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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.