Emergency guide
What to Do When a Pipe Bursts
A burst pipe can cause serious water damage within minutes. Here is what to do immediately, how to limit the damage, and how to find an emergency plumber anywhere in Ireland.
Burst pipe
A burst pipe is one of the few plumbing emergencies where the first few minutes really matter. Acting fast to isolate the water and the electricity limits the damage and keeps everyone safe until a plumber arrives.
Most home insurance policies in Ireland cover sudden and unforeseen water damage from a burst pipe, so document everything before you start cleaning up. Once the water is off, an RGI-registered plumber can trace the burst and repair it, often within the hour if it is accessible. If the pipe runs behind a wall or under a floor, the plumber may need to lift boards or open plaster to reach it, which adds time but is still usually a same-day fix.
First 30 minutes
Burst Pipe: What to Do Right Now
Turn off your stopcock (mains stop valve) immediately. In most homes it is under the kitchen sink or where the water supply enters the house. Turn it clockwise until it stops, which cuts the supply to the whole house, then open the cold taps to drain the remaining water from the pipes.
If water is leaking near sockets, fittings or the fuse board, switch off the electricity at the consumer unit before touching anything. Water and electricity together are dangerous, so if in doubt, stay back and call both a plumber and an electrician.
- Turn off the stopcock and open the cold taps
- Isolate the electricity if water is near wiring
- Collect water, move valuables and photograph the damage
- Call an emergency plumber, then your insurer
Why it happens
Common Causes of Burst Pipes in Ireland
Knowing the usual culprits helps you protect the pipes most at risk before the next cold snap.
Frozen Pipes
The most common cause. When water freezes it expands and splits the pipe, often at a joint. Copper in unheated attics, external walls and under floors is most at risk.
Corroded Pipework
Older copper and lead pipes, particularly in pre-1970s homes, corrode at joints over the years until a weak point finally gives way.
Pressure and Fittings
High mains pressure, impact during building work and defective fittings can all push a joint or pipe wall past its limit.
Typical costs
What a Burst Pipe Repair Costs in 2026
Emergency plumbers charge a call-out fee plus labour and parts. The total depends on where the burst is and whether it is inside or out of normal hours.
- Ask for the call-out charge upfront before a plumber comes out
- Out-of-hours and weekend call-outs add a 25 to 50 percent premium
- Get a written quote and keep the invoice for insurance
Indicative 2026 ranges including labour. Behind-wall and under-floor repairs cost more because of the access work involved.
- Call-out fee €80–180
- Accessible pipe repair €150–350
- Behind-wall repair €300–700
- Out-of-hours premium +25–50%
Indicative 2026 ranges. Always confirm with the plumber before work begins.
The repair
What the Repair Involves
In most cases a plumber cuts out the damaged section of pipe and replaces it with new copper or plastic pushfit pipe. If the burst is accessible under a sink or in a hot press, this can take under an hour including parts. If the pipe runs behind a wall or under a floor, more time and cost is needed to reach it.
Always get a written quote before any work begins. The quote should break down the call-out fee, labour and parts separately, and you should keep the invoice for your insurance claim.
Browse by county
Find an Emergency Plumber in Your County
Every plumber listed is contactable directly for emergency call-outs, county by county across Ireland.
Leinster
12 countiesDublin and the east coast, where hard water and older pipework raise the risk of a burst.
Munster
6 countiesCork, Limerick and the south west, from city terraces to rural homes on private supplies.
Connacht
5 countiesGalway, Mayo and the west, where exposed Atlantic weather tests external pipework.
Common questions
Burst Pipe: Common Questions
Where is my stopcock?
In most Irish homes the internal stopcock is under the kitchen sink or where the mains water pipe enters the house, often near the front of the property. Turn it clockwise to shut off the water to the whole house. It is worth locating it before an emergency happens.
How much does a burst pipe repair cost in 2026?
Emergency plumbers in Ireland typically charge an €80 to €180 call-out fee. An accessible pipe repair runs €150 to €350, while a burst behind a wall or under a floor is €300 to €700. Out-of-hours and weekend call-outs usually add a 25 to 50 percent premium.
Does home insurance cover a burst pipe?
Most Irish home insurance policies cover sudden and unforeseen water damage from a burst pipe. Photograph all damage before cleaning up, keep receipts for any emergency repairs, and contact your insurer once the immediate emergency is under control.
Can I claim if the pipe froze?
Damage from frozen pipes is usually covered, but insurers may reduce or refuse a claim if the home was left unheated and unoccupied over winter. Keeping the heating ticking over during cold snaps helps both prevention and any claim.
Burst Pipe Right Now? Find a Plumber
Once the water is isolated, get an emergency plumber out fast. Browse RGI-registered plumbers across Ireland and call them directly.
Find an emergency plumber