How to fix a water leak 

Do you have a leak in your property? Has the leak damaged your property? Can you control the leak? Below is advice and a guide on how to stop the flow of water and help prevent further damage to your property.

Stopping the flow of water

If you can not contain the water leak - locate and close the water supply stop tap by turning the tap handle in a clockwise direction. If you can not find the stop tap, please follow the guide below;

The stop tap is normally situated under the kitchen sink, or in the bathroom. It could be under the wash hand basin, beside the toilet or under the bath. The stop tap could also be located external to the property maybe in an out building.

  1. Once you have located the stop tap, close the stop tap fully by turning the tap handle clockwise until you can’t turn it any further. By closing the tap this will reduce and eventually stop the water flow, ensuring your property’s safety from water damage.
  2. If you have a cold water storage tank, the water may still leak even after you’ve closed the stop tap.
  3. Check if there is a stop tap on the water tank and close this tap if applicable. This will restrict the water flow, stopping the leak.
  4. If required, open all your hot and cold water taps to drain the remaining water from the plumbing and central heating system.

Then call a gas safe registered engineer or plumber. Or, if you have a policy with CORGI HomePlan, call 0800 085 0845.

Can the leak be contained - can you place a container under the leak?, this will contain the water and reduce or prevent any damage which could be caused by the offending leak.

Then call a gas safe registered engineer or plumber. Or, if you have a policy with CORGI HomePlan, call 0800 085 0845.

Is your radiator leaking?

  • Place a container or towels under the radiator to contain the leak. You can close the valves on the radiator by turning them clockwise. This will stop the leak as it would restrict the water from entering the leaking radiator (the water will drain from the radiator until empty).
  • Open the radiator bleed valve using the correct key. This will reduce the pressure in the radiator, but only after you have closed both valves on the radiator.

  • If the radiator valve is leaking, switch off your central heating boiler
  • If the leak is from the drain pipes under the sink, it is possible the pipe joints have become loose. These pipes are easily repaired by slackening off the retaining nut (which is normally hand tight), pushing the pipe, and fitting together ensuring the black rubber seal is in place. Then re-tighten the retaining nut, making sure that it’s only hand tight.
  • For a radiator pipe leak, this may only require the securing nut to be tightened. This can be done by gently with the correct spanner turning the securing nut anti clockwise. (see image below)

For information about our boiler cover and annual servicing, click here.

Can’t find an answer?

Get in touch with our customer support team who will be to help you.