Plumbing
When to call an emergency plumber
Call for urgent help if water won't stop after you've closed the stopcock, water is near electrics, sewage is backing up, or you have no working toilet or no water at all. Most other problems can wait for a normal appointment.
Treat these as urgent
- A burst pipe, or water that keeps coming after you've turned off the stopcock
- Water coming through a ceiling or reaching electrics
- Sewage backing up into the home
- Your only toilet is blocked and won't clear
- No water at all when neighbours have supply
Usually fine for a normal appointment
- A dripping tap or slow leak you can catch in a bowl
- A toilet that runs on after flushing
- Low water pressure
- A second toilet or sink that's blocked when others still work
Do this first
- Turn off the water at the stopcock.
- Keep away from wet electrics, and switch off at the consumer unit only if you can reach it safely.
- Take photos of the problem and any damage for the plumber and your insurer.
When you start a quote, choose Emergency for how soon you need someone. It helps us look for the right tradesperson.
Check your home insurance
Some policies include home emergency cover or have a helpline you should call first. It's worth checking before you book.