Handy hints on leaks

If you are not confident about dealing with the leak, do you what you can, and wait for help to arrive.

Handy hints on leaks to toilets

• If the flush pipe is leaking, do not flush toilet as this only leaks when flushed.
• If toilet is leaking from the outlet, wrap an old towel around it until repair can be carried out, this will only leak when flushed.
• If the cistern itself is leaking turn off the supply if possible. You can do this if an isolating valve is fitted to the pipe work going to the cistern, normally fitted within one metre of the cistern.

Handy hints on leaks

• If possible, isolate the supply by using the inline valve, if fitted.
• To turn off the supply turn off the stopcock or gate valve, this is normally found in the airing cupboard or loft. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off. A gate valve is has a wheel like handle normally coloured black or red.
• If you suspect a leaking tank, turn off the main supply (by using the stopcock next to the tank, if possible) turn on all taps, this will empty the tank. This will not affect your hot water tank and will not damage the immersion heater although it is advisable to turn the immersion off.
• A leaking radiator can be isolated by turning off the valves at each end, you will need to remove the cap at the non turning valve end, and turn this off with an adjustable spanner.
• A leaking overflow can be contained by turning on one of the taps (not drinking water tap) to just a trickle until a repair can be carried out.