Common plumbing problems
Is a water leak an emergency? How to tell
Guidance built with working UK plumbers · Last updated July 2026
Most household water leaks are not emergencies — a slow drip under a sink can wait for the weekend. A leak becomes an emergency when water is flowing fast and you can't stop it, when it's near electrics, when a ceiling is bulging, or when it involves gas (a boiler). Whatever the severity, the safest first move is always the same: turn off the water at the stopcock, then work out the cause.
Red, amber or green?
🔴 Emergency — act now
Water pouring and you can't stop it · water near light fittings, sockets or the consumer unit · a ceiling bulging with water · any gas smell. → Stop the water, isolate electrics if wet, keep everyone clear, and call for help. Gas smell: leave and call 0800 111 999.
🟠 Call a plumber soon
A steady leak you've contained · a leaking radiator, toilet or appliance · a fitting you can't fully stop. → Stop the water to that point and book a plumber in the next day or two.
🟢 Safe to plan
A dripping tap · a slow under-sink weep you've already stopped. → Fix it when it's convenient. No rush, but don't ignore it — small leaks grow.
Whatever the colour, step one is the same: turn off the water at the stopcock. It's the single most effective thing you can do to limit damage while you work out what's wrong.
Find your leak
| If it's… | Read this |
|---|---|
| Under the kitchen sink | Leak under the kitchen sink |
| Coming through the ceiling | Water leaking from the ceiling |
| The boiler | Boiler leaking water |
| A radiator | Radiator leaking |
| The base of the toilet | Toilet leaking from the base |
| A dripping tap | Dripping tap |
| The washing machine | Washing machine leaking |
| Hidden (meter spinning) | Water meter spinning with taps off |
Questions, answered straight
Is a small leak an emergency?
Usually not — a slow, contained drip can wait. It's an emergency when you can't stop the water, it's near electrics, a ceiling is bulging, or gas is involved.
When should I call an emergency plumber?
When you can't stop the water, it's reaching electrics or the ceiling below, or a burst pipe is flooding. Gas issues → 0800 111 999 first.
Should I turn the water off for any leak?
The stopcock is always a safe first move. For a tiny contained drip a local isolation valve may be enough, but if in doubt, use the stopcock.
Is a leak covered by home insurance?
A sudden 'escape of water' is commonly covered, but gradual leaks are often excluded. It varies by policy — check your documents or ask your insurer.
Not sure how bad yours is?
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Related: How to turn off your water at the stopcock · Water leaking from the ceiling · Boiler leaking water