You’re minding your own business when suddenly — drip, drip, drip… or worse, a gushing sound coming from somewhere it definitely shouldn’t. Whether it’s a slow leak from under the sink or water pouring through the ceiling, water leaks are one of the most stressful home disasters you can deal with.
The good news? If you act quickly and follow a few simple steps, you can limit the damage and get it sorted fast.
Let’s walk through what to do in the moment, plus a few handy tips that could save your bacon next time.
Step One:
Turn Off the Water Supply
Sounds obvious, but in the panic, it’s easy to forget.
Find your stop tap (also called a stopcock) — usually under the kitchen sink, near the water meter, or in a downstairs cupboard — and turn it clockwise until it stops. This shuts off the incoming mains water supply to your house.
Can’t Find It? Can’t Turn It?
You’re not alone. Lots of customers we visit:
- Have no idea where their stop tap is
- Have a stop tap that’s seized or stuck
- Panic in an emergency and can’t get to it in time
This is exactly why we recommend fitting a Surestop.
The Easy Solution:
Install a Surestop Remote Stop Tap
Surestop is a clever little gadget that lets you shut off your mains water at the press of a button — no need to fumble under the sink or wrestle with stiff brass taps.
- Works even during power cuts (uses water pressure, not electricity)
- Can be fitted with a remote switch, so you can control it from a wall-mounted button
- Helps elderly customers, people with mobility issues, or just anyone who doesn’t want to crawl into a cupboard mid-crisis
We fit these all the time, and honestly, they’re a no-brainer. Especially if you’ve ever had to sprint to the stop tap with water pouring through the ceiling.
Ask us to fit one during your next service visit or job — it’s quick, affordable, and might save you thousands in water damage.
Step Two:
Turn Off the Heating or Boiler (if needed)
If the leak is near your boiler, radiators, or hot water cylinder, turn off the heating system. You don’t want it pulling in more water or potentially damaging the boiler.
If the leak is clearly from the cold water pipes (like under a sink or from a washing machine hose), this step might not be necessary — but when in doubt, switch it off at the boiler or cylinder and stay safe.t sticks out the wall behind your boiler — if it’s dripping or wet, the PRV might be leaking.
Step Three:
Isolate the Leak (If You Can)
If you can see exactly where the leak is coming from — like a burst flexi hose or a cracked fitting — and there’s an isolation valve nearby, turn that off too. This will stop water to just that part of the house.
Can’t find a valve? Don’t stress. You’ve already turned the water off at the mains. That’s the most important bit. up.
Step Four:
Contain the Water
Grab towels, buckets, pans — whatever you can find — and try to catch or divert the water to avoid further damage.
- Lay towels around the base of units or walls
- Use buckets under drips
- Keep water away from electrics if possible
If water is coming through the ceiling, don’t poke or burst the plaster. Just contain the water underneath and call for help.
Step Five:
Call a Professional
Once the water’s off and the drama is contained, give us a ring. We can:
- Locate and fix the source of the leak
- Repair or replace pipework, fittings, or taps
- Advise on long-term prevention (like fitting a Surestop)
- Help get your water safely back on
You can book online for fast response:
www.dtsplumbing.co.uk/book-an-appointment
Or call the office on: 0114 248 3011
If the leak is serious and has caused damage to electrics or ceilings, you may also need to call your home insurance provider and possibly a qualified electrician.
Bonus Tips for Future Peace of Mind
Here’s how to get ahead of the next leak:
Don’t ignore minor leaks — a drip today can be a disaster tomorrow
Find your stop tap now — don’t wait until you’re ankle-deep in water
Test it every few months to make sure it still turns
Label it clearly so everyone in the house knows where it is
Fit a Surestop — seriously, just do it. We can have it done in under an hour
Check flexi hoses regularly, especially behind toilets and sinks
Final Thought
A water leak might feel like a disaster in the moment, but the key is acting quickly. Shut off the water, stay calm, and call in the experts.
And next time someone says, “What’s that button on the wall?” — you can proudly say, “That’s my Surestop. Press it and the entire house water goes off.”
Suddenly, you’re the most sensible person in the house