Problems this covers
- A burst or split pipe
- Water coming through a ceiling or wall
- A tap or valve that will not shut off
- A tank or cistern that keeps overflowing
- A leak you cannot trace
Emergency Plumber in Plymouth: what to know
A plumbing emergency means water is escaping and you cannot stop it. A burst pipe, a split joint and a tap that will not shut are common cases. Act on safety first. Keep people away from the water, and keep electrics well clear of it.
Next, turn the water off at the stop tap. Most homes have one where the main supply pipe comes in, often under the kitchen sink. It can also sit in a garage or a utility room. Turning it off stops more water reaching the broken pipe.
You can send a request through the form at any hour, and you can mark it urgent. However, when an engineer can attend depends on who takes the job. Ask about timing and charges before you agree. If you smell gas, read the gas steps on the boiler pages first.
Questions to ask the engineer
- When can the engineer attend, and how sure is that time?
- Is there a call-out charge, and is it in the quote?
- Does the price change at night or at weekends?
- What is the total price, in writing?
- What cover does the work carry, and for how long?
How a typical job runs
- Turn off the water at the stop tap if you can
- Keep electrics away from the water and move valuables
- Send an urgent request and describe what you see
- The engineer finds the source and makes the pipe safe
- Ask what repair is still needed, and for a written quote
Emergency Plumber near you
Looking for local details? Try the pages for emergency plumber in Plymouth, emergency plumber in Tavistock or emergency plumber in Liskeard, since each one covers its own town. These are the towns with their own page for this service.
You may also want to read about emergency drain services or leak detection and repair, since the jobs are linked.
Water coming in is stressful. This guide covers the first steps for a drain emergency. Read Drain Emergency: What to Do While You Wait for Help now, since acting early can limit the damage. It uses plain words.
Emergency Plumber: common questions
What should I do first with a burst pipe?
Turn the water off at the stop tap. Most homes have one where the main pipe comes in, often under the kitchen sink. Keep electrics away from the water. Then send an urgent request and say what you can see.
Can I send a request at night?
Yes, you can send a request through the form at any hour. Mark it urgent and say what is happening. However, whether an engineer can attend at night depends on who takes the job. Ask before you agree.
Who looks after a leaking pipe outside my home?
The water company looks after the main and the pipe up to your boundary. You look after the pipes on your own property. Ask the engineer where the leak sits. If it is past your boundary, contact your water company.