How can I stop a leak before a plumber arrives?

Make safety the priority

Do not enter water near sockets, lights, appliances or damaged wiring. Switch off power at the consumer unit only if it is dry and safely reachable; otherwise keep away and get qualified help. A wet or bulging ceiling is also unsafe, so move people out from beneath it.

If you smell gas, leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Do not operate switches or use flames. Plumbing steps must not delay action for a separate immediate hazard.

Isolate the water

1. 1For a leak from a tap, toilet or appliance, use its local isolation valve if you can identify it and it turns normally.
2. 2For an ongoing pipe leak, close the internal stopcock. It is often under the kitchen sink or close to where the mains pipe enters the property. Turn gently clockwise and do not force it.
3. 3If you cannot find or operate the stopcock, contact your water supplier or an emergency plumber for guidance. External stop taps may be shared or controlled by the water company.
4. 4Once isolated, open cold taps to reduce pressure and drain accessible pipework. Do not run a boiler or heating system that may be affected by the leak.

Contain damage without making it worse

Use a bucket or towels beneath a small, accessible drip and move belongings out of the way. Do not use tape as a lasting fix, overtighten a connection or dismantle pipework under pressure. Avoid touching hot pipes or attempting work behind walls, ceilings or fixed panels.

Photograph the leak and affected areas from a safe position. Note what valve you closed and whether the water stopped. TraceFix Plumbing provides emergency plumbing in Birmingham and London; share these details when arranging help. Contact your insurer and check its instructions for emergency mitigation and evidence.