Stay Calm and Act Fast
Plumbing emergencies feel chaotic, but the actions you take in the first few minutes can make the difference between a contained problem and serious property damage. Here's a clear guide from our engineers who cover emergency call-outs across Battersea, Clapham, Chelsea and SW London every week.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
For any water leak, burst pipe or flooding situation, your first action should be to locate and turn off your main stopcock. In most London properties this is found under the kitchen sink, near the water meter, or in a utility room. Turning it clockwise will shut off the water supply to the entire property and stop the flow immediately.
If the leak is from a specific appliance (a washing machine, dishwasher or toilet), there will usually be an isolating valve — a small slot-headed screw on the supply pipe — that you can turn with a flathead screwdriver to isolate just that appliance without shutting off the whole house.
Step 2: Turn Off the Boiler and Heating
If the leak is near your boiler, or if you have no heating or hot water, turn the boiler off at its switch or isolator. Don't attempt to investigate or repair the boiler yourself.
Step 3: Isolate the Electrics if Needed
If water is coming through a ceiling or near electrical fittings, turn off the electricity at the consumer unit (fuse box) for the affected circuit. Never touch light switches or sockets in areas where water has penetrated.
Step 4: If You Suspect a Gas Leak
Do not use any electrical switches, naked flames or appliances. Open windows and doors immediately. Leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 — this line is free and available 24 hours. Once the supply has been isolated by the gas engineer, call us and we'll carry out any necessary pipe repair and testing.
Step 5: Call an Emergency Plumber
Once you've taken the immediate steps above, call us on 07773 991199. We provide same-day emergency plumbing across Battersea, Clapham, Chelsea, Wandsworth and SW London, 7 days a week. Tell us the postcode and what's happened and we'll let you know how quickly we can be with you.
While You Wait
Move valuables and furniture away from the affected area. If water has come through a ceiling, place buckets underneath and use towels to limit spread across floors. Take photos for insurance purposes — your home insurance policy may cover the cost of trace and access work to find the source of a leak.
Common Emergencies We Attend
- Burst and leaking pipes, particularly in cold weather
- Boiler breakdowns, especially no heating or hot water in winter
- Water coming through ceilings from bathrooms or plumbing above
- Overflowing toilets and blocked drains causing flooding
- Leaking radiators and heating system faults
If you're in Battersea, Clapham, Chelsea, Wandsworth, Fulham or surrounding areas and need an emergency plumber, call 07773 991199 now. See our full emergency plumbing service page for more information.