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Stop and contain a household water leak
A calm first-response plan to limit damage, stay safe and leave useful evidence for a plumber, landlord or insurer.
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on a rental home, its paperwork and the landlord before paying a holding deposit, so you avoid scams and poor-quality homes.Quick checklist
- Location of the stop tap known
- Water source isolated or professional help called
- Electricity risk checked without entering water
- Photos and times recorded
- Neighbour below warned if relevant
Common problems
The stop tap will not move
Do not use excessive force. Call an emergency plumber or your water supplier for advice on the external stop valve.
Water is coming through a ceiling
Keep out of the room, isolate electricity only from a dry safe position, and call for urgent professional help.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between condensation and damp?
Condensation forms when warm, moist indoor air meets a cold surface such as a window or outside wall, and it usually appears in cooler weather. Damp is water getting into the building from outside or from a leak, for example through a roof, gutter or rising from the ground. Condensation is usually reduced by ventilation and steady heating, while damp needs the source of water found and repaired.
Who is responsible for repairs in a rented home?
In most tenancies the landlord is responsible for the structure and exterior, plus heating, hot water, gas, electrics, water supply and sanitation. Tenants are usually responsible for minor upkeep and for damage they cause. Always report repairs in writing and keep a copy; Citizens Advice or Shelter can explain your rights if repairs are not done.
Who do I call if the power goes off?
Call 105, the free national power cut number, which puts you through to your local electricity network operator. If there is a risk to life, such as fallen power lines, call 999. Before calling, check whether neighbours are also affected and whether your own trip switch has flipped.
Should I give my energy supplier regular meter readings?
If you do not have a working smart meter, sending a reading every month or at least every quarter keeps your bills accurate instead of estimated. Always send readings when you move in or out, when prices change and when you switch supplier. Take a dated photo of the meter as proof.
What should I do if I think I smell gas?
Leave the property, avoid using light switches or naked flames, and open doors and windows if it is safe to do so. Call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999 straight away from outside. Never try to find or fix a gas leak yourself; repairs must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
What to do next
Once the flow is stopped, ventilate safely, keep receipts and ask what must be dried or inspected before redecoration.