A plumbing emergency — a burst pipe, a major leak, or no heating in the middle of winter — can cause serious damage in a matter of minutes. Knowing what to do in the first few moments can be the difference between a quick clean-up and a flooded room.
Here's a simple, step-by-step plan to follow before and while you call an emergency plumber.
1. Turn off the water at the stopcock
Your first move is always the same: stop the water. Find your main stopcock — usually under the kitchen sink, in a downstairs cupboard, or near where the mains pipe enters your home — and turn it clockwise to shut it off. If the leak is from a specific appliance or toilet, use the isolation valve next to it instead.
2. Switch off the electricity if water is near wiring
If water is running near plug sockets, your fuse box, or any electrical appliance, turn off the electricity at the consumer unit. Never touch electrical fittings while standing in water.
3. Contain the water
Use towels, buckets, or a mop to contain the water and protect belongings. Move furniture and valuables away from the affected area. If water is coming through the ceiling, place a bucket below and pierce a small hole in the bulging plaster to let it drain in a controlled way — this can prevent the whole ceiling from collapsing.
4. Call a 24/7 emergency plumber
Once the water is off and the area is safe, call a plumber who offers a genuine 24/7 service. Explain clearly what's happened, where the water is coming from, and whether you've isolated it. The more detail you give, the faster they can prepare.
5. Take photos for your insurance
Before you start cleaning up, take photos and a short video of the damage and the source. Most home insurance policies cover escape of water, and good evidence makes a claim far smoother. Keep any damaged parts the plumber removes.
When it's a real emergency
Call immediately if: water is pouring and you can't stop it; there's a risk to electrics; a pipe has burst in a loft or ceiling; or you have no heating or hot water in cold weather with vulnerable people in the home. In all of these, a 24/7 plumber will treat it as a priority.
Goodman Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency call-outs across London. If you're dealing with a leak or burst right now, turn off your water and call us — we'll get to you as fast as we can.