Water leaks can be catastrophic for you as a homeowner. Knowing what to do when or if you spot a leak can make a huge difference to the outcome.
Taking a few steps now to identify key components in your home plumbing system, could save precious possessions in the future.
Read on to discover what you need to do in the event of a leak and what you can do to prepare now.
Find Your Water Stop Tap
If you think you’ve found a leak, and before you pick up the phone, you need to turn off the water supply to your property.
You can do this by locating the stopcock and turning it clockwise.
Make sure everyone in your home knows where this is so that they can act quickly in an emergency.
How to Find Your Stopcock
Most internal stopcocks can be found on the ground floor under the kitchen sink.
Some homes will have individual stopcocks for different sections of the home but, in an emergency, you need to focus on the main stopcock.
Once this is turned off, drain the pipes by turning on the cold water tap until the water stops running.
Turn Off Your Heating
If you don’t yet know if the leak is coming from your heating system, it makes sense to turn this off too.
You will need to turn off the water supply to your heating system by locating the shut-off valves under to your boiler.
Now turn on the hot water tap to drain the system.
You should also turn off the boiler at the mains by locating the relevant circuit breaker or fuse switch.
Turn Off Electricity
If the water is anywhere near light fittings, electrical switches, sockets or appliances, switch off your power at the mains by identifying the right circuit breakers.
Edge on the side of caution to help limit the damage. This will also help to make your home safe while you wait for a professional.
Dealing with a water leak in your home can be stressful, but taking immediate and effective action can greatly minimise potential damage and costs.
Acting quickly and wisely is key to protecting your home from the damages a water leak can cause.
Protect your home with Blue Emergency Cover – because we’re not just about coverage, we’re about care.
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