Similar to dealing with a burst pipe, there are several things you can do to prevent serious damage to your home following a leaking pipe.

Most common in the cold winter months, as soon as you discover a leak you should:

• Turn off your water supply

Switch off the water supply by turning off the internal stop tap, and if you have a cold water tank, the stopcock too.

• Switch off your heating

Make sure that your central heating system is switched off at the boiler.

• Drain your system

To clear the water that’s still inside your system, turn on your taps and flush your toilets.

• Avoid electrical fittings

As a precaution you should avoid touching any electrical fittings and sockets near the site of the leak.

• Collect the water

Keep internal damage to a minimum by collecting as much dripping water as possible. Whether you lay sheets and towels or fill up buckets avoid standing directly beneath any leaks that cause the plaster in your ceiling to bulge.

• Check your insurance policy

With certain home insurance policies leaking and/ or burst pipes may be covered. Check to see if the cost of repairs is covered in your policy.

• Repair the leak

If you’re not confident with DIY contact your local plumbing engineer who’ll repair the leak for you.