Gas, water or electricity failures
In an emergency your gas, water or electricity supplier should keep you updated of any disruptions.
Risks of failure to utilities
- You may have issues with keeping yourself and the property warm.
- No water supply for a period of time.
Power cut
- Telephone 105 free to report or get information on power cuts in your local area. You can also call 105 if you spot any damage to power lines that could put you or others in danger. If there is an immediate risk then call the emergency services
- You can check who your network operator is on the 105 website. You can also contact them direct if you have a power cut
- You may want to sign up to the Priority Services Register which will provide extra support if you have a power cut. Find out about the Priority Services Register (Citizens Advice website).
Gas supply failure
If there is an event of a gas leak or emergency, telephone the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
They may offer advice once you have described your situation. This could be:
- Open doors and/or windows to ventilate the area
- Check your gas appliances and turn them off
- Turn the gas supply off at the main meter/or emergency control valve.
An engineer will be sent to your property.
Water supply failure
Thames water are responsible for your water supply. In the event of a water supply failure please contact them on 0800 316 9800.
They advise the following:
- Try your cold kitchen tap
The main water supply normally enters your home in the cold kitchen or utility room tap. If water comes out of this tap but not elsewhere (such as your shower or bathroom tap), the problem is with your internal plumbing. - Check for frozen pipes
The cold weather can freeze your pipes, making them more likely to expand and burst. Check visible pipes for damage. - Check your stop valves are open
Your inside stop valve is usually placed under your kitchen sink. Check that it’s fully open by gently turning it anti-clockwise. - Check with your neighbours
This can be a useful way to find out what the problem could be. For example, they may have been using the outside stop valve to do plumbing work without realising it affected your supply.
If you live in a block of flats, check for known issues with your building maintenance contact, your local authority, or the managing agent of the building.