What to do about a water leak at home
A water leak can start as a small damp patch and turn into a serious problem within hours. Here are the steps you can take while deciding whether you need professional help.
Published 2026-01-15 · Updated 2026-01-15 · Author: JE24 team
Water leaks are not always obvious straight away. Sometimes they show up as a stain on the ceiling, a persistent damp smell, or a slight rise in the water bill. Spotting them early helps limit the damage to floors, ceilings and furniture.
The first step is to stay calm and try to work out where the water is coming from. The spot where damp appears is not always where the leak actually starts, since water can travel along pipes, floor slabs or walls before becoming visible.
Immediate steps when you find a leak
While you decide whether professional help is needed, these measures help contain the situation:
- Turn off the main stopcock, or the one for the affected area if accessible.
- Move electronic or electrical items away from any water.
- Use buckets, towels or cloths to contain the water and stop it spreading to other rooms.
- Take photos of the affected area in case you need to document the damage later.
- Ventilate the area to reduce ambient humidity while the source of the problem is resolved.
Common causes of leaks
In homes on the Costa del Sol, whether used year-round or as holiday properties, leaks often start at ageing tap seals, appliance hoses, poorly fitted siphons, corroded pipework, or terrace and roof sealing that has deteriorated from sun and humidity.
In properties left closed for long periods, a leak can go unnoticed for days, so checking the kitchen, bathrooms, terraces and washing machine area from time to time helps catch any issue before it worsens.
If the property has a water meter, comparing readings at different times of day when no water is being used is a simple way to check for a hidden leak in the system.
When to call a professional
- Water is coming out under pressure and cannot be stopped by closing the stopcock.
- The leak is close to electrical wiring or a fuse board.
- The damp patch is growing or has appeared on a ceiling, affecting the property below.
- You cannot locate the source of the leak despite checking the usual points.
- It concerns a closed holiday home with nobody able to keep an eye on the situation.
Frequently asked questions
Should I shut off water to the whole house or just the affected area?
If you can identify the local stopcock for that area, close it first; otherwise close the main stopcock to stop the leak continuing.
Can I keep using other taps in the house while waiting for help?
It depends on where the leak is and whether the main supply is closed; if in doubt, it is safer to keep the water off until the system has been checked.
Can a small leak wait until the next day?
If the water is contained and there is no electrical risk or impact on other properties, it may be treated as planned repair work; if unsure, a professional assessment is advisable.
Reminder
In a genuine emergency, such as a leak that cannot be controlled, the fastest way to get help is to report it by phone.
Contact and fault reporting
For emergencies, call or message us on WhatsApp. For everything else, send the form and we will get back to you.
Is it an emergency? Call us directly.
+34 600 000 000WhatsAppWith the experience of JourEliten Sweden