What Counts as a Plumbing Emergency?
A plumbing emergency is any situation that could cause significant damage to your property or pose a health risk if not addressed immediately. Common emergencies include:
- Burst pipes - Can flood your home in minutes
- Major leaks - From ceilings, walls, or under floors
- No water supply - Entire property without water
- Sewage backup - Health hazard requiring immediate attention
- Gas leaks - Call National Gas Emergency (0800 111 999) first
- Boiler breakdown in winter - Especially with vulnerable residents
Step 1: Turn Off Your Water
The most important thing you can do is stop more water entering your home. Find your stopcock and turn it clockwise until it stops.
Where to find your stopcock:- Under the kitchen sink (most common)
- In a utility room or garage
- In a cupboard near the front door
- In the cellar or basement
Step 2: Turn Off Your Heating
If you have a leak or burst pipe, turn off your central heating and hot water. This prevents the boiler from trying to heat water that's escaping.
Step 3: Drain the System
Turn on all cold taps to drain water from the pipes. This reduces the amount of water that can leak out. Flush toilets to empty cisterns.
Step 4: Identify the Source
If it's safe to do so, try to identify where the water is coming from. This helps the plumber arrive with the right equipment.
Warning: If water is coming through light fittings or near electrical outlets, turn off your electricity at the main switch and do not touch any electrical equipment.
Step 5: Protect Your Belongings
While waiting for the plumber:
- Move furniture and valuables away from the water
- Use towels and buckets to contain water
- Take photos for insurance purposes
- Open windows to ventilate if there's a lot of water
Step 6: Call an Emergency Plumber
Call a qualified emergency plumber. In North East England, My Home Heroes offers 24/7 emergency response with aim to arrive within 1 hour.
Emergency Contact: Call 0191 622 6923 (24 hours)
We cover Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham, and all surrounding areas.
What to Tell the Plumber
When you call, be ready to explain:
- What type of emergency (burst pipe, leak, no water, etc.)
- Where the water is coming from
- Whether you've turned off the water supply
- Your address and access instructions
- Whether there are any vulnerable people in the property
Preventing Future Emergencies
Many plumbing emergencies can be prevented:
- Lag pipes - Insulate exposed pipes before winter
- Know your stopcock - Check it works before you need it
- Annual boiler service - Prevents breakdowns
- Check for leaks - Fix drips before they become floods
- Clear drains - Prevent blockages that cause backups
Emergency Plumber Costs
Emergency call-out rates vary. My Home Heroes offers:
| Service | What's Included |
|---|
| Emergency Call-out | No call-out fee - you only pay for work done |
| Burst Pipe Repair | Fixed quote before work starts |
| Leak Detection | We find and fix the source |
| 24/7 Availability | Same rate day or night |
Written by the My Home Heroes Team
Our engineers have 12+ years experience serving North East England. Gas Safe registered, NICEIC approved.