What Happens if You Accidentally Drill Into a Pipe?
What to do if you've hit a hidden pipe, and how to make sure it doesn't happen again.
It happens more often than you’d think. You’re hanging a shelf, mounting a TV, or getting stuck into a DIY project, and then you hit something you definitely shouldn’t have. Drilling into a hidden pipe can turn a straightforward job into a stressful one fast. Whether it’s a water pipe or a gas pipe, knowing what to do in the next few minutes matters.
At a glance
- Drilling into a pipe can cause leaks, water damage, and expensive repairs.
- If you suspect a gas pipe, leave the property immediately and call 0800 111 999.
- Turn off the water at the stopcock as soon as possible if it’s a water pipe.
- Home insurance may cover the damage if it’s sudden and accidental – check your policy.
- A pipe and cable detector before you drill can prevent the problem entirely.
What happens when you drill into a pipe?
The outcome depends on what type of pipe you’ve hit.
Water pipe
You’ll usually know straight away, water will start leaking or spraying from the hole. Even a small puncture can cause a continuous leak that, left unchecked, damages walls, plaster, flooring, electrics, and your belongings. Over time, the excess moisture can also lead to damp and mould problems.
Gas pipe
This is a more serious situation. If you smell gas, hear a hissing sound, or feel suddenly dizzy or unwell, leave the property immediately. Don’t turn any switches on or off, and don’t use your phone until you’re outside. Call the Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 from a safe distance.
Hidden damage
Not all pipe damage shows up immediately. Some leaks stay concealed behind walls and only become apparent days or weeks later through water stains, bubbling paint, warped flooring, or a drop in water pressure. If something seems off after a drilling job, it’s worth getting a plumber to check.
Will home insurance cover it?
It depends on your policy. Many home insurance policies cover sudden and accidental damage, which can include accidentally hitting a pipe and the water damage that follows. What’s less likely to be covered is damage resulting from work that wasn’t carried out properly, or an ongoing maintenance issue that was already present.
Accidental damage cover isn’t always included as standard, so check whether it’s part of your policy or available as an add-on. It’s also worth knowing that insurers typically cover the secondary damage caused by a leak, such as ruined flooring or ceilings, rather than the cost of repairing the pipe itself. Check your policy wording or speak to your insurer to understand exactly what applies.
What to do if you’ve drilled into a pipe
Act quickly and work through these steps:
1. Turn off the water Find your stopcock and shut off the water supply straight away. If you’re not sure where yours is, now is a good time to find out before you need it.
2. If it’s a gas pipe, get out Turn off the gas supply at the meter if it’s safe to do so, leave the property, and call the Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Don’t go back in until you’ve been given the all-clear.
3. Protect what you can Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the affected area. Use towels, buckets, and plastic sheets to contain any water while you wait for help.
4. Document the damage Take photos and videos of everything before any repairs begin. Good documentation makes the claims process significantly smoother.
5. Call a qualified professional A registered plumber for water pipes, or a Gas Safe engineer for gas pipes. Don’t attempt to repair either yourself.
6. Check your emergency cover If you’re left without water or heating, home emergency cover or plumbing and drainage cover may help with the cost of urgent repairs.
How much will it cost?
Costs vary depending on the type of pipe, how accessible it is, and whether water damage has spread to other parts of the property.
| Repair type | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Minor pipe repair | £100–£300 |
| Opening and repairing walls | Several hundred pounds |
| Significant water damage restoration | £1,000+ |
If water has reached your ceiling, insulation, or plasterboard, additional work is likely. Our guide on repairing a water-damaged ceiling covers what to expect. For more serious leaks, what to do if a pipe bursts is worth reading too.
How to avoid drilling into a pipe?
Most pipe strikes happen because the pipes aren’t visible from the surface. Before any drilling job, read our guide on how to avoid damaging pipes when drilling walls for a full breakdown.
Quick prevention checklist
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Use a pipe and cable detector before you drill -
Check building plans where available
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Be especially careful around kitchens and bathrooms, where pipes are most common
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Follow recognised safe zones when drilling into walls
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Drill a shallow pilot hole first to check what's behind the surface
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If you're not confident, bring in a professional
Mounting shelves or TVs?
Many drilling accidents happen during decorating projects, when hanging heavy items on walls.
If you’re tackling a larger project, it’s also worth reviewing guidance on preventing damage during home DIY projects and home renovation insurance.
Before we go
Drilling into a pipe is stressful, but acting quickly limits the damage. Shut off the water or gas, get a professional in, document everything, and contact your insurer without delay. And before your next DIY job, a pipe detector and a bit of planning can save you a lot of hassle.
Accidently drilling into a pipe FAQs
How do I know if I’ve hit a pipe?
With a water pipe, you’ll usually see or hear water escaping almost immediately. With a gas pipe, you may smell gas or hear a hissing sound. Some damage is less obvious and only shows up later as water stains, damp patches, or reduced water pressure.
Does home insurance cover accidental damage?
It can, if your policy includes accidental damage cover and the damage was sudden and unforeseen. Cover is more likely to apply to the water damage caused by the leak than to the pipe repair itself. Check your policy wording to confirm what’s included.
Can I fix a damaged pipe myself?
For water pipes, a temporary patch might slow a leak in the short term, but a permanent repair should be done by a qualified plumber. For gas pipes, don’t attempt any repair yourself – call a Gas Safe registered engineer.
What tools can help prevent drilling accidents?
A pipe and cable detector is the most reliable way to locate hidden pipes before you drill. They’re widely available from DIY retailers and relatively inexpensive given what they can prevent.
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