A water leak is stressful, and what you do in the first few minutes makes the biggest difference. This guide goes through the steps in the right order, explains how maintenance companies and home insurance work in Finland when water escapes, and shows how to spot hidden leaks before they cause damage.
1. Shut off the water
Start with the valve closest to the leak:
- Under the sink, behind the toilet or behind the dishwasher or washing machine there is usually a small angle valve (kulmaventtiili). Turn it clockwise until it stops; some older valves need a flat screwdriver. On lever valves, the lever is closed when it sits across the pipe.
- Apartment shut-off valve. Many newer or renovated flats have a valve that closes the water for the whole apartment, often near the water meters in the bathroom, kitchen or a utility cupboard.
- Detached house. Close the main valve, which is usually next to the water meter in the technical room, utility room or basement.
- Apartment building without an apartment valve. Call the maintenance company (huoltoyhtiö) on its on-call number. It is usually shown on the notice board in the stairwell or on the housing company's website. Save it in your phone today, before you need it.
2. Make the area electrically safe
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination:
- Don't touch appliances or plugs that are standing in water or wet.
- If water is near sockets, light fittings or appliances, switch off the relevant fuses, or the main switch, at the fuse board. Do this only if you can reach it without standing in water.
- If water is dripping from a ceiling light, keep away from it and switch off the power to that circuit.
3. Limit the damage
Once the water is off, stop it spreading. Soak up standing water with towels and a mop, catch drips in buckets, and move rugs, furniture and electronics out of the wet area. Open the cabinet doors under the sink so the space can start to dry.
Take photos and videos of everything before and during the clean-up: the source of the leak, wet floors and walls, and damaged belongings. Your insurer is likely to ask for them. Don't start removing floors or wall panels yourself before the damage has been assessed.
4. Tell the right people
In an apartment building, contact the maintenance company or the property manager (isännöitsijä), even if the leak seems small and has already stopped. Water can run into the structures and down to the flat below without showing on your side. Let your downstairs neighbour know as well. If you rent, tell your landlord straight away.
Notify your home insurance (kotivakuutus) early. Most insurers have an online claim form. They may direct you to a drying or water damage company that measures moisture and dries the structures. Ask the insurer before ordering extensive work yourself, so the costs are covered correctly. In a housing company, damage to the building's structures is usually handled through the company's property insurance, while your home insurance covers your own belongings.
5. Measure moisture before anything is closed
Surfaces can look dry while the structures behind them are still wet. Before floors, walls or cabinets are closed or refinished, a professional should measure the moisture (kosteusmittaus). Closing a damp structure can lead to mould and a much bigger repair later.
6. Repair the cause
When the situation is under control, the leaking part needs a proper repair. Common causes include:
- a worn or cracked connection hose on a dishwasher or washing machine
- a dripping angle valve or a loose connection under the sink
- a leaking tap (faucet) body or shower mixer
- a toilet cistern or fill valve that leaks
- a corroded joint on an old water pipe
If the leak is in the building's own pipes, for example inside a wall or in a riser, it is usually the housing company's responsibility, and the repair is arranged through the maintenance company.
Signs of a hidden leak
Not every leak announces itself. Watch for these signs:
- The water meter moves even though all taps are closed. Close every tap, don't use water for a while, and check whether the reading changes.
- Damp spots or discolouration on walls, ceilings or the base of the sink cabinet
- A musty smell in the bathroom or under the sink
- Blistering paint, swollen skirting boards or loose tiles
- A rising water bill without any change in how much water you use
- A toilet that trickles into the bowl long after flushing
Preventing the next leak
- Know where your valves are and make sure they work.
- Put a leak tray under the dishwasher. Many home insurance policies require one; see our guide to dishwasher leak trays.
- Close the valves of the washing machine and dishwasher when you go away for longer.
- Replace cracked or hardened connection hoses.
Summary
- Close the nearest valve, or the apartment or main valve.
- Switch off electricity near the water if you can do it safely.
- Soak up the water, protect belongings and take photos.
- Tell the maintenance company or property manager, your neighbour below and your insurer.
- Have moisture measured before anything is closed.
- Get the leaking part repaired.
For an acute leak you can't stop yourself, contact your maintenance company's on-call number. Once the water is off and the situation is under control, we can repair the leaking pipe, fitting or device. See our small plumbing jobs, tap and shower installation and water pipe replacement pages, or contact us to arrange the repair.