Burst pipe
A burst pipe sprays or gushes water from a split section, a failed joint or a flexible hose that has given way. Shut the stop valve at once, then have the damaged part cut out and replaced, which for water pipes must be done by a PUB Licensed Plumber.
Typical price
$150–$350per job, exposed pipe, standard hoursTypical job time
1–3 hours
Estimate, confirm on WhatsApp
PUB rule: this work must be done by a PUB Licensed Plumber. Since 2018 it is an offence to engage an unlicensed plumber for it. You can check any plumber on PUB's Licensed Plumber Directory.What needs a licensed plumber
Signs to look for
- Water spraying or gushing from a pipe, joint or valve.
- A loud bang or hiss, then water spreading across the floor.
- Water pouring from a ceiling, a wall or under a cabinet with no tap running.
- Taps suddenly losing pressure while water appears somewhere it should not.
- A flexible hose under the sink or basin that has split or bulged.
Common causes
- Old pipes that have thinned from corrosion and finally split.
- A joint or fitting giving way, often on a pipe that was already weeping.
- A worn braided flexible hose under the sink, basin or toilet cistern.
- Water hammer, where valves shut quickly and send a pressure surge through the pipes.
- Physical damage, such as a drill or nail through a pipe during renovation.
Before you call
Safe things to try first
- Close the stop valve straight away. In HDB flats it is at the meter in the common corridor, and many flats also have one inside.
- If water is near power points or appliances, switch off at the DB box only if you can reach it without standing in water.
- If a flexible hose under a sink or basin has burst, close the small angle valve next to it to isolate just that fitting.
- Move valuables away, mop up, and take photos of the damage for your neighbours and any insurance claim.
Stop and call if
- You cannot find or close the stop valve.
- Water is reaching the flat below or the common corridor.
- Water has reached power points, the DB box or appliances.
- The burst is before the meter or in a common area. Report it to PUB or your town council rather than repairing it yourself.
What we do
- 1Confirm the supply is off and that no water is near electrical points before work starts.
- 2Find the exact failure point and check the pipe on either side for thinning or corrosion.
- 3Cut out the damaged section and fit new pipe and joints, or replace the burst flexible hose if that is the cause. Repairing water service pipes must be done by a PUB Licensed Plumber.
- 4If the burst pipe is concealed, isolate it so the rest of the home has water, then quote a new exposed run to replace it.
- 5Turn the water back on slowly, check every joint under pressure, and confirm the meter stays still with all taps closed.
- 6Tell you whether the rest of the run looks likely to fail and whether re-piping is worth considering.
How much it costs
Most burst pipe jobs in Singapore cost $150–$350 (per job, exposed pipe, standard hours). This is an estimate; the final price is confirmed on WhatsApp or on site before work starts.
- Repair a burst exposed pipe or joint$150–$350
- Replace a burst flexible hose$50–$120
- Burst concealed pipe isolated and rerouted as exposed pipe$250–$600
- Emergency call-out, all-in$150–$350
HDB, condo and landed
HDB
The main stop valve is at the water meter in the common corridor, and many flats have a second valve inside near the kitchen or service yard. Pipes after the meter are the owner's. Anything up to and including the meter is PUB's, and bursts in common areas go to your town council.
Condo
Find your unit's stop valve before you need it, usually near the kitchen or utility area. Bursts in common areas or risers are for the managing agent. Tell security a plumber is coming so they can be let in quickly after hours.
Landed
The PUB meter and main stop valve are usually at the gate. Everything after it is yours, including underground pipes, so know where the valve is and keep it clear of plants and clutter.
Burst pipe: common questions
What should I do first when a pipe bursts?
Close the stop valve, keep away from water near electrical points, and switch off at the DB box if you can do it safely. Then mop up, move valuables, and send a plumber photos of the burst.
The flexible hose under my sink burst. Do I need a licensed plumber?
No. PUB lists replacing flexible hoses as work that does not need a Licensed Plumber. Close the angle valve under the sink and the rest of the home can keep its water. Repairing the water pipe itself is licensed work.
Can a burst pipe be fixed with a clamp?
A repair clamp can hold a split for a short time and may be used to get the water back on overnight. It is a stopgap. The damaged section should be cut out and replaced.
Why did my pipe burst when nobody was using water?
Supply pipes are under pressure all the time, not just when a tap is open. A pipe thinned by corrosion, or a perished hose, can give way at any moment.
Who pays if my burst pipe damages the flat below?
Pipes after your meter are yours, so the repair is your cost. Damage to your neighbour's flat is usually settled between the two owners. Take photos and keep the plumber's invoice showing what failed.
Get a price for burst pipe
Send a photo or short video, your home type and postal code. We reply with a price range and the earliest slot.
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