What to Do If You Discover a Leaking Pipe in Your Home

Finding water leaking inside your home can be stressful, particularly if you do not know where it is coming from.

Acting quickly can make a significant difference to the amount of damage caused.

Here are the steps you should take if you discover a leaking pipe and when you should contact a plumber in Chislehurst.

Turn Off the Water Supply

If water is leaking quickly, your first priority should be stopping the flow.

Most properties have an internal stopcock that controls the mains water supply. This is often located underneath the kitchen sink, although its position varies between homes.

Turn the stopcock clockwise to shut off the water.

Knowing where your stopcock is before an emergency happens is always worthwhile.

Switch Off Electricity Where Necessary

Water and electricity can be a dangerous combination.

If the leak is close to electrical sockets, appliances, lighting or wiring, avoid touching anything in the affected area.

If it is safe to do so, switch off the electricity at the consumer unit and seek professional assistance.

Try to Contain the Water

Use buckets, bowls and towels to collect or absorb as much water as possible.

Moving furniture, electrical equipment and valuable belongings away from the affected area can also reduce the risk of further damage.

Identify Where the Leak Is Coming From

If possible, look for the source of the leak.

Common areas include:

• Underneath sinks

• Around toilets

• Behind washing machines

• Around radiators

• Under baths and showers

• Pipe joints

• Ceilings beneath bathrooms

However, water can travel along pipes, floors and walls before becoming visible, so the place where you see water isn’t necessarily the source of the leak.

Don’t Ignore Small Leaks

A slow drip may not look urgent, but even small plumbing leaks can create significant problems over time.

Persistent moisture can damage:

• Flooring

• Kitchen units

• Ceilings

• Plasterwork

• Timber

• Paint and decoration

It can also encourage damp and mould growth.

Getting a leak repaired early is usually much easier than dealing with the resulting water damage later.

When Should You Call a Plumber?

You should consider contacting a plumber if:

• You cannot identify the source of the leak

• The leak continues after isolating an appliance

• Pipework is damaged

• Water is coming through a ceiling

• The problem keeps returning

• You are unsure how to repair it safely

Attempting temporary DIY fixes can sometimes make the problem worse, particularly where pipework is difficult to access.

Looking for a Plumber in Chislehurst?

Chislehurst Plumbers Ltd provides plumbing repairs, leak detection and general plumbing services throughout Chislehurst and the surrounding areas.

Whether you have discovered a leaking pipe, dripping tap, faulty toilet, blocked drain or another plumbing problem, our experienced team can identify the issue and recommend the appropriate solution.

For dependable local plumbing support, contact Chislehurst Plumbers Ltd today.