If you suspect or are made aware of a water leak, then please take the following actions:
If the water leak is in your property(after the main stop tap) then:
Turn off your main stop tap. This is usually under the kitchen sink, but can be any where on your ground floor.
In flats it can be in your communal hallway outside your flat or downstairs.
If not found, try following one of your cold water pipes to where you think the water may enter your property. You will need to rotate the tap a number of times clockwise, to fully turn off the supply.
Turn on cold water taps, to empty your pipes and tank of water as quickly as possible.
Telephone your local plumber to fix the problem.
Telephone:
If the leak is near your electrics or on any electrical appliances, then switch them off at the mains.
Do not touch any wet electrical fittings. Do not turn your electricity back on, until an electrician says it is safe to do so.
Mop up any escaped water in the area you had a leak as soon as possible.
Soak up/block off escaping water with thick towels etc.
Telephone your insurance company if insured.
You will need to pay for any repairs, unless your house insurance covers you.
If the water leak is in your grounds but before your main stop tap in your house
or you have damaged your stop tap then:
Turn off the main stop tap in the street. This is usually under the pavement near your property.
If you have a water meter, it may be immediately before the meter and appear to be part of the meter.
You will need to rotate the tap 90° clockwise.
Turn off your main stop tap in your house, to stop contaminated water from entering your system.
Telephone your local water supply company to fix the problem.
Telephone:
Your water supply company.
If the leak is near your electrics, other electrics or on any electrical appliances, then switch them off at the mains.
Do not touch any wet electrical fittings. Do not turn your electricity back on, until an electrician says it is safe to do so.
Mop up and/or block the escaped water as soon as possible.
Soak up/block off escaping water with thick towels etc. if inside.
Use sandbags if possible to contain the water or guide it to a drain, if outside.
Telephone your insurance company if insured.
You will need to pay for any repairs, unless your house insurance covers you.
If the water leak is outside your property and grounds,before the main stop tap, then:
Telephone your local water supply company to fix the problem.
Telephone: (Water supply) Telephone: (Water drainage) The water company will fix the problem free of charge, as long as the leak is not after the main street stop tap or on your land.
You can turn off your main stop tap if you are worried about contaminated water entering your water system.
When you contact your plumber or water company, they will need to know:
Your name.
Your address.
Your contact number.
The location of the leak.
A time to visit, when someone is in.
Don't forget to contact your insurance company as soon as possible if insured.
They may ask you to use one of their plumbers.
Take photos of the damage.
Send them copies of all bills etc.