CAN DO PLUMBINGEmergency advice · Edinburgh & surrounding areas
Need an Emergency Plumber or Heating Engineer?
Can Do Plumbing understands that a burst pipe, unexpected boiler leak, loss of heating or suspected gas escape can be stressful. Knowing what to do next can help protect you, your family and your property.
For urgent plumbing or heating problems, telephone us as soon as possible. Emergency attendance is subject to availability.
Use the guidance below to reduce risk while arranging appropriate help. Never put yourself in danger to isolate a supply or protect property.
💧 Plumbing or heating emergency?
Call Can Do Plumbing to discuss urgent leaks, burst pipes, heating failures and boiler problems. Attendance is subject to availability.
☎ Call 07549 109222⚠ Smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide?
Call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately. Free and available 24 hours a day. Do not wait for Can Do Plumbing.
☎ Call 0800 111 999Water leaks and burst pipes
A quick response may reduce water damage. Only follow these steps when you can do so safely.
1. Close your mains water stopcock
Find and close the main water stopcock. It is often beneath the kitchen sink, but it can be in a cupboard, utility area or near where the supply enters your home. A conventional stopcock normally closes clockwise. Do not force a seized valve.
2. Reduce residual pressure if appropriate
After the water supply is isolated, opening suitable cold taps can help drain residual water from the pipework. Hot-water systems differ: do not drain a cylinder or operate boiler controls unless you know it is safe and appropriate for your installation.
3. Keep clear of electrical hazards
If water is near sockets, lights, boilers or electrical equipment, avoid the affected area. Isolate electricity only if the switch is dry and safely accessible. Never touch wet electrical equipment or switches while standing in water.
4. Protect belongings if safe
Move valuables away from the leak where practical. Use containers or towels to catch water, but never enter an unsafe area or disturb damaged ceilings.
5. Call Can Do Plumbing
Telephone 07549 109222 as soon as possible. We'll discuss the problem and advise on attendance, subject to availability.
Leaking waste pipes, baths or showers
If the leak comes from a sink, basin, bath, shower or other waste pipe, stop using the affected appliance until the fault has been assessed and repaired. Turning off the mains supply alone may not stop water already flowing down a waste pipe.
Avoid repeatedly testing the drain, as this could cause more damage to ceilings or rooms below.
Smell gas or suspect a gas escape?
Turn off your gas at the meter — only if safe
If safely accessible, close the gas emergency control valve at the meter. A typical lever valve closes by turning the handle 90° so it sits across the pipe. Never go into a cellar or unsafe space to reach a meter.
Ventilate and avoid ignition sources
Open doors and windows if safe to do so. Do not smoke, use naked flames, operate electrical switches, or switch appliances on or off.
Leave if it is unsafe and call from a safe place
Move outside to safety and call 0800 111 999. Follow the emergency operator's instructions and do not attempt gas repairs yourself.
After the gas emergency service has made the situation safe, a Gas Safe registered engineer can assess any necessary appliance or installation repairs.
Carbon monoxide alarm sounding?
Move everybody into fresh air immediately
Leave the property. Open doors and windows if safe on your way out, but don't delay evacuation.
Call for emergency assistance
If gas appliances may be involved, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 from outside. If anyone has collapsed or is seriously unwell, call 999 immediately and tell them carbon monoxide exposure is suspected.
Do not use affected appliances
Do not re-enter or restart appliances until the appropriate emergency service or qualified professional confirms that it is safe.
Boiler leaking, no heating or no hot water?
For a boiler water leak, avoid touching internal components or removing the case. If water is near electrical components, keep clear and seek advice. Do not repeatedly reset a boiler displaying an unexplained fault.
If heating fails, contact Can Do Plumbing to discuss the symptoms and available assistance. If someone in your home is medically vulnerable or at immediate risk from cold conditions, make that clear when calling and seek other appropriate assistance if we cannot attend.
Important: A gas smell or carbon monoxide alarm always takes priority — follow the gas emergency instructions above, not normal boiler breakdown procedures.
Prepare before an emergency
Know your stopcock
Locate your main water isolation valve and check that it operates without forcing it.
Know your gas valve
Understand where the meter and emergency control valve are, without attempting to work on gas equipment.
Check your alarms
Keep carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in the appropriate locations and test them according to manufacturer guidance.
Maintain your system
Arrange appropriate boiler servicing and have developing leaks or faults investigated before they escalate.
Need urgent plumbing or heating help?
For emergencies, please call rather than submitting the website enquiry form. Attendance is subject to availability.
☎ Call Can Do Plumbing · 07549 109222Suspected gas escape or carbon monoxide: 0800 111 999 · Life-threatening emergency: 999
Safety guidance: SGN – What to do if you smell gas.