24/7 emergency plumber in Brislington
Burst pipe, water through the ceiling, a toilet or drain overflowing. Call us any time, day or night.
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
- A burst or split pipe, including one split by frost
- Water coming through a ceiling or light fitting
- A leak you can’t stop at the source
- A toilet or drain overflowing into the house
- No way to turn the water off: a seized or missing stop tap
- Your only toilet blocked or out of action
If it can wait until morning, we’ll say so. Sometimes the cheapest fix is turning off one isolation valve and booking a normal visit.
While you wait
- Turn off the stop tap. It’s usually under the kitchen sink. Turn it clockwise.
- Keep water away from electrics. If water is near sockets or light fittings, switch off at the consumer unit if you can do it safely, and don’t touch anything wet.
- Drain the system. Open the cold taps and flush the toilets to empty the pipes.
- Catch what you can. Use buckets and towels, and move valuables out of the way.
- Take photos for your insurer before the clean-up.
What to tell us when you call
In an emergency, a few clear answers help us help you faster. We’ll want to know where the water is coming from, if you can see it, and whether you’ve been able to stop it at the stop tap or an isolation valve. Tell us whether water is near any electrics, light fittings or the consumer unit, which part of the house is affected, and whether it’s getting worse. If you’re a tenant, tell us whether your landlord or letting agent knows, as they may need to approve the work.
After the water is off
Once the leak is stopped, the clean-up starts. Ceilings that have taken water can sag and hold it. If you see a bulge, keep people out of the room underneath and don’t poke it. Lift rugs and move furniture off wet carpets. Open windows to help things dry. Keep any damaged items until your insurer has seen them or told you what they need, and take plenty of photos before anything is moved.
Many home insurance policies, and some separate home emergency policies, include cover for escape of water. Every policy is different, so check yours or call your insurer early. Some want to be told before any repair work starts.
Frozen pipes in winter
Bristol Water’s winter advice is to insulate pipes and tanks in lofts, garages and outbuildings, and to know where your stop tap is. If you’re away, keep the heating on low.
If a pipe has frozen but hasn’t split, thaw it gently with warm towels or a hot water bottle. Never use a naked flame. If it has split, turn off the stop tap and call us.
Source: Bristol Water, advice on protecting pipes from bursts, November 2025.
Emergency? Call now.
We answer 24 hours a day across Brislington and the surrounding areas.