Whether it’s a steady trickle or a gushing burst pipe, a leak in your home will spell chaos if not fixed quickly. Read on for some tips as to how to stop the leak and minimise any damage it may cause.
Your first port of call is to turn off the stopcock, which will stop the flow of water to the leak. It’s a good idea to locate the stopcock in your home prior to an emergency, as it will save you valuable time! It’s not always the easiest thing to find, but start by looking in common places such as under the kitchen sink, in the bathroom, under the stairs, close to the gas meter, in a garage or utility room, inside a cupboard, or in a communal hallway. Keep some tools close to it if it’s tricky to turn, and give it a twist twice a year to make sure it doesn’t seize up.
If you are unable to locate the stopcock or turn it, the best thing you can do is minimise damage until an expert arrives. Turn off the electricity, place a bucket and towels under the leak, wrap a towel around the pipe that is leaking, turn on all taps in the home to reduce the quantity of water leaking from the pipe, and move any furniture or items that are likely to get damaged if left sitting in water.
If the leak is coming from a sink, bath, washing machine, tap, shower, tank, toilet or dishwasher, you should have an isolation valve, which will allow you to shut off the water to that particular area, avoiding going without water in the rest of your home. This should also avoid you having to turn off electrics and move furniture. The valve can usually be turned by carefully using a flat-head screwdriver.
Sometimes leaks are unavoidable, and it’s wise to have an insurance policy in place that covers your home and belongings in case of a disaster. Talk to our experts today to find the best cover for you.
