What to do if you have a burst pipe or leak

10 January 2025 15:36

With a gradual thaw forecast into the weekend, NI Water is reminding customers to know where their stop valve is located in case they need to turn off their water in the event of a leak or a burst.

With below zero temperatures experienced since the New Year, water in pipes may have frozen. This means when they start to thaw the pipes will contract, causing them to crack or burst. Water from burst pipes can cause costly structural damage to a property, which may lead to months of repair work.  There is also the cost of replacing furniture, electrical and personal items which may also have been destroyed.

Carol Duffy, Head of Intelligent Operations with NI Water, said: “A burst pipe can have more implications than the immediate water damage caused. Unfortunately, it’s something many of us don’t think about until something goes wrong. It’s easy to panic, but if you have a plan in place you can turn off your water at your stop valve and minimise the damage.”

What to do if you have a leak or a burst pipe:

• Turn off your stop valve (turn it clockwise) - most are under the kitchen sink. Try to block escaping water with a thick cloth like towels. Turn on all taps to reduce flooding. Don’t forget to turn off taps once the problem is fixed to avoid the waste of water
• Phone your plumber - type in your postcode at www.watersafe.org.uk to find your nearest accredited plumbing business
• Phone your insurance company - check your insurance company offers you protection from the large-scale damage that mother nature can sometimes cause
• Report a burst or leak – members of the public can alert NI Water of any leaks or bursts by visiting www.niwater.com/report-a-leak-or-burst-pipe/ or using our webchat service online at www.niwater.com/contact-us/ or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/niwater and X (formerly Twitter) @niwnews
• If you have checked the pipes on your property and they are not burst or frozen, and you still have no water supply, contact NI Water on 03457 440088, on webchat at www.niwater.com/contact-us/ or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/niwater and X (formerly Twitter) @niwnews

Tips to avoid leaks and bursts in the future:

• Make sure you know where your stop tap is and check it’s working but turning it clockwise
• If you plan to be away for a while, leave your heating on low to allow the warmth to circulate and leave a key with a neighbour so they can check inside your home occasionally
• Ensure all indoor and outdoor pipes are insulated
• Keep the name and telephone number of your Watersafe qualified plumber next to the boiler or stop tap for handiness

Ends

Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com