Plumbing advice

A pipe has burst — what to do in the first five minutes

The five-minute checklist that limits water damage before the plumber arrives: stop valve, electricity, and what to photograph.

First: stop the water

If you know the water isolation valve and can reach it safely, close it without forcing it. It may be near the meter, tank outlet or supply entry. If it is inaccessible or you cannot identify it, keep away from the affected area and call for help.

Second: protect the electrics

Stay out of standing water near electrical equipment. Switch off power only from a dry, safely accessible position. Do not touch wet switches, sockets or appliances, and do not restore power until a qualified electrician confirms it is safe.

Third: drain what is left in the pipes

Open the lowest tap in the house (an outside tap or ground-floor sink) to let the remaining water in the pipes drain out through the tap instead of the burst.

Then call — photos are optional

If you can do so safely and are comfortable sharing them, send photos of the affected pipe with your location on WhatsApp. Keep people and private documents out of the image. Seeing the pipe material, the fitting type and the space around it lets a plumber arrive with the right parts instead of making two trips.

What not to do

Do not wrap the pipe with rubber and hope — pressure will find the edges. Do not restart the pump to “test it”. And do not let anyone begin repair work without agreeing what it will cost first.

Safety source

CDC: electrical safety when re-entering a flooded home. Keep clear of wet electrical equipment and seek qualified help.