Quick answer
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.
Treat it as an electrical hazard
Water in or around a ceiling light can make the fitting, switch or surrounding surface unsafe, even if the light still works. Do not touch it, remove a bulb, operate the wall switch or stand beneath active drips. Keep children and pets out of the room.
If the consumer unit is in a dry, accessible place and you can reach it without crossing wet flooring, switch off the affected circuit or main switch. If there is any doubt, do not approach it. Contact a qualified electrician or emergency service for advice. Never use an appliance or extension lead in the affected area.
Limit water damage without taking risks
- 1If safe, close your internal stopcock to stop water supplied to your home. If you live in a flat, notify building management and the occupier above immediately.
- 2Do not climb a ladder or handle the light fitting to catch water. Move furniture and valuables only if you can do so without entering the danger area.
- 3Keep clear of a sagging or cracked ceiling. Do not puncture it or try to drain it yourself.
- 4Make a note of when the water appeared and any recent use of taps, toilets, showers or appliances in your home and the flat above.
Get both problems checked
A plumber needs to find and stop the source, which could be a supply pipe, waste connection, heating pipe or appliance. The water may have travelled from elsewhere, so the wet fitting does not identify the leak location. Once the plumbing fault is addressed, a qualified electrician should inspect affected electrical equipment and confirm it is safe before power is restored.
TraceFix Plumbing handles emergency plumbing in Birmingham and London. Take photographs from a safe distance and contact your insurer or managing agent to ask what evidence and contractors they require. Do not conceal staining or arrange cosmetic repairs until the leak has been fixed and the area is dry enough to assess.
When to call a plumber
- Water is actively entering a light, ceiling void or electrical fitting.
- You cannot safely reach the consumer unit or isolate the water.
- The ceiling is sagging, cracked or at risk of coming down.
- Power has tripped or the fitting has been wet and needs checking.