Quick answer
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.
Make the area safe first
Water can spread quickly through floors, ceilings and wall cavities. Keep people and pets away from the affected area, especially if a ceiling is bulging or plaster is loose. Do not stand beneath a sagging ceiling or try to puncture it; water and debris may fall unpredictably.
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If water is coming through a light fitting, socket or appliance, avoid the area. Switch off the relevant circuit or the main switch at the consumer unit only if it is dry and safely accessible. If not, leave it to a qualified electrician or emergency service. Never touch a wet switch or electrical item.
Stop the water and limit damage
- 1Find the internal stopcock, often under the kitchen sink, near where the mains pipe enters, or in a utility area. Turn it clockwise gently; do not force a seized valve.
- 2If the stopcock will not close, use the external stop tap only if you know how and can access it safely. In some properties the external valve is shared or belongs to the water company; contact the supplier if unsure.
- 3Turn off the boiler or heating only if its controls are dry and safe. Open cold taps at the lowest point you can access to release remaining water. Avoid running hot taps if the hot-water system may be damaged.
- 4Move valuables and furniture out of the wet area where safe. Catch drips in containers and use towels, but do not delay isolation to salvage belongings.
Arrange repair and record the damage
Once the supply is isolated, contact a qualified plumber to locate the failure and make a suitable repair. A temporary patch may not be a lasting fix, particularly where pipework is corroded or frozen. TraceFix Plumbing provides emergency plumbing in Birmingham and London and can assess the affected pipework.
Take clear photographs of the leak, damaged contents and affected rooms before moving or disposing of items, if safe. Keep receipts for reasonable emergency work and contact your insurer promptly to check what your policy requires. Do not assume that every leak or repair is covered.
When to call a plumber
- The stopcock will not turn or water continues flowing after isolation.
- Water is entering ceilings, walls, electrical fittings or several rooms.
- A pipe has burst in a concealed area and the source is unclear.
- You need a safe repair after making the immediate area safe.