What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency – Advice from a York Plumber

Plumbing problems don’t always wait for a convenient time. Whether it’s water pouring from a burst pipe or a toilet that’s overflowing, a plumbing emergency can cause serious damage in minutes if not handled properly. At Simtec Heating, we’ve responded to hundreds of urgent call-outs across York and the surrounding areas. Here’s what to do — and what not to do — when faced with a plumbing emergency at home.

1. Turn off the water supply
The first step is to stop the water. Find your main stop tap (usually under the kitchen sink or where the water pipe enters your property) and turn it clockwise to shut off the supply. If you’re not sure where it is, now’s a good time to locate it.

2. Drain the system if necessary
If you’ve got a burst pipe or major leak, open all your cold taps to drain water from the system. Avoid turning on hot taps unless you’ve switched off the boiler first.

3. Switch off electrics if water is near sockets
If water is leaking close to electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the power at the consumer unit (fuse box) immediately. Safety first — don’t touch wet sockets or wires.

4. Contain the leak
Use buckets, towels or anything absorbent to stop water spreading. Move furniture and electricals out of harm’s way if you can do so safely. Even a small amount of water can cause long-term damage to flooring and fixtures.

5. Call a local emergency plumber in York
Once things are under control, call a qualified local plumber. At Simtec Heating, we prioritise emergency plumbing jobs and aim to be with you as quickly as possible. We don’t charge a call-out fee, and we’ll give you honest advice and a fair price before starting any repair.

6. Avoid DIY repairs
In the middle of an emergency, it can be tempting to “have a go”. But temporary fixes often cause more harm than good — especially with pressurised systems. Leave it to a qualified plumber to fix the issue properly.

We cover plumbing emergencies throughout York and surrounding villages, including Haxby, Acomb, Fulford, and Strensall. If you need urgent help, call Simtec Heating on 01904 412 109. We’re here when you need us.

Read more about our plumbing services in York.