What should I do if a pipe is leaking in my London home?

First, turn off the water supply at the stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink). Then turn off any nearby electricity at the fuse box if water is near electrics. Contain the water with towels and buckets, take photos for insurance, and call an emergency plumber.

Can I use plumber's tape to fix a leaking pipe temporarily?

PTFE tape (plumber's tape) can slow a very minor drip on a threaded joint as a very short-term measure only. It is not a repair. Pipe repair clamps from a hardware shop are a better short-term fix for small cracks. However, all temporary fixes should be replaced by a permanent repair from a qualified plumber.

Does home insurance cover leaking pipes in London?

Standard home insurance (buildings cover) usually covers sudden and unexpected water damage from a burst or leaking pipe. It generally does not cover gradual damage from a slow leak that was not reported promptly. Always check your policy and report leaks immediately.

Leaking Pipe in London? Here's What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives

Q: How much does it cost to fix a leaking pipe in London?

Simple pipe leak repairs in accessible locations typically cost £60–£200 in London. Leaks inside walls or under floors requiring trace and access work cost significantly more — often £200–£600 depending on access difficulty.

A leaking pipe can go from a small drip to serious water damage in a matter of hours. Acting quickly and correctly in the first few minutes can save you thousands of pounds in damage. Here's exactly what to do.

Immediate Steps: Do These Now

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

This is the single most important thing to do. Find your internal stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink in London houses) and turn it clockwise to close it. Not sure where yours is? See our guide: How to turn off your water supply in an emergency.

If you can't find the internal stopcock, use an isolation valve at the affected appliance, or use the external stopcock in the pavement outside your property.

2. Turn Off the Boiler and Central Heating

If the leak is near any pipework connected to your heating system, or if you're not certain where the pipe goes, turn the boiler off. This prevents hot water from being pumped through the leak, which makes things significantly worse.

3. Switch Off Nearby Electricity

Water and electricity are a lethal combination. If water is near electrical outlets, switches, or ceiling roses, turn off the circuit at the fuse box. Do not touch electrical switches or outlets that may be wet.

4. Contain the Water

Place towels, buckets, and bowls to catch dripping water. If water is coming through a ceiling, place a bucket below the drip point and, if the ceiling is bulging with water, carefully pierce the lowest point of the bulge to allow controlled drainage (this prevents ceiling collapse and is better than letting it spread).

5. Open Cold Taps to Drain the Pipes

After turning off the stopcock, open all cold taps in the property to drain remaining water from the pipes and relieve pressure. This reduces the amount of water flowing from the leak.

6. Document Everything for Insurance

Before cleaning up, take photos and video of the leak, the water damage, and any damaged possessions. This is essential for any insurance claim.

Temporary Fixes While Waiting for the Plumber

These are not permanent repairs — they buy time until a qualified plumber arrives:

Pipe repair clamp: A metal clamp with a rubber seal that grips around a cracked pipe. Available from B&Q or Screwfix for £5–£15. Works on straight pipe sections.
Waterproof repair tape: Self-fusing silicone tape can wrap around a leaking joint as a very short-term measure. Available from hardware shops.
Push-fit stop-end: If a pipe has fully burst and is accessible, a push-fit cap can block the open end temporarily.

Important: None of these replace a proper repair. They are emergency measures only.

Need a plumber for a leaking pipe in London?

Get connected with a vetted local plumber available 24/7 across all 32 London boroughs.

Get Emergency Help Now →

What to Tell the Plumber When You Call

The more information you can give, the faster they can help. Have ready:

Where the leak appears to be coming from (which room, which pipe or appliance)
Whether it's a cold or hot water pipe (feel the pipe near the leak if safe to do so)
How fast the water is dripping or flowing
Whether you've managed to isolate the supply
Your full address and postcode
Your access arrangements (are you home, is there a doorbell, parking nearby?)

Hidden Leaks — Signs You Have a Leak You Can't See

Not all pipe leaks are obvious. Watch for these warning signs:

Unexplained increase in your water bill
Damp or discoloured patches on walls or ceilings
Mould or mildew forming with no obvious cause
Sounds of running water when all taps are off
Boiler pressure dropping regularly (sign of a leak in the heating circuit)
Soft or sunken patches in the garden (may indicate an underground leak)

Hidden leaks require a leak detection survey. See: How much does it cost to fix a leaking pipe in London?

Does Home Insurance Cover Leaking Pipes?

Buildings insurance usually covers sudden and unexpected water damage from a burst or failed pipe. It typically does not cover:

Gradual leaks that were not reported promptly
General wear and tear
The cost of accessing the pipe (e.g. breaking through tiles) in some policies

Call your insurer as soon as possible — many policies require you to report damage promptly. Keep all receipts for emergency repair work.

After the Emergency: Preventing Future Leaks

Have your plumbing inspected if the property is over 20 years old — London's older housing stock is prone to corrosion and joint failure
Insulate pipes in unheated areas (loft, garage) before winter to prevent freezing
Fit a home water leak detector — smart devices that alert you via phone if a leak is detected
Know where your stopcock is and test it annually