what to do in a leeds plumbing emergency with no plumber

The first thing to do in the event of a leak is to turn the cold water off and all heating controls. Usual places to find the stoptap are under the kitchen sink, in the cellar or in the downstairs W.C. Other places to try are behind the washing machine or units in the kitchen, in the garage or in the street under a small metal flap at the end of your drive. When you have found the stoptap turn it fully clockwise (remember, righty tighty, lefty loosey). You may need a spanner to tighten it fully but be careful not to break it. Some appliances such as cisterns may have a separate tap which turns off with a screwdriver a quarter of a turn. Once you have turned off the cold supply open all hot and cold taps and leave them running. If the leak is from your central heating do as above but also drain the central heating system. A small drain-off tap may be situated on a downstairs radiator, on the boiler or under the floor. If you are competent to do so attach a hosepipe to this and drain the radiators making sure to turn the boiler and pump off first.

Places to check when looking for a leak include where a pipe joins a tap or bottom feed inlet to the W.C (a very common fault), an overflowing tank or toilet cistern, where a lead pipe meets a copper one, where washing machine hoses connect and a nailed pipe if you have recently done any D.I.Y.

If the leak is before your stoptap or outside the property contact Yorkshire water on 0845 124 2424 . If your electrics are wet turn off the electricity at the main fuse box.

To prevent a wet ceiling from falling down it may help if you pierce a hole in the ceiling with a long screwdriver to let the water out, this will also make it easier to catch the water in a bucket.

Should you need any further help or advice call:
Emergencyman plumbing on Freephone 0800 2 24 8 365