What to do when
a pipe is leaking.

1. Stop the water if you can do so safely

If the leak is on your internal water supply, turn off the main stopcock. It is often beneath the kitchen sink, under the stairs, in a utility area or close to where the water supply enters the property. Turn it clockwise gently. Do not force a valve that will not move.

Some fixtures have their own isolation valve. Only use one if it is easy to reach and there is no electrical or other immediate hazard nearby.

2. Reduce the spread of water

Place a bucket or other suitable container beneath a drip and use towels to keep water away from floors, walls and electrical fittings. Move furniture and belongings away from the affected area where practical. If a ceiling is bulging, keep clear of the area below because wet plaster can become heavy and unstable.

3. Release remaining pressure

After shutting off the main supply, opening a cold tap can allow some remaining water to drain from the system. The leak may continue briefly while water already inside the pipework escapes.

4. Record what you can see

Take a few photographs and note when the leak began, whether it is constant or intermittent, and which rooms or fittings are affected. Check the room below where appropriate: water often travels along joists or pipework before becoming visible.

Temporary fixes have limits

A repair clamp or specialist pipe tape may sometimes reduce a minor leak temporarily, but it is not a permanent repair. Do not work on hot, gas-related or pressurised systems, and do not dismantle fittings unless you are competent to do so.

When to request help promptly

• The leak cannot be isolated or is spreading quickly.
• Water is near electrical fittings or has entered a ceiling.
• The pipe is concealed in a wall, floor or ceiling.
• The leak involves a boiler, hot-water cylinder or heating system.
• You cannot identify where the water is coming from.

What we need to arrange a plumber

Share your postcode, the location of the leak, whether the water supply is off, whether heating or hot water is affected, and any photographs you have taken. These details help us arrange the right plumbing engineer for the job.