A burst pipe, a leaking appliance or water coming through from a flat above can cause a lot of damage quickly. These steps help limit the damage and make the repair process smoother.
1. Make it safe
- Turn off the water at the stopcock
- If water has reached electrics, switch off the power at the consumer unit if it is safe to do so, and don’t use affected sockets or lights
- Keep away from sagging ceilings
2. Stop the spread
Move furniture, rugs and valuables away from wet areas, and lift items off wet carpets. Mop up standing water where it is safe.
3. Record everything
Take photos and videos of the damage and the source of the leak before anything is moved or thrown away. Keep receipts for any emergency costs.
4. Contact your insurer
Most buildings and contents policies cover escape of water. Report the claim promptly and ask how they want to proceed. Many insurers will accept a specialist’s drying and repair proposal.
5. Don’t rush the repairs
It is tempting to replaster and redecorate quickly, but walls and floors can stay wet well below the surface. Covering them up too soon can lead to mould, blown plaster, failed flooring and timber decay later on.
How professional drying works
Moisture readings map how far the water has spread. Dehumidifiers and air movers dry the structure, and readings are taken during drying to confirm when it is back to normal levels. Only then are repairs carried out.
Water from a flat above?
If the leak came from a neighbouring flat, contact them and the building’s managing agent straight away. Their insurance may be involved too.
Our team handles drying and repairs after leaks and floods, and can work with your insurer. Find out more about our water damage restoration service.
