A leak or burst pipe — what to do first

In an apartment, a leak isn't only your problem — water finds the unit below within minutes. Speed matters.

The first 10 minutes

1. Find the main shut-off for your unit's water and close it. It's usually behind a service panel near the entrance or in a kitchen / utility cupboard. Locate it on day one — not in the emergency.
2. If water is anywhere near sockets or fittings, kill the relevant electrical breaker from your distribution board.
3. Photograph and video everything before mopping. This is your evidence for insurance / landlord / RDC.
4. Move valuables out of the wet area. Lay towels at door thresholds.

Next, escalate

• Building security / management — for buildings with on-site teams, they can dispatch a plumber faster than you can find one.
• Your landlord — by phone and in writing (text / email). The written record matters if there's a dispute later.
• The unit below if you suspect water has gone through. A polite knock is far better than them discovering a stained ceiling tomorrow.

Who pays

• Pipe failure inside the wall: landlord, almost always.
• Tenant-installed appliance failing (washing machine hose, dishwasher): tenant.
• Common-area pipework (vertical risers): the building / OA, recovered through service charges.
• Damage to the unit below: the source unit's insurance is usually the path. Building management can assist with the chain.

Sources: standard insurance and OA practice.