How to Arrange a Planned Plumbing Repair

Start with what you can safely observe

Before arranging a planned plumbing repair, you do not need to identify the faulty part. A clear account of what is happening is more useful than a guess at the cause. Note where you first see water, which fitting or area seems affected, and whether the problem is constant or appears only when a tap, toilet or other fitting is used.

Look for changes you can see without taking anything apart. Is a pipe or joint visibly wet? Is water collecting beneath a sink, around a toilet or near a bath? Does a mark on a ceiling appear to be spreading? If the problem comes and goes, note what was being used when it happened. These details can help narrow down what needs investigating, while avoiding a premature diagnosis.

If it is safe to do so, take a photograph of the affected area. A picture can show the location and visible extent of the issue, but do not move heavy items, open panels or disturb fittings just to get a better view. If water is close to electrical equipment, keep clear and do not touch the equipment or any wet switches.

Check the water supply without forcing anything

For a leak, you may be able to reduce further water flow by using an accessible isolation valve (a small shut-off valve) or the main stop tap (the main water shut-off). Only do this if you can reach it safely and recognise what it is. Turn a valve gently. If it is stiff, damaged or you are unsure, do not force it: a valve that breaks or will not reopen can create another problem.

If water is actively escaping and you cannot safely isolate it, keep clear of the affected area and explain that clearly when you contact us. Do not attempt to seal a pipe while water is still under pressure, dismantle a fitting or make a repair inside a wall or ceiling. A temporary action that hides the source can make it harder to assess the fault and may leave water continuing to spread out of sight.

For a slow drip, place a container beneath it only if that can be done safely and without touching electrical items. Keep an eye on whether the leak changes, but do not use the affected fitting if doing so appears to make the problem worse. The aim is to record useful information and limit further water where it is safe, not to carry out the repair yourself.

Prepare useful details before you get in touch

When arranging a planned repair, have the property location and a concise description ready. Say which room or fitting is involved, when you first noticed the issue, and what makes it appear or change. If you have already turned off an isolation valve, mention which one and whether the water stopped. If you could not identify or operate a valve, say so rather than spending time searching or forcing it.

It also helps to explain what access is available. For example, say whether the pipes is visible beneath a sink or concealed behind a panel, and whether stored items need to be moved to reach the area. Do not remove covers around pipes, lift flooring or open a ceiling to expose pipework. If you rent or manage the property, check who is authorised to arrange the work before making changes to the plumbing.

A photograph can support your description, but it does not replace access to the affected area. Keep the route to the fitting clear where possible, and leave any covers or panels in place unless they are designed for straightforward access and can be opened safely. If the problem has changed since you first noticed it, update the description rather than relying on an earlier picture.

Be clear about what you need help with

When you contact us, distinguish the visible symptom from your theory about its cause. “Water appears beneath the basin when the tap runs” is more helpful than naming a part you have not inspected. This leaves the cause open to assessment and gives a clearer starting point for discussing the repair.

If you are unsure whether the work is suitable to arrange as a planned repair, describe the issue and the conditions around it. The details matter: a steady drip, a leak that appears only during use and water coming through a ceiling are not the same situation. Avoid promising yourself that a small visible mark means a small underlying fault. Water can travel away from its source, so what you can see may not show the full route.

Our Plumbing Repairs page gives an overview of the service. For a repair in Greenwich, contact Greenwich Plumbing Company with what you have observed, any safe steps already taken and the access available. A careful description helps us begin the conversation with the relevant details, without asking you to diagnose or take apart the plumbing.