What to Do If Your House Floods

If water is near the consumer unit or you cannot reach switches dry, leave electrical isolation to someone on dry ground or wait for help. Never stand in flood water to operate electrics. If the flood is from a suspected gas appliance failure and you smell gas, evacuate and call National Gas Emergency 0800 111 999.

Turn off the main stopcock if the source is plumbing. Switch off appliances involved (washing machine, dishwasher) at the wall if dry access allows. Move people and pets to a dry area. Alert downstairs neighbours in Chelsea mansion blocks — water travels fast through ceilings and service voids.

Photograph rooms, water lines on walls and damaged goods for insurance. Lift rugs and move soft furnishings if safe. Do not use a vacuum on water unless it is a proper wet vac. Avoid “just waiting to see” — continuous supply leaks destroy floors and joinery within hours.

Call Emergency Plumber Chelsea on 020 3002 6667 for isolation and repair of the plumbing source. We make safe, repair the failed pipe or appliance connection where possible and advise on next steps. Drying and reinstatement may involve your insurer’s approved dryers; we focus on stopping the water and restoring a safe plumbing system.

Quick tips

• Life and electrics first; belongings second.
• Know stopcock and consumer unit locations before you need them.
• In flats, notify the managing agent for riser or communal leaks.
• Keep a simple grab list: phone, meds, insurance details, torch.

FAQs