What to Do If You Have a Leak: How to Prevent Property Damage Until Help Arrives
What to Do If You Have a Leak: How to Prevent Property Damage Until Help Arrives
Leaks can happen suddenly — whether it’s a burst pipe, a dripping ceiling, or water coming through a wall. Acting quickly can save your property from significant water damage before an engineer arrives. Here’s what to do immediately and how to stay safe.
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Find your stop tap (usually under the kitchen sink, in a utility room, or near the front door) and turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply.
If you can’t locate your stop tap, find and label it for next time — it’s one of the most important controls in your home.
2. Isolate the Leak (If Possible)
If the leak is coming from an appliance such as a washing machine or toilet, look for isolation valves — small taps on the pipe leading to the fixture. Turn these clockwise to stop the flow to that area only.
3. Drain the System
Once the main water supply is off, open the cold taps to drain remaining water from the system. Flush toilets to empty cisterns and reduce pressure in the pipes.
4. Protect Your Property
- Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the affected area.
- Use buckets or towels to collect dripping water and prevent pooling.
- Turn off electricity at the consumer unit if water is near sockets or light fittings.
- Ventilate the area to help drying — open windows and doors if safe.
5. Check Your Boiler and Heating
If the leak affects your heating system or you notice low boiler pressure, turn the heating off and note the gauge reading. Don’t attempt to refill or repressurise until an engineer inspects it — leaking pressure relief valves or pipes can worsen if handled incorrectly.
6. Document the Damage
Take clear photos of the leak source and any visible damage for your records and insurance claim. If the leak is from above, check ceilings for bulging — water can accumulate between plasterboard layers and collapse under weight.
7. Call a Professional Plumber
Once you’ve stopped the flow and contained the water, call a qualified plumber for urgent assistance. Emergency plumbing services are available 24/7 for burst pipes, leaks, and water ingress issues. You can also arrange a visit for general plumbing repairs or pipe replacements.
Myth-Busting: Leak Response
- “I’ll just tighten it myself.” Myth — overtightening joints can crack fittings and cause a worse leak.
- “Small leaks will seal themselves.” Myth — pressure and corrosion make leaks grow over time.
- “I can ignore a drip until morning.” Myth — even small leaks can soak walls and flooring quickly, inviting mould and rot.
Preventing Future Leaks
- Have pipework and joints inspected annually during routine maintenance.
- Insulate pipes in lofts and unheated areas to prevent freezing and bursts.
- Check taps, valves, and under-sink fittings regularly for early signs of dampness.
- Book a plumbing service to keep your system in good condition year-round.
Need Urgent Help?
The qualified engineers at P A Henery Ltd respond quickly to leaks, burst pipes, and plumbing emergencies — protecting your home from further damage.