What to do now
1. Check where the leak is coming from
If the water is coming from a dishwasher, washing machine or fridge, the appliance may be the problem rather than your plumbing.
2. Turn off your water
Find your stopcock and turn it off. It’s usually downstairs, often under the kitchen sink. Then turn on a cold tap and leave it running until the water stops.
3. Catch the water
Put buckets, bowls or towels under the leak to catch the water and help prevent further damage.
4. Move valuables and electrical items
Move anything valuable away from the water. If water is near sockets, switches or electrical appliances, turn off your electricity at the mains.
5. Turn off your heating
If you’re not sure whether the leak is coming from your plumbing or heating system, turn off your heating and boiler.
Please note: if you have a toilet/sewer leak then you should visit our sewer flooding page instead.
Know your stopcock
Your stopcock is usually under the kitchen sink, but it could also be:
- inside a bathroom cupboard
- in the airing cupboard, often near the hot water cylinder
- near the boiler
- near the front door, possibly behind a small panel
- under the stairs
- in the utility room, if you have one
Most properties also have an external stopcock, usually housed in a small metal or plastic cover (sometimes called a valve box) set into the ground near the property boundary or in the pavement outside.
Most homes also have a stopcock outside. It’s usually under a small metal or plastic cover in the pavement or near the edge of your property.
What to do next
1. Check your insurance
You may be covered for the cost of repairing any leaks by insurance, such HomeServe or your building and contents insurance. Check this first to find the terms of that cover before you instruct a plumber.
2. Find a plumber
Pretty much any leak in your house will be your responsibility to fix. Watersafe can help you find an approved plumber in your area.
3. HomeServe Repairs
Whatever the nature of your water emergency, our trusted partners at HomeServe Repairs can help you get it sorted.