Water Leak at Home? What to Do in the First Five Minutes (and How to Find Your Toby)
Found a water leak at home? The first thing to do is simple: turn off the water at the toby (your main shut-off valve), then call a plumber. Everything else can wait a minute. The steps below are easy to follow when you're stressed, and they're worth reading now, before you ever need them.
In short: turn off the toby, stay clear of anything electrical that's wet, contain the water, take photos, then call a plumber. Find your toby today so you're not hunting for it in an emergency.
What to do in the first five minutes of a water leak
Turn the water off at the toby. This stops the flow to the whole house.
Stay safe around power. If water's near power points, appliances or the switchboard, keep away. Only turn the power off at the switchboard if you can do it safely without standing in water. If in doubt, call an electrician.
Contain the damage. Move furniture and valuables, mop up what you can, and put towels or buckets where it's still dripping.
Drain the pipes. Open a cold tap or two to let out the water left in the pipes, which can reduce further dripping.
Take photos. Snap the damage and note when you first noticed it. It helps your plumber and any insurance claim.
Call a plumber. Describe what you can see and where, and let them know you've already turned the water off.
What is a toby, and where do I find it?
A toby is the water shut-off valve for your property. Wellington Water's guide to the toby describes it as usually being at your property boundary, under a black or blue plastic cover or a metal cover in the ground. To shut it off, lift the cover and turn the handle until the water stops. You might also hear it called a stopcock or isolation valve.
Every Auckland property is a bit different, so it's worth finding yours before you need it. Check it turns freely and that you can get to it. If it's stiff or buried under garden or paving, don't force it, just mention it to your plumber next time they're out. Many homes also have isolation valves for individual fixtures, like under the sink or behind the toilet.
Whose pipe is leaking: yours or Watercare's?
Watercare's page on who's responsible for pipes explains the split. For water, Watercare looks after the network up to the point of supply, which is the outlet of your water meter. After that, the pipes and fittings on your side are yours. For wastewater, it depends on whether the public pipe sits inside or outside your boundary. If you're not sure, Watercare suggests calling them on (09) 442 2222 and pressing 4.
How to check for a hidden leak
Watercare's guide to checking for leaks describes a simple meter test:
Pick a time when no one will use water, like overnight.
Write down your meter reading.
Don't run taps, flush toilets or use any water for at least four hours.
Check the meter again. If the reading has gone up, you've probably got a leak on your property.
Common culprits include worn braided flexi hoses under sinks, toilet cisterns that keep running, and leaks under the house. Insurer AMI's guide to braided water pipes also suggests turning off the water at the mains when you're away from home.
Frequently asked questions
Should I turn off the hot water cylinder too?
If the leak's at or near the cylinder, mention it when you call and your plumber will tell you the safest next step. If you're unsure, leave the cylinder alone and just turn the water off at the toby.
Will my insurance cover a water leak?
It depends on your policy, so check with your insurer. AMI notes that most policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, while cover for gradual damage is limited. Photos and a written record of what happened are a good start.
Got a leak that needs sorting?
Turn the water off at the toby first, then give us a call. We offer an urgent response for leaks and emergencies, and we'll explain what's gone wrong and how we'll fix it. Every repair and installation is backed by a 12-month workmanship guarantee. If something we've fitted fails because of our work, we'll fix it at no charge.
Call 021 025 83179, email info@poseidonplumbing.co.nz or send us a message. We work right across Auckland, including Glen Eden, Henderson and New Lynn.
Sources
General information only. Always put your safety first, and check the linked sources for current guidance.
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