When an emergency water leak occurs, your initial reaction may be panic. Water spreading through your home can cause severe damage in minutes. Acting fast and following a few straightforward steps can reduce the impact before professionals arrive. At Track-A-Leak, we’ve handled thousands of emergencies across the UK, so we know what works and what doesn’t. This guide walks you through exactly what to do to protect your property and belongings.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Go straight to your stopcock and turn it off. This is the main water valve that controls the flow into your home. In most homes, it is typically located under the kitchen sink, by the front door, or in a downstairs bathroom. Turn it clockwise to close it.
Once the water is off, open your taps to drain any remaining water from the pipes. This reduces pressure and stops more water from leaking out. If you can’t find your stopcock, check your home’s welcome pack or ask a neighbour where theirs is located. Homes built around the same time often have the stopcock in similar spots.
Step 2: Turn Off the Electricity (If Safe)
If the leak is near electrical outlets, light fixtures, or appliances, switch off the power at your circuit breaker or fuse box. Never touch wet electrical fittings or switches. If you have to walk through water to reach the fuse box, don’t risk it-wait for professionals. Electricity and water are a dangerous mix. If in doubt, call your local electricity provider for advice.
Step 3: Contain the Leak
Use towels, buckets, and bowls to collect dripping water. Move anything valuable or water-sensitive away from the affected area. Place bin bags or waterproof sheets under drips to protect the flooring.
If the ceiling is bulging, don’t ignore it. Use a screwdriver to create a small hole at the lowest point, allowing the water to drain safely into a bucket. This can prevent the ceiling from collapsing.
Step 4: Identify the Source (If Possible)
If it’s safe, look for the source of the water. Common causes include:
- Burst or frozen pipes
- Overflowing tanks in the loft
- Leaking radiator valves
- Faulty washing machine or dishwasher hoses
You don’t need to fix it-just note what you see. This helps the emergency engineer locate and repair it faster.
Step 5: Protect Your Belongings
Move furniture, documents, and electronics to a dry space. If carpets or rugs are wet, lift them and place foil or wooden blocks under the furniture legs to prevent staining and allow air to circulate.
Open windows and doors to improve ventilation; air movement slows the growth of mould and helps with drying.
Step 6: Document the Damage
Take photos and short videos of all affected areas. Capture where the leak started and any visible damage to walls, ceilings, or floors. Also, record the date and time.
This documentation is helpful when you contact your insurance company or a repair service. Keep receipts for any emergency items you buy, such as dehumidifiers or fans- you might be able to claim these costs back.
Step 7: Call Track-A-Leak
Once the situation is under control, call Track-A-Leak’s emergency response team. Our specialists utilise advanced, non-invasive leak detection technologies, such as thermal imaging and acoustic testing, to locate hidden leaks without causing damage.
We operate 24/7 across the UK, so help is available at all times, no matter when it’s needed.
Step 8: Notify Your Insurer
After you’ve contacted us, inform your home insurance provider. Most policies cover the damage caused by a leak, but not necessarily the repair to the pipe itself.
Track-A-Leak can help provide a detailed leak detection report, which you can give to your insurer to support your claim. This saves time and speeds up the approval process for any repairs.
Step 9: Start Drying the Area
Once the leak is stopped, focus on drying out your home. Utilise dehumidifiers, fans, and natural airflow to reduce moisture levels. Suppose the weather is dry, open windows to help. Avoid turning your heating up too high-it can cause materials like plaster and wood to warp.
If the leak has soaked insulation or plasterboard, you might need professional drying equipment. Track-A-Leak can arrange this as part of the restoration process.
