When water bursts from a pipe, most people freeze. But acting quickly can protect your home and belongings. This guide walks you through what to do before the best plumber Singapore offers knocks on your door.
Here’s how to take control and deal with a pipe leak head-on.
Spot the Leak Straight Away
Your first job is to track down the leak. Sometimes, it’s right in front of you — water drips under the sink or streams from the ceiling. Other times, you’ll need to look closer. Look out for:
- Wet patches on the wall, floor, or ceiling
- A strange damp smell
- Sudden low water pressure
Once you lock eyes on the leak, it’s time to act.
Turn Off the Water Supply
Twist the Main Valve Shut
This is the most urgent step. Head to your main water valve — often tucked near where the pipe enters your home. Twist it clockwise to cut off the water flow.
If the leak comes from a toilet or sink, you might find a small valve nearby that controls just that area. Close it too.
Drain Every Tap
After cutting the water supply, turn on all the taps in the house. This helps release leftover water in the system and ease the pressure in the pipes. Don’t forget to flush the toilet to drain that as well.
Contain the Water
Use buckets, bowls, or even bins to collect leaking water. Spread towels, rags, or newspapers to soak up the flow and guard your floors.
If water pushes through the ceiling and makes a bulge, it’s holding weight. Poke a hole in the lowest point with a screwdriver to let the water out — but only after placing a bucket below it.
Mop Up the Mess
Now, wipe up as much water as you can. Dry floors, walls, and any soaked areas with cloths or mops. Act fast to stop mould from forming or wood from warping.
If you own a fan or dehumidifier, switch it on. These help pull out moisture from the air and speed up drying.
Apply a Quick Fix (If You Can)
Only try this if you can reach the pipe safely. You’re not trying to fix it for good — just to slow the leak until the plumber gets there.
Use Pipe Repair Tape
You can wrap this special tape around the damaged area. It helps block the water, at least for a short time.
Grab a Hose Clamp and Rubber
Slice a bit of rubber from an old glove or bike tyre. Cover the crack with it, then tighten a hose clamp over it.
These fixes won’t hold for long. You still need a proper leaking pipe repair done by someone trained.
Protect Your Stuff
Water damages fast. Shift any furniture, rugs, or electronics away from the leak. If things already got wet, dry them off and air them out straight away.
Hang damp rugs or mats outside if you can. Keep windows open to let fresh air move through the space.
Take Photos
If the leak caused damage, grab your phone and take clear pictures. These will help if you need to make an insurance claim. Include shots of:
- The leaking pipe
- Any damage on the walls, floor, or ceiling
- Wet or ruined furniture or items
Keep them saved in a folder. You might need them later.
Ring the Plumber
If you haven’t called one yet, do it now. Don’t delay. A good plumber can step in and sort it out fast.
When you call, tell them:
- Where the leak is
- What kind of pipe or fixture is leaking
- How much water is coming out
- What steps you’ve already taken
You want someone with skill and experience. Look for the best plumber Singapore locals trust.
Avoid These Common Slip-Ups
People often make mistakes during the rush. Here’s what to steer clear of:
Reaching for Duct Tape
It won’t hold under water pressure. It might peel off in minutes.
Pouring Chemicals Down the Pipe
If your pipe cracked, pouring chemicals can eat through it or spread the damage.
Waiting Too Long
Even a small drip can turn into a flood. Act straight away. Waiting gives the problem time to grow.
Plan Ahead for Next Time
Once the plumber finishes the leaking pipe repair, think ahead. Here’s how to get ready for another pipe emergency:
- Learn where all shut-off valves are in your home
- Book regular pipe checks, especially in older homes
- Wrap outdoor pipes in cold months to stop freezing
- Keep buckets, towels, and repair tape nearby
Prepared homes suffer less damage when things go wrong.
Know When to Call Emergency Plumbing
Some pipe leaks are small and can wait. Others need fast help. Call emergency plumbing if:
- Water gushes or pours non-stop
- You had to cut off your main water supply
- Water reaches your electric sockets or ceiling lights
Don’t try to fix big leaks yourself. Only a trained plumber can handle it right.
Final Thoughts
A pipe leak can rattle anyone, but staying calm and moving fast makes a big difference. Don’t waste time. Spot the problem, shut off the water, and slow the damage. The rest is for the plumber.
Quick action gives you a better chance to save your home and things from damage. Keep a list of reliable plumbers close, and make sure your family knows what to do too.
Because when water starts to spill, every second matters.
FAQs
1. How do I know if I need emergency plumbing?
If water is flowing fast, flooding your space, or affecting electricity, call an emergency plumber straight away. Don’t wait.
2. Can I use duct tape for a pipe leak?
No. Duct tape won’t hold under water pressure. Use proper pipe repair tape or a rubber and clamp fix instead — only as a short-term patch.
3. What should I tell the plumber when I call?
Share the leak location, what type of pipe or fixture it is, how bad the leak is, and what you’ve done so far. This helps them prepare better before they arrive.
Tags:- leaking pipe repair, best plumber singapore
