1. Shut off the water in the right place
Look for the local valve first: under the basin, behind the toilet, on the washing machine feed. If that is not enough, close the main valve of the dwelling.
In Brussels apartment buildings the meter and main valve are almost always in the cellar, sometimes behind a communal door. Find them today, not on the day of the leak.
2. Make the electrics safe
If water runs near a socket, a light fitting or the consumer unit, switch off the circuit breaker concerned, or the main switch if in doubt. Never touch a wet panel with damp hands.
3. Limit and document the damage
Mop up, raise furniture, protect wooden floors — very common in Brussels houses. Then photograph the source, the marks, the affected items and the neighbour's ceiling if relevant.
Those photos are used three times: for insurance, for the remote quote, and to prove the initial state in a dispute with the condominium.
4. Knowing who to call: plumber, Vivaqua or building manager
In Brussels the split is simple.
- Leak after the meter, inside the home: private plumber.
- Leak before the meter, on the connection or in the street: Vivaqua (0800 35 024, 24/7).
- Leak on a shared riser or building roof: condominium manager.
- Gas smell at the same time: leave the premises and call 0800 19 400 (Sibelga).
5. Notify your insurer
Most Belgian home insurance policies cover water damage but require prompt notification, often within eight days. Keep the repair invoice: the insurer will ask for it to establish the cause.