Water leaking through a light fitting or into a socket
Quick answer
Do not touch the fitting, the switch or anything wet. If you can reach the fuse board without standing in water and with dry hands, turn off the main switch. Turn off the water at the stopcock to stop the leak. Then call an emergency electrician on 07703 295654, answered 24/7.
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Stay clear of the water and the fitting
Water coming through a ceiling rose, downlight or into a socket can make the fitting, the switch and even the wet ceiling live. Keep everyone, especially children and pets, out of the room.
Do not switch the light on or off to test it.
- 2
Cut the power only if it is safe
If the fuse board is somewhere dry and you can reach it without touching anything wet, turn off the main switch. If the board itself is wet, or you would have to stand in water, leave it and call us.
- 3
Stop the water
Turn off the water at the stopcock, usually under the kitchen sink or where the pipe enters the house. In a flat, the leak may be coming from upstairs, so knock on the neighbour’s door or call the building manager.
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What we do when we arrive
We isolate the wet circuits, test them properly once they have dried, and restore everything that is safe to use. Soaked fittings are replaced. You get a clear note of what was affected, which helps with an insurance claim.
Related questions
Is it safe to use the lights after a leak?
Not until the circuit has dried out and been tested. Water can sit inside fittings and ceilings for hours. Switching back on too early can cause shocks, trips or damage.
The RCD keeps tripping since the leak. What should I do?
Leave it off. The RCD is doing its job by detecting current leaking through the water. Call us and we will isolate the wet circuit so the rest of the house can come back on safely.
Will my insurance cover an emergency electrician after a leak?
Many home insurance policies cover damage caused by an escape of water, and some cover the emergency call-out. We give you a written note of what was affected and what we did, which is what insurers ask for.