A water leak at home feels like an emergency, and the first minutes matter. These steps limit the damage and help the plumber arrive with what is needed.
First, turn the water off
Find the main stopcock (usually near the meter, in the kitchen, the bathroom or at the entrance of the home) and close it. If the leak comes from a single appliance, such as a toilet or water heater, it normally has its own shut-off valve. It helps to know where they are before you need them, especially in a second home.
Protect what you can
Move rugs, furniture and valuables out of the water, switch off the electricity in the area if water reaches sockets or appliances, and never touch wet electrical installations. Use buckets and towels to slow the water and photograph the damage: it may help with insurance.
Common problems and their usual causes
A dripping tap usually needs a new washer or cartridge. A toilet that keeps running often has a worn flush mechanism. A slow or blocked drain points to grease, hair or limescale, which is common on the Costa del Sol. A damp patch on a wall or ceiling with no visible cause may come from a hidden pipe.
How to describe the problem to get accurate offers
Say which fixture is affected, since when, whether water is still escaping and whether you have closed the valve. Add photos or a short video and mention if you live in a building with a community, because the leak may affect a neighbour. The clearer the problem, the more precise the offer.
What to expect from the visit
The professional finds the cause, explains the repair and the materials needed and gives you a price before starting. On DomiloApp you accept the offer at the agreed price before you pay, and the payment is only released when you confirm the service. If anything is not right, you have 72 hours to rate it or report a problem in the app.
Avoid future problems
Check taps and seals from time to time, do not pour grease down the sink and close the main supply if you will be away for several weeks. Our second home checklist has more checks.
Find a plumber near you
See plumbers in Marbella, in Fuengirola, in Málaga or in Estepona. Describe the problem, compare offers and book with secure payment. A professional can be with you within 2 h: we do everything we can.