1. Turn off the water

Find your stopcock. In most homes it is under the kitchen sink. Turn it clockwise until it stops.

2. Switch off electrics near the water

If water reaches sockets, lights or the fuse board, switch off the power at the consumer unit. Do not touch it with wet hands.

3. Drain the system

Open the cold taps in the bath and kitchen to empty the pipes. Then switch off your boiler or immersion heater.

4. Catch and soak up the water

Use buckets and towels, and move furniture and rugs out of the way. Take photos for your insurer.

5. Call an emergency plumber

Our engineers answer emergency calls day and night. Tell us where the water is coming from and we will bring the right parts.