Water leak at home: what to check first

Water is still escaping

If you can reach your internal stop tap safely and know how to use it, turn it off. Do not touch affected electrics or go under a bulging ceiling. Call with the postcode and tell us whether the flow stopped.

The leak appears during a shower or when something drains

If water shows while the fitting is being used, tell us which one and at what point. For example, water appearing as a bath empties can point us towards the waste pipe, trap or a connection. If using the fitting makes the leak worse, leave it out of use.

The damp patch grows even when nothing is being used

Tell us how long it has been there and whether you can hear water running. If you can safely read your water meter, note whether it shows flow with taps, toilets and appliances idle. If the meter still shows flow with the internal stop tap closed, tell your water supplier so they can advise on the supply pipe.

Take a useful photo

Take one photo from a distance to show where the water appears and a closer one if it is safe. Tell us what is directly above or beside the damp area and whether any nearby fixture has recently been changed.