Burst Pipe Repair in Fulham

Turn off the water at the main stopcock, which is usually under the kitchen sink, in the hall or in the basement, by turning it clockwise. Open the cold taps to drain the system, switch off the boiler and immersion heater if a hot or heating pipe is involved, and turn off electrics at the consumer unit if water is near electrical fittings. Move valuables, contain the water with towels, and take photographs. Then call us so we can match a partner plumber.

Published 2026 London ranges put an accessible burst pipe at about £150 to £300 in total, including call-out, and one concealed behind a wall at about £300 to £600. Costs rise for out-of-hours work, difficult access, or if making good is needed afterwards. The partner will give you a written quote after seeing the pipe, and you can compare it with these figures. If more of the run needs replacing, they should quote that option separately.

Water expands by about nine per cent as it turns to ice, which can split a pipe, but the ice itself plugs the split. Only when the ice thaws does water flow through the crack, so the leak seems to start as the weather warms. That is why burst calls peak after a cold snap ends. If a pipe has been frozen, turn off the water before it thaws and check for splits.

Turn off the water at the stopcock, open the nearest tap so that water can escape as the ice melts, and thaw the pipe gently, starting nearest the tap. Use a hot water bottle, a warm towel or a hairdryer on a low setting, but never a naked flame or blowtorch. Check the pipe for splits as it thaws. If you cannot reach it or find a split, call us and a partner plumber can help.

Many household policies cover escape of water, but terms, excesses and exclusions vary, and some require the property to have been heated or occupied. Check your own policy documents and tell your insurer as soon as possible. Photograph the damage and keep the failed pipe section if you can. A partner's written note on the cause and the repair can support a claim, though the decision is your insurer's.

Often yes. A split in a straight length can be cut out and a new section inserted using couplings, and a failed joint can usually be remade. If the pipe is generally corroded, lead or galvanised, a longer replacement may be a better investment, because the next failure is likely to be close by. The partner will give you the minimum repair and the fuller option in writing so you can compare.

A simple accessible repair typically takes one to three hours, including isolating, cutting out the damaged section, fitting new pipe and testing. A concealed pipe takes longer because the wall or floor has to be opened and made good. Drying out and redecorating are separate. The partner should tell you what to expect once they have seen the pipe, and will not leave you without water unless that is unavoidable.

If you are a tenant, yes, promptly, because the landlord is usually responsible for the repair and any damage to the building structure. If you are a leaseholder in a block, tell the managing agent, especially if the water has reached other flats. Take dated photographs and keep the plumber's written account. We can give you advice on what to say on the call, but responsibility depends on your tenancy or lease.

Replacing them is usually a good idea if you have the budget, because a failure in an old pipe often signals more to come, and lead is generally recommended for replacement. The partner can quote the immediate repair and the replacement of the wider run side by side. Doing it while the floor or wall is already open is usually cheaper than a separate visit later.

Yes. We cover Fulham, Parsons Green, West Kensington, West Brompton, Sands End and Imperial Wharf, and the partner will be sent according to your building type and location. In West Brompton the borough boundary with Kensington and Chelsea may matter if building control is involved, so we ask the address. Ring us with your postcode and whether it is a house or a flat.