergency plumber costs shows how call-out fees and hourly rates add up.

These are guides, not quotes from us. Use our online request form to ask for a price, since every job differs.

Other leaks to watch

Cold weather is a common cause, so see our guide to frozen pipes in Northamptonshire. A leak at a macerator base is a different fault, which we cover in Saniflo not working. Landlords and shop owners may want a plan before a leak happens, so read about commercial plumbing in Northampton. Drains can leak underground too, while a CCTV drain survey can show where.

If you need a plumber, how to choose a plumber in Northampton lists the checks to make.

Frequently asked questions

Should I turn the water off straight away?

Yes, if you can reach the stop tap safely. Shutting off the supply limits the damage while you arrange a repair.

Will home insurance cover a burst pipe?

Many policies cover escape of water, although terms differ. Read your policy and photograph the damage before you clean up.

Can I fix a burst pipe myself?

A temporary wrap may slow a leak. However, a proper repair needs the right fittings and tools. Ask a plumber to make it permanent.

Get help near you

Our emergency plumber service takes requests through the form at any hour. Mark your request urgent if water is escaping. We cover Northampton and a 30-mile radius, and you can browse all our plumbing services or the areas we cover.

Near Towcester, see plumbers in Towcester. In Brackley, see emergency plumbers in Brackley. Around Thrapston, see plumbers in Thrapston. In the county town, see plumbers in Northampton. Near Banbury, see plumbers in Banbury. Each page explains local coverage, while the form works for every town.