Found a water leak? What to do before the plumber arrives
Most household leaks can be slowed in minutes. Four steps that limit the damage.
4 min readUpdated
Key takeaways
- Close the nearest isolation valve, or the main valve if you can't find one.
- Keep water away from sockets and the distribution board.
- Known small fixes start at AED 69; hidden leaks start with an AED 59 inspection.
On this page
Acting quickly limits damage to ceilings, cabinets and flooring. None of these steps needs tools.
1. Turn off the water
Close the isolation valve under the sink or behind the toilet. If you can't find one, close the main water valve for the apartment or villa.
2. Make the area safe
Keep water away from sockets and appliances. Switch off at the board only if you can reach it safely and dry.
3. Protect and photograph
Move valuables and use towels and buckets. Photos added when you book help the plumber arrive prepared.
- The leak itself, close up
- Any stains on ceilings or walls
- The pipe, valve or fitting it comes from
- The label on a water heater, if it's involved
4. Book the right visit
| What you see | Book | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dripping tap or a loose connection | Plumbing fix | From AED 69 |
| Damp patch or a leak you can't trace | Plumbing inspection | AED 59, credited if you approve the repair at the same visit |
Dripping tap or a loose connection
- Book
- Plumbing fix
- Price
- From AED 69
Damp patch or a leak you can't trace
- Book
- Plumbing inspection
- Price
- AED 59, credited if you approve the repair at the same visit
Plumbing
From AED 69 · or AED 59 inspection
Questions
Is the AED 59 inspection fee refunded?
It is credited against the repair if you approve it at the same visit.
Should I switch off the electricity?
Only if you can reach the board safely and dry. If water is near the board, stay clear and call 997 in an emergency.
Where is the main water valve in an apartment?
In most apartments it is near the kitchen, in a utility cupboard or by the water heater. Find it before you need it.
Can a plumber find a hidden leak?
Book an inspection and add photos of any stains or damp patches. The technician checks the accessible fixtures and connections for the likely source; leaks inside walls or floors are inspected and quoted where required.
Water is coming from the flat above. What should I do?
Keep water away from electrics, photograph the damage and tell your building management straight away — the source may be in another unit or a shared pipe.
What photos help the plumber most?
The leak close up, any stains on ceilings or walls, the pipe or fitting it comes from, and the label on a water heater if it is involved.
Can I keep using water while I wait for the plumber?
Only if the leak is closed off at a local valve. If you had to close the main valve, keep it closed until the plumber has seen the leak.
Is a leak covered after the repair?
Eligible workmanship is covered for 30 days. Customer-supplied parts, manufacturer defects and pre-existing faults are excluded.
Updated . This guide is general guidance for homes in Abu Dhabi. The scope and price of any visit are set by our booking terms and the technician’s assessment on site, and you approve any extra work before it starts.
Need a hand with this?
See the fixed price or book an inspection — you'll see the cost before you pay.
From AED 69 · or AED 59 inspection
