Gas ServicesGas, plumbing and heating
Emergency plumbing

Emergency plumber: what to do before help arrives

Simple steps to reduce damage during an urgent leak or plumbing failure before an engineer attends.

3 min read

Plumber repairing pipework under a sink
Back to advice

Turn off the water if safe

Locate the stop tap and isolate the water supply where practical. For appliance leaks, local isolation valves may also help.

Protect electrics and finishes

Avoid using affected electrical fittings and move belongings away from water. Contain drips with buckets or towels if the area is safe.

Give clear access details

When you call, explain the source of the leak, property type, access arrangements and any immediate safety concerns.

Need a gas engineer or plumber?

Tell us what you need and we will help you choose the quickest practical next step.