Emergency & breakdowns
Emergency plumbing & boiler breakdown repairs
Burst pipe, water where it shouldn't be, no heating or no hot water — call us and we'll tell you straight away what to do and when we can get to you.
If water is coming in, turn off the stopcock and call us. If your boiler has locked out and you've lost heating or hot water, we'll usually be able to narrow down the cause over the phone before we arrive.
Boiler breakdowns are one of our most frequent call-outs. We diagnose the actual fault rather than guessing at parts, explain it in plain English, and repair it wherever repair is the sensible option. Many central heating faults are sorted the same visit.
We're contactable Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm, and for urgent jobs around Harpenden we aim to attend the same day where our schedule allows. We'll be honest with you about timings rather than promise something we can't keep.
What counts as a plumbing emergency in Harpenden
A burst pipe or a leak coming through a ceiling needs attention because water is escaping into the house, not simply staying inside a fitting. Losing heating or hot water is another reason to call, particularly when you cannot tell whether the problem is the boiler or the wider system. Describe what has stopped working and where you can see water; that helps us discuss the next step without guessing.
While you wait, isolate the water at the stopcock if it is safe to reach and turn. Do not put yourself at risk to reach a valve beneath a wet ceiling. Explain whether turning the water off has stopped the leak when you speak to us. The burst pipe guide covers the immediate steps, while our emergency plumber guide helps distinguish an urgent problem from a repair that can be arranged.
If the emergency is in the neighbouring city rather than Harpenden, our emergency plumber in St Albans page has the same details for that area.
What this service includes
- Burst pipes and significant leaks
- No heating or no hot water
- Boiler fault finding, lockouts and error codes
- Leaking radiators, valves and cylinders
- Blocked or overflowing toilets and waste
- Temporary make-safe and follow-up repairs
Boiler broken down?
Why us
Why customers choose Andrew Richardson Plumbing and Heating
Fast local response
Based in Harpenden, so we're close by when things go wrong.
Proper diagnosis
We find the fault before fitting parts, which keeps costs down.
Open 7 days
8am to 8pm every day, including weekends.
Clear pricing
You'll know the cost before we start any repair work.
Repair where sensible
We won't push a new boiler if yours can be fixed economically.
Advice on the phone
Immediate guidance so you can limit the damage before we arrive.
Coverage
Available across Hertfordshire
We cover Harpenden, St Albans, Wheathampstead, Redbourn, Luton, Hemel Hempstead, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and the surrounding towns and villages.
Plumbing
Leaks, taps, toilets, showers, pipework and full or partial re-piping — handled cleanly and properly.
Heating & Boilers
Boiler installation, servicing and repairs, radiators, powerflushing and full central heating systems.
Bathrooms & Wet Rooms
From a single tap to a complete bathroom or fully waterproofed wet room, fitted end to end.
Need a plumber or heating engineer in Harpenden?
Call us monday–sunday, 8am – 8pm for honest advice and a free quote on boilers, heating, bathrooms and everyday plumbing.