Emergency plumbing: What to do before help arrives

Nothing’s more terrifying than water pouring from a burst pipe or the drip… drip… drip of a failing seal. 

Plumbing disasters never happen at convenient times and waiting for a plumber can feel like an eternity when your carpet’s wet or your bathroom’s a mini waterfall. 

The good news is you can take simple steps to limit damage, protect your home and even save on repair costs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do from the moment you see the leak until the plumber arrives—no technical jargon, just practical advice you can trust. 

Next, you need to turn off the water at the source. In most homes, you’ll find an isolation valve under the sink or behind the toilet; a quick quarter turn usually stops the flow. If the leak is elsewhere or the valve won’t budge, head to your stopcock (usually in a utility room, garage, or outside near the pavement). Turn it clockwise until it’s fully closed. This alone can prevent gallons more from flooding your floors, walls and belongings, buying you time before help arrives. 

Even with the water supply off, you’ll often have residual water dripping for a minute or two. Grab old towels, cloths, or even newspapers and surround the leak to soak up drips. Place buckets or bowls under the source to catch any remaining drips. If water’s seeping into cupboards or behind appliances, clear out those items as soon as possible – damp wood and cardboard warp fast. The aim here is simple: stop water spreading, keep surfaces dry, and save your floors and furniture from long-term damage. 

Water and electricity are a deadly combination. If the leak is near sockets, light switches or electrical appliances, switch off the power at the mains fuse box. Don’t touch wet cables or sockets – always kill the power first, then call an electrician if there’s any sign of damage or sparking. Better safe than sorry: wet carpets, puddles on the floor, and loose cables are all major hazards. Once the power’s off, you can work around the area with much more confidence. 

While you wait, take the opportunity to collect key details that will help the plumber diagnose and fix the problem quickly. Snap clear photos of the leak, note the exact location (e.g., “behind the washing machine” or “bathroom floor near waste pipe”) and record how long it’s been going on. If you’ve heard unusual noises – creaks, hissing, gurgling – make a note. The more information you can provide, the less time the tradesperson will waste on guesswork and the quicker the job can be done. 

A little preparation goes a long way. Clear a path to the affected area so the plumber can get straight to work. Move any fragile or valuable items out of the way. If you have pets or small children, secure them in another room for safety and to give the tradesperson space to work. Have pen and paper or your phone ready to jot down recommendations – good plumbers often offer tips on how to prevent future leaks and you’ll want to remember their advice. 

In minor cases – like a dripping tap or slow leak from a joint – you might be able to apply a quick temporary fix. Plumber’s tape (Teflon tape) wrapped around threaded fittings can seal small weeps and an adjustable spanner can tighten loose nuts. Pipe-repair kits with rubber sleeves and clamps can also stop leaking for a short while.  

But don’t be tempted to tinker beyond these simple measures; you don’t want to turn a repairable leak into a major burst. Leave complex jobs to the professionals.

Not all leaks are 000 emergencies, but some are. If water’s pouring in close proximity to electrical panels or you see gas-style copper pipes spraying water, you must treat it as an emergency.  

Serious flooding that’s threatening to compromise the structure of your home or if you can’t find the isolation valve, are also red-flag scenarios. In these cases, call your local emergency plumber straight away, and if in doubt, call emergency services. 

Once the plumber has fixed the immediate problem, think about taking steps to prevent a repeat. Regularly test your stopcock to make sure it still turns freely. Inspect visible pipes for corrosion and have your boiler and central heating system serviced annually. Simple routines – like running taps monthly to clear out scale or checking under sinks for damp patches – can alert you to minor issues before they become major leaks. 

Facing a plumbing emergency is never fun, but with a clear head and a few quick actions, you can protect your home from the worst damage. By turning off the water supply, containing the leak, managing electrical risks, and gathering key information, you’ll not only ride out the crisis but also help the plumber fix the problem faster. 

And once the job’s done, a little maintenance will keep your pipes flowing smoothly for years to come – so you can get back to the important things in life without the drip, drip, drip of worry.