What to Do If You Discover a Leak in Your Home
Expert Advice from 365 Emergency Plumbing Bristol
Discovering a leak in your home can be stressful - especially when you’re not sure where it’s coming from or how bad it might be. But don’t panic. Acting quickly (and calmly) can save you money, prevent water damage, and help your plumber fix the issue faster.
Here’s what to do if you find a leak - from the first few minutes to the final fix.
Turn Off the Water Supply
If you can see where the water’s coming from, head straight to your isolation valve or stop tap. It’s usually under the kitchen sink, in the bathroom, or near the water meter.
Turn it clockwise to shut off the supply and stop more water entering the system.
Pro Tip: If you’re not sure where your stop tap is, find it now - not during an emergency. Knowing this in advance can save valuable time.
Switch Off Electricity if the Leak Is Near Sockets or Lights
Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. If the leak is close to any electrical fittings, turn off the power at the mains before touching anything.
Then call an emergency plumber (and an electrician if needed) to assess the damage safely.
Contain the Leak
Place towels, buckets, or bowls under the leak to minimise water spread. Move any furniture, electronics, or valuables away from the area.
This won’t fix the problem, but it helps reduce property damage while you wait for professional help.
Find the Source (If It’s Safe to Do So)
Try to locate where the water is coming from:
Ceiling leak? Likely from a burst pipe, tank, or bathroom above.
Wall leak? Could be from hidden pipes or radiator joints.
Floor leak? Often linked to heating systems or underfloor pipes.
Even if you can’t find the exact cause, sharing what you do notice (like dripping frequency, water colour, or timing) helps your plumber diagnose faster.
Call a Professional Leak Detection Specialist
Once the immediate danger is under control, call a local leak detection expert.
At 365 Emergency Plumbing Bristol, we use non-invasive equipment to pinpoint leaks quickly - without unnecessary damage to walls or floors.
We’re available 24 hours a day, covering all areas of Bristol and surrounding neighbourhoods, so help is never far away.
Don’t Delay Repairs
Even a small drip can waste thousands of litres of water and weaken your property structure over time.
Once the leak is found, book a full repair immediately - including checks on connected pipes and joints to ensure there’s no secondary issue waiting to happen.
Prevent Future Leaks
Regular plumbing maintenance can stop leaks before they start. Here’s what we recommend:
✅ Annual boiler and pipework inspections
✅ Replacing old seals, washers, and flexi-hoses
✅ Checking radiators and valves for corrosion
✅ Insulating pipes in cold weather to prevent bursts
If you’re unsure, we can arrange a plumbing health check to spot early warning signs.
Need an Emergency Plumber in Bristol?
At 365 Emergency Plumbing Bristol, we’re always ready to help - day or night.
Whether it’s a hidden leak, burst pipe, or emergency repair, our experienced team will respond fast and get your water system back to normal.
📞 Call us 24/7 for fast, local leak repair and leak detection services in Bristol.
