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Plumbing help, tips and what to do in an emergency
Clear, practical advice from our engineers. If you'd rather we sorted it, book a visit any time.
Emergencies
- What should I do if a pipe bursts?Turn off the water at the stopcock if you can reach it safely, then open cold taps to help drain the pipework. If water is near electrics, do not touch wet fittings; switch off the electricity at the consumer unit only if you can reach it from a dry, safe position.Read
- What should I do if water is leaking through the ceiling?Keep clear of a wet or bulging ceiling and treat nearby electrics as dangerous. If safe, shut off the water at the stopcock, then contact the property above or a plumber to find the source; a ceiling stain alone does not show where the leak started.Read
- What should I do if water comes through a light fitting?Do not touch the light, switch or wet area. Keep people away and turn off the electricity at the consumer unit only if you can reach it safely from a dry position. Arrange urgent electrical and plumbing help; do not use the fitting again until it has been checked.Read
- What should I do if a pipe bursts in freezing weather?Turn off the water at the stopcock if a pipe has split, and keep clear of any water near electrics. Do not use a blowtorch or open flame to thaw a pipe. A frozen pipe can leak when it warms, so inspect safely and get damaged pipework repaired.Read
- What should I do if my toilet is overflowing?Do not flush again. If the cistern is filling, turn off its isolation valve if present, or close the toilet's water supply using the stopcock if safe. Keep clear of contaminated water, protect nearby belongings and get help if the overflow continues or a blockage will not clear.Read
- What should I do about a leak under the kitchen sink?Stop using the sink and identify whether the leak occurs from the tap supply, waste pipe or an appliance connection. Close the relevant isolation valve if safe; if water continues or the source is uncertain, turn off the stopcock and arrange a repair.Read
- What counts as a plumbing emergency?A plumbing problem is an emergency when it creates an immediate risk to people, electrics, the building or essential water services, or when water cannot be controlled. Isolate the supply if safe, keep clear of hazards and contact an appropriate qualified professional.Read
- How can I stop a leak before a plumber arrives?If safe, turn off the relevant local valve or the main stopcock, then open cold taps to relieve pressure. Keep clear of water near electricity and do not force valves or attempt a repair on unsafe, hot or concealed pipework.Read
- What should I do about a leak from the flat upstairs?Keep clear of wet electrics and any bulging ceiling, then contact the upstairs occupier and building manager promptly. Ask them to stop using the suspected fixture and isolate their water if safe; do not enter their home or assume the visible stain marks the source.Read
Stopcocks & Water Supply
- Where is my water stopcock?The internal stopcock is usually near where the mains water pipe enters your home, often under the kitchen sink, in a cupboard or by the front door. Knowing its location before a leak happens can help you limit damage.Read
- How do I turn off my water supply?Find the internal stopcock and turn its handle gently clockwise until it stops; do not force it. Open a cold tap to check whether the flow has stopped, and call for help if the valve leaks or will not move.Read
- What should I do if my stopcock is seized or stiff?A stiff or seized stopcock should not be forced with pliers, a wrench or a hammer. Corrosion, limescale, age or lack of use can bind its moving parts; forcing it can break the valve or pipe and cause a leak.Read
- Why should I fix a seized stopcock?A seized stopcock may leave you unable to isolate the mains quickly during a leak. Repair does not prevent bursts, but a working valve can help limit ongoing water flow and make maintenance safer.Read
- Where is the outside stopcock and water meter?An outside stop tap or meter is often in a small covered box near the property boundary, pavement or driveway. Its location and ownership vary, so contact your water company before operating an unfamiliar or shared valve.Read
- Where is the stopcock in a flat or new-build home?In a flat, the stopcock may be inside a service cupboard, under a sink or near the meter; newer homes may have a labelled utility or kitchen valve. Ask the building manager if the supply is shared, and never force an unfamiliar valve.Read
- What causes low water pressure in a home?Low pressure can result from local water-company work, a partly closed valve, a blocked fitting, a leak or a problem with a pressure-reducing device. Check whether it affects one tap or the whole property before arranging help.Read
- Why is there no water in my house?First check whether neighbours are also without water and contact your water company about an interruption. If it is only your home, check the internal stopcock visually without forcing it and contact a plumber if the cause is not clear.Read
Leaks & Leak Detection
- What are the signs of a hidden water leak?A hidden leak may show as unexplained damp, staining, peeling paint, a musty smell, warm floor patches or a water meter that moves when no water is being used. These signs are clues rather than proof, so investigate safely before opening walls or floors.Read
- How do I check for a leak with my water meter?A water meter can help identify continuous water use when taps and appliances are off. Record the reading, leave water unused for a period, then compare it; movement is a reason to investigate, not a precise location or automatic proof of a leak.Read
- Could a leak be causing my high water bill?A sudden increase in water use can be caused by a leak, but billing periods, estimated readings, household changes and meter issues can also affect a bill. Compare actual readings and check for continuous use before assuming a hidden pipe has failed.Read
- Is a damp patch on my wall caused by a leak?A damp patch can come from a plumbing leak, rain penetration, condensation or another source. Its position and changes over time offer clues, but moisture readings and inspection may be needed to identify the cause.Read
- How can I tell if there is a leak under my floor?A warm or damp floor, lifted boards, unexplained meter movement or falling heating pressure may point to a leak under the floor. These signs have other possible causes, so get the source assessed before lifting flooring.Read
- What are the signs of a central heating leak?Repeated boiler pressure loss, damp around radiators or pipe routes, corrosion and unexplained water are possible signs of a central-heating leak. Pressure loss can have other causes, so do not keep repressurising without finding out why it is happening.Read
- How does thermal imaging detect a water leak?Thermal imaging displays surface temperature differences that can help indicate the route of hot or cold water and possible moisture patterns. It does not see through walls or prove a leak on its own, so findings need to be interpreted alongside other checks.Read
- What does trace and access mean for a leak?Trace and access describes investigating to locate a hidden leak and gaining access to the pipe for repair. It is not the same as repairing resulting damage, and whether costs are insured depends on your policy and circumstances.Read
- How does acoustic leak detection work?Acoustic leak detection uses listening equipment to pick up sound or vibration associated with escaping water. It can help narrow down a suspected leak, particularly on pressurised pipework, but background noise and building materials affect results.Read
- How can I tell if an underground water supply pipe is leaking?An unexplained moving meter, persistently wet ground or loss of pressure may indicate a leak on an underground supply pipe. These signs are not conclusive; check the meter and contact your water company if the pipe route or responsibility is unclear.Read
- Who pays to repair a leaking water supply pipe?Responsibility commonly depends on where the leak is: homeowners generally own the supply pipe from the boundary or stopcock to the house, while the water company is responsible for the rest. Confirm the exact boundary with your water company and check your insurance before work.Read
Insurance & Claims
- Does home insurance cover leaks?Home insurance may cover sudden water damage, but cover depends on your policy and the cause of the leak. Check your wording and contact your insurer before authorising non-urgent work.Read
- How do you make an escape of water claim?Report escaping water to your insurer promptly, take reasonable steps to limit damage and keep a record of what happened. Follow your insurer's instructions before non-urgent repairs.Read
- What should a leak report include?A useful leak report sets out the property and inspection details, evidence found, tests performed, likely source, limitations and any repair completed. Ask your insurer whether it has a required format.Read
- What is trace and access insurance cover?Trace and access cover may contribute to finding and reaching a hidden leak, but availability, limits and conditions vary by policy. Check with your insurer before arranging non-urgent opening-up work.Read
- What should you photograph after a leak?Photograph the source, affected areas and damaged belongings if it is safe, and do so before moving or cleaning where possible. Keep original images and note when and where they were taken.Read
Boilers & Heating
- Why is my boiler losing pressure?Pressure loss can come from a small system leak, a recently bled radiator or a fault such as an expansion vessel problem. Check the boiler instructions and visible radiators, but do not remove the boiler casing.Read
- How do you repressurise a boiler?Only repressurise a boiler if its manufacturer instructions describe the process and you can identify the correct filling point. Stop if anything is unclear; never open the boiler casing or work on gas components.Read
- What should you do about a leaking radiator valve?A leaking radiator valve can lower heating-system pressure and damage floors. If safe, catch drips and turn off the heating, but do not force the valve or dismantle it.Read
- How do you bleed a radiator safely?If a radiator is cool at the top and warm below, trapped air may be the cause. Follow the boiler and radiator instructions, use the correct key and check system pressure afterwards.Read
- What should you do about a frozen condensate pipe?A frozen condensate pipe can stop a boiler and trigger a fault code in cold weather. Check the boiler manual and only attempt safe, accessible thawing described by the manufacturer; never use boiling water or a flame.Read
Bathrooms & Kitchens
- How do you fix a dripping tap?A tap that drips after being turned off often has a worn washer, cartridge or ceramic disc. Isolate its water supply before dismantling it; if you cannot identify the correct isolation valve or the tap continues leaking, call a plumber.Read
- Why does my toilet keep running?A toilet that keeps running usually has a faulty flush valve seal, float or fill valve, allowing water to pass into the pan or overflow. If the cistern has an accessible isolation valve, turn it off while arranging a repair.Read
- Why is my shower tray leaking?A leaking shower tray may be caused by failed seals, a loose waste connection, movement in the tray or a leak in hidden pipework. Stop using the shower until you know where water is escaping, especially if it is reaching a ceiling below.Read
- How do you clear a blocked sink?A slow or blocked sink is often caused by trapped food, grease, hair or soap in the waste or trap. Remove standing water where possible and try a plunger; avoid mixing drain chemicals or dismantling pipework that you cannot refit securely.Read
- How do you unblock a toilet safely?Stop flushing a blocked toilet to prevent an overflow. If the bowl is not close to the rim, use a toilet plunger with steady pressure; call a plumber if the blockage persists or other drains are affected.Read
- Why does my drain smell bad?A bad smell near a sink or shower can come from a dry or dirty trap, a waste blockage, or a damaged connection. Clean accessible strainers and run water into little-used traps; get help if sewage smells persist or several drains are affected.Read
- Why is my washing machine leaking?A washing machine leak may come from the inlet hose, waste hose, door seal, filter or plumbing connection. Stop the cycle and isolate the appliance's water supply; if water is near electrics, do not touch the appliance and isolate the circuit at the consumer unit if safe.Read
Landlords & Letting Agents
- What are a landlord's plumbing responsibilities?Landlords generally need to keep the property's water, sanitation, heating and hot-water installations in repair, subject to the tenancy and applicable law. Respond promptly to reports, arrange suitable repairs and check the exact legal and insurance requirements for the property.Read
- What should I do when a tenant reports a leak?Acknowledge the report, establish whether water is still escaping and whether anyone is at risk, then arrange an appropriate response. Give safe isolation advice only where the tenant can identify the correct valve and operate it without force.Read
- How do I make an emergency plumbing plan for a rental property?Give tenants clear emergency contacts, identify the correct water shut-off and explain what to do if a leak occurs. Keep a reliable repair process and property records so urgent problems can be handled without confusion.Read
- Should landlords get a plumbing check between tenancies?A plumbing check between tenancies finds leaks, seized stopcocks and worn fittings before a new tenant moves in. A written report gives you a record of the plumbing's condition.Read
Prevention & Maintenance
- How can you stop pipes from freezing?Insulate exposed pipes, keep vulnerable areas above freezing where practical, and know where your stopcock is. If a pipe freezes, turn off the water if a leak develops and thaw it gently; never use a blowtorch or open flame.Read
- What plumbing checks should you do before a holiday?Before travelling, check for visible leaks, make sure you know how to isolate the water, and consider how heating will protect the property in cold weather. Review your insurer's unoccupied-home conditions and avoid switching off systems you do not understand.Read
- What plumbing checks should you make before buying a home?Look for visible leaks, staining, corrosion, poor drainage and signs of past repairs, but do not treat a viewing as a full plumbing inspection. Ask about known issues and use a qualified surveyor or plumber where concerns need investigation.Read
- What are the signs of corroded copper pipes?Green or blue deposits, dampness, pitting and repeated pinhole leaks can be signs of copper pipe corrosion, but colour alone does not confirm the cause. Do not scrape or disturb a suspect pipe; arrange an inspection if it is damp, weakened or leaking.Read
- Why is a push-fit plumbing fitting leaking?A push-fit fitting can leak if a pipe is not fully inserted, cut or prepared correctly, or if its seal or fitting is damaged. Isolate the water if it is leaking and do not keep pushing or twisting a pressurised connection.Read
- What are the signs your home's plumbing needs checking?Damp patches, musty smells, a rising water bill, low pressure, noisy pipes, green or crusty joints and a stopcock that won't turn are all signs your plumbing should be checked. Problems caught early are usually cheaper to fix.Read
- What does a whole-house plumbing check report include?A whole-house plumbing check covers the stopcock, supply, pipework, taps, toilets, showers, hot water and signs of hidden leaks. The report lists what was checked, includes photos of any problems and explains what to fix first.Read