Follow our step-by-step guide to cope with water and wastewater emergencies. For a list of plumbers (installers) accredited by the Water Industry Approved Plumbers Scheme (WIAPS), click here.

If you require the services of a plumber local to your area, visit the websites of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering or Checkatrade.

Click on the headings below:

1. Emergency information 
   • During major incidents our call centre may be inundated with calls and a recorded message will be played giving up to date information and advice on the appropriate action to take.
     
     We will also post information on the front page of this website and work with the media to broadcast bulletins on the radio and television.
     
     Please follow the advice carefully and we will respond to your emergency as quickly as possible.
2. No tap water 
   • If there is little or no water running from your tap then there may have been a burst water main in your area. Turn off the taps and contact us on 0845 278 0845 and a customer services advisor will give you more information.
     
     If we are carrying out work on our network which would interrupt your water supply for more than four hours, we will let you know at least 48 hours in advance, usually by letter or card.
     
     Customers with additional needs, such as kidney patients on home dialysis, can join our confidential register for priority supplies in the event of an interruption to water supplies. 
3. Taste and smell of water 
   • There are a number of reasons why your water supply might have a different taste or smell. There are simple explanations and no cause for alarm and the reasons are detailed on our water quality page.
     
     If you think your water supply is making you ill, we will contact you within two hours of your call to arrange for the water at your tap to be tested and will return the basic results within 48 hours.
     
     For more information, contact our call centre on 0845 278 0845. 
4. Dealing with flooding 
   • If your home or property has flooded take the following action as soon as possible:
     
     • Isolate all electrical circuits by turning off the supply at the circuit board or fuse box
     
     • Contact your insurance company to report the damage and make a claim
     (Take photographs and keep receipts of emergency expenses) 
5. Water leaks 
   • Leaks on water mains can be slow and gradual or erupt very quickly with visible water flooding. If the water leak is inside your garden then it is probably a fault on your own supply pipe for which you are responsible.
     
     You should immediately turn off the water at the stop tap.
     
     We offer up to one hour’s free detection work to help locate the leak on your private supply pipe and, where practicable, we will carry out three free repairs in each occupancy of the property, although certain terms and conditions may apply.  For more information see our leaflet on water leaks, which details our responsibilities for the ownership of supply pipes and eligibility for repair.
     
     Contact our customer call centre on 0845 278 0845 and we will arrange for someone to visit your home.
     
     If there is a water leak outside the boundary of your property, for example on the road or footpath, we will repair it as quickly as possible and restore water supplies. Please contact us on our freephone Leakline 0800 820 999. 
     
     
6. Leaks inside the home 
   • If the leak is inside your home or you have a burst pipe, you should again turn off the stop tap and contact a plumber as soon as possible (It is advisable to keep a number to hand). If any damage has occurred it is also advisable to contact your insurance company.
     
     Do not touch any wet electrical fittings – call an electrician. 
7. Blocked drains and wastewater flooding 
   • If you have a blocked drain and/or wastewater flooding the action will depend on whether it is caused by a problem with the public sewers or a problem on your private household system.
     
     If you suspect you have a blocked drain then, if possible, check to see if the nearest manhole is blocked or contact your neighbour to see if they have the same problem.
     
     If they have or the manhole is blocked, call us immediately on 0845 278 0845.  The age of your property would be useful information for us.
     
     If it is a problem with the private drains or sewers serving your property, you will need to contact a private drainage contractor. If in doubt, call us and our specialist advisors will be able to give you advice on what to do.
     
     In all cases:
     
     • Wash and treat footwear with a mild disinfectant
     • Keep children and pets out of the contaminated area
     • Wear rubber gloves when clearing up and look out for sharp objects
     • Always wash your hands
     • In the unlikely event of feeling unwell, contact your GP
     • Call an electrician to check flooded circuits or equipment.
     
     If the flooding is caused by a problem on our sewerage network, we will:
     
     • Carry out an initial external clean-up where possible within 12 hours for internal flooding and 24 hours for external flooding.
     • This includes removing excess liquid, cleaning debris, applying household disinfectant - this will remove all traces of bacteria within 24 to 48 hours.
     • Clear gardens of water and debris. (Bacteria are best killed by natural exposure to the sunlight’s ultra violet radiation)
     • Clean and disinfect hard surfaces such as paths and drives.
     
     Many blocked drains and flooding are caused by blockages. Most wastewater pipes are only 100mm (four inches) in diameter and are not designed to carry anything other than wastewater and bio-degradable products like toilet paper.
     
     You can help avoid wastewater flooding by not throwing rubbish down the toilets and drains. Our Bag it and Bin It page provides more details.
8. Insurance claims 
   • We will help with clean-up operations after flooding caused by our operations, unless insurance companies have agreed to make arrangements.
     
     • Contact your household insurance company immediately.
     • We have no strict liability for sewage flooding events that are beyond our control
     • Claims for loss or damage must be directed to your own insurers who will provide advice on what action to take to ensure the terms and conditions of your policy are met.