ELECTRICAL FAULT & CALLOUT HELP
Water leaking near your electrics?
Take the safe next step
Keep clear of water and affected electrical equipment. Do not touch wet switches, sockets or the consumer unit. For fire, smoke or immediate danger, move to safety and call 999.
A leaking pipe, water coming through a ceiling light or flooding near sockets creates an electrical safety concern. Keep away from the affected area and seek professional advice before equipment is used again.
Wet electrical equipment needs professional assessment
Do not assume that electrical equipment is safe once it looks dry. Avoid using mains-powered equipment affected by water until an electrician has advised that it is safe. Do not open fittings, try to dry wiring yourself or reconnect a supply to test it.
Does this sound familiar?
- Water coming through or around a light fitting.
- A leak near sockets, switches or a consumer unit.
- Electrical equipment or wiring affected by flooding.
An electrical callout and a plumbing repair are different
Our network is for electricians. Explain if a plumber, landlord or property manager is dealing with the leak, so the people involved can coordinate access. Stopping the water source does not, on its own, confirm that the electrics can be used. Tell us what has happened and we will check whether a suitable electrician can attend.
Before arranging repair work
If it is a rented or insured property, contact the landlord, property manager or insurer about authorisation and the information they need. Do not delay emergency help while seeking paperwork. The attending electrician can discuss the scope of assessment, any damaged equipment and what further work is required; a completed repair cannot be promised before inspection.
What to tell us when you call
- Where water has been seen, without entering an unsafe area.
- Whether the leak is ongoing and whether the water source has been addressed.
- The property postcode, access contact and any landlord or managing agent involved.
We check the availability of independent electrician partners for your postcode. We speak with you to confirm the arrangements before a callout goes ahead. If nobody is available, we’ll tell you.
For evening or weekend enquiries, read our out-of-hours electrician guide. If you manage the property for someone else, see landlord and business callouts.
How our emergency electrician network worksUseful answers
Water has come through a light: can I switch it on to check?
No. Keep clear of the fitting and nearby switches. Do not test wet equipment yourself. Seek professional electrical advice before it is used again.
Can an electrician make everything safe in one visit?
That depends on the water damage, the installation and any work needed to stop the leak. The electrician must assess the situation. Further repairs, replacement equipment or testing may be needed.