Which plumbing problems need someone out today, which can wait for a normal appointment, and what to do while you wait.
Most plumbing problems can wait for a booked appointment. A few cannot, and the difference is usually whether water is escaping, whether it is reaching electrics, and whether you can stop it yourself.
Call someone out now if
Water is running and you cannot find or turn the stopcock.
Water is coming through a ceiling or near a light fitting, socket or consumer unit.
There is a smell of gas, in which case ring the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 before anyone else.
A burst pipe is flooding a room and the isolation valve will not hold it.
You have no water at all and your neighbours do.
It can usually wait if
A tap drips but the isolating valve under it closes.
A single radiator is cold while the rest of the system works.
A toilet runs on but the supply can be shut at the valve behind it.
A drain is slow rather than blocked.
What to do first
Find the internal stopcock, usually under the kitchen sink, and turn it clockwise.
Turn off the boiler or immersion heater if the leak is on the hot side.
If water is near anything electrical, switch that circuit off at the consumer unit before going near it.
Open the lowest cold tap in the house to drain the pipes down.
Photograph the leak before you clear up, for the insurer.
Halo Hive lists emergency pipe repair under plumbing. Every professional is identity checked, background screened, UK certified and insured, and payment is held until you confirm the job is done.