If you've spotted a burst water pipe outside your house and are unsure what to do, we're here to guide you through the next steps, with advice from a qualified plumber and water leak expert.
From blocked drains to frozen pipes, cold weather can invite a host of pesky problems – and a burst pipe is just one of them, causing flooding, property damage, and an interruption to the water supply.
To find out what you need to do in the event of a burst water pipe – whether it's on your land or not – keep reading to find out what the experts recommend.
What to do if you have a burst water pipe outside
If you have a burst water pipe outside your home, the first thing you should do is report it to your local water company, advises James Hargrave, Head of Leakage Operations at Anglian Water. The same applies if there is a leak coming from your external stop tap or meter.
However, if the burst comes from a private pipe inside the boundary of your property, James explains that you may need to turn off your water supply and find a plumber to repair it. “If in doubt, the water company can determine whether it is one for them to repair and can guide you to approved contractors who can help.”
James is an experienced water industry leader with over three decades of expertise spanning regulation, scientific innovation, and front-line network management. Serving as Head of Leakage Operations at Anglian Water Services, James leads a diverse team focused on delivering leakage reduction activities across the business, driving performance to industry-leading standards.
How to repair burst pipes on a private property
If you discover a burst pipe on your private property (as opposed to public land), you'll want to follow plumber Harry Davis' step-by-step guide below:
- Turn off the water supply at the stop tap to prevent further damage
- For small, accessible bursts, a temporary repair clamp or self-amalgamating tape can limit water loss until a permanent fix is made. However, most outdoor or underground private supply pipes will require a professional plumber to excavate and replace the damaged section safely and to current standards
- Once repaired, it’s essential to improve protection and insulation around the pipe to prevent the problem recurring
Harry Davis is a plumber by trade, and the co-owner and managing director of Eden Energy Partners, a company focused on smarter heating and cooling solutions. As a director of the company, he plays a leading role in the strategic vision, operations, and growth of the business, aiming to deliver sustainable and efficient energy systems to commercial and residential clients.
What causes burst water pipes outside?
There are a number of causes of burst water pipes, such as age and corrosion, which create small weaknesses that worsen over time, explains James Hargave.
It can also be down to seasonal conditions: in winter, the ground can freeze and swell, causing pipes to burst; in summer, the ground can shrink as it dries out.
What are the signs of a burst water pipe outside?
Unfortunately, many causes of a burst water pipe are out of our control, but by spotting the signs early, you can prevent as much damage and cost as possible.
Here's what Harry Davis says to look out for:
- Unexplained wet patches in the garden or driveway
- Areas of ground that are unusually soft or waterlogged
- Water pooling when there hasn’t been any rainfall
- A sudden drop in water pressure
- Unusual noises in the pipework
- A higher than expected water bill
- In winter, frost or ice forming in unexpected outdoor areas
How to prevent burst water pipes outside your home
Since outdoor pipes are fully exposed to cold temperatures, Harry Davis explains that they’re particularly prone to bursting. Here’s how he recommends preventing this from happening:
- Insulate external pipework with weatherproof lagging – especially at stop taps, joints and bends
- Garden taps should be turned off at the internal isolation valve and drained before winter, and hoses disconnected
- Fix small leaks early, as even minor drips can freeze and cause blockages that lead to bursts
- Maintain a well-heated, energy-efficient home helps stabilise temperatures around entry points where pipes pass through walls. Systems like OH4 can support this by helping homeowners manage background heating efficiently, reducing cold spots without driving up energy use
By keeping an eye out for the signs of a burst water pipe and implementing preventative measures, you can reduce the risk of damage and costly repairs.
You might also want to read our guides on drainage problems and condensation on cold water pipes.
