A leak can be obvious at a fitting or show up somewhere unexpected. Start with the visible location and describe what is happening around it.
source may be nearby water may appear elsewhere
Start with the visible location
Where is the water appearing?
Ceiling or wall
Staining, dripping or dampness below another room.
Pipe or fitting
Water around a joint, valve, connector or exposed pipework.
Bathroom
Water around a basin, bath, shower, toilet or waste connection.
Radiator or heating pipe
A wet valve, radiator panel, connection or nearby floor.
Think about the path
Visible leak or hidden leak?
Visible
You can see the source
The water starts at a tap, valve, joint, radiator or appliance connection. Say exactly where it begins and whether it changes when something is used.
Less obvious
You can see the effect
The first sign may be a stain, damp patch, dripping ceiling or soft flooring. Note the room above or nearby fixtures, without opening walls or ceilings.
Limit further damage
Useful first steps
01
Stop the source if safe
Turn off the affected fitting or appliance and avoid using it until the situation is clearer.
02
Protect the area
Move belongings away, catch drips where practical and keep wet areas clear.
03
Record the change
Note whether the leak appears constantly or only when a tap, toilet, shower or heating control is used.
Common locations
Small details can narrow the enquiry
Under a kitchen or bathroom sink
Around a shower, bath or basin
At a valve, joint or exposed pipe
Through a ceiling from another room
Pipework and visible fitting leaks
Describe the connection you can see
Visible pipework context
Use this section for an exposed pipe, leaking joint, flexi connection, isolation-valve area, under-sink pipework or a visibly damaged connection. State whether water is still appearing and what fitting is nearby.
Which room is affected?
Is the water at a pipe, joint, valve or flexible connector?
Does it change when a nearby fitting is used?
Can you show the connection and surrounding area safely?
Make the photo useful
What details should you send?
Show the area around the leak
Include the fitting and nearby floor, wall or ceiling so the relationship is clear. Add a second close photo if the source is small.
