Water is coming through the ceiling or pouring out from behind the washing machine, and you have no idea where to start. Stay calm — the first few minutes matter, and there is a clear plan to follow.
Step one: shut off the water and electricity
Turn off the water supply immediately. The main shutoff valve is usually in the bathroom, under the sink, or on the staircase landing. Then switch off the circuit breakers in the electrical panel. Water and live electricity together are genuinely dangerous.
Safety warning: if water has reached electrical outlets or you see sparks, do not enter flooded rooms before cutting the power at the breaker panel.
Find the source of the leak
Water can come from several places: a burst pipe, a broken washing machine or dishwasher, an overflowing bath in the flat above, or a leaking roof. Identifying the source tells you who needs to act — you, the building manager, or your upstairs neighbour.
- Water dripping from the ceiling — contact the upstairs neighbour and the building manager.
- Burst pipe inside a wall — call a plumber.
- Faulty appliance — disconnect it from the power and call a technician.
Document the damage immediately
Before you start mopping up, take photos and video. Every wet patch, every soaked wall, every damaged piece of furniture. This is essential for an insurance claim or for resolving the matter with whoever is responsible. In Warsaw, building managers typically require a written flooding report — ask your administrator for one.
Limit the damage: remove water, ventilate
Collect water with a bucket, mop, or wet-dry vacuum. Move rugs and furniture that can be saved out of wet rooms. Open windows — moisture destroys walls and floors faster than you expect.
Drying out after a flood can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the extent of the damage and the thickness of the floor screed. If water has soaked into the floor, professional drying equipment will most likely be needed.
When to call a professional
If you cannot locate the source, the pipe is hidden in a wall or ceiling, or the damage is extensive — you need a plumber. HandyMan24 covers the whole of Warsaw, around the clock. Submit a request through the contact form on the site and we will get there as quickly as possible.
What not to do after a flood
- Do not turn the electricity back on until everything is confirmed dry.
- Do not use a hairdryer on wet walls — it is both ineffective and risky.
- Do not leave wet wooden panels and floors for days — they warp quickly.
- Do not ignore damp patches on walls — they may signal a deeper problem.