Water Coming Through Ceiling: What to Do Now

Quick Answer: Turn off the main water supply immediately, turn off electricity to affected area, place containers to catch water, poke a small hole to control the drip (prevents ceiling collapse), then call a plumber.

Immediate Actions (First 5 Minutes)

1. Turn Off Water Supply

Find your stopcock and turn it clockwise until closed.

• Kitchen sink: Check underneath
• Utility room or garage
• Near front door

2. Turn Off Electricity

Go to consumer unit (fuse box):

• Turn off circuits for affected area
• If unsure, turn off main breaker

3. Control the Water

• Place buckets, pans, containers
• Lay towels around the area
• Move furniture and valuables

4. Make a Controlled Hole

If ceiling is bulging:

• Use a screwdriver to poke a small hole
• Have container ready underneath
• This prevents sudden ceiling collapse

Finding the Source

Water may travel along pipes/beams before dripping, so source isn't always directly above the wet patch.

Check above:

• Bathroom: toilet, bath, shower, basin
• Kitchen: sink, dishwasher, fridge
• Upstairs radiators
• Hot water cylinder

Check outside:

• Roof leaks (especially after storms)
• Blocked gutters overflowing
• Flat roof ponding

Emergency Plumber Needed?

Call immediately if:

• Water still flowing despite stopcock off
• Large amounts of water
• Ceiling structural damage
• Water near electrics

Can wait for morning if:

• Water stopped after turning off supply
• Small contained drip
• You've identified and isolated the source

Costs

Service	Price
Emergency call-out	£95-£150
Leak repair	£95-£300
Ceiling repair	Separate (builder)

Insurance: Document everything with photos and call your insurer - most policies cover water damage.

---

Glasgow emergency plumber: +44 141 468 9930 - 24/7