Electric Shock From Tap Or Water

You receive a shock or tingling sensation when you touch a kitchen or bathroom tap, or when water is running.

£100 – £300Emergency

What is this?

An electric shock from a tap or water is an emergency situation. Water is a conductor, and if you are receiving shocks from taps, it means electricity is energising your plumbing. This most commonly happens when a faulty appliance (such as an immersion heater, electric shower, or washing machine) has a fault that leaks current onto the pipework. Because water and metal pipes conduct electricity, the shock can be felt at any tap or pipe in the house.

Common causes

Faulty immersion heater element leaking current into the water and pipework
Electric shower with an internal fault energising the water supply
Broken or missing earth bonding on the pipework
Faulty washing machine or dishwasher leaking current to the water supply
Damaged cable in contact with a water pipe

Is it dangerous?

This is extremely dangerous and should be treated as an emergency. Water dramatically reduces your body's resistance to electric current, meaning a shock from a tap can be far more severe than a shock from a dry switch. This fault can cause fatal electrocution, especially in a bathroom where you may be wet and barefoot. Stop using the water supply and call an electrician immediately.

Can I fix it myself?

Do not attempt any repairs. Turn off the main switch at your consumer unit immediately to de-energise the installation. If you can do so safely, also turn off the water heating (immersion heater, electric shower) at their isolators. Do not touch any taps or pipes with wet hands. If you need water, use the cold supply only and only after the mains electricity is off.

When to call an electrician

Call an emergency electrician immediately. This is one of the most dangerous domestic electrical faults. Do not delay and do not attempt to diagnose the problem yourself. If anyone has received a serious shock, call 999 first for medical assistance.

What will an electrician do?

Isolate the supply and test all pipework for voltage

Check the main earth bonding and supplementary bonding to all pipes

Test the immersion heater, electric shower, and water-connected appliances for earth leakage

Perform insulation resistance tests on all circuits

Repair or replace the faulty component and restore bonding

Test the RCD to confirm it will trip correctly in a fault condition

Typical cost

£100 – £300

Emergency callout rates may apply. The repair cost depends on what is faulty — a broken bonding connection is a quick fix, but a failed immersion heater element will cost more to replace.

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Sources & References

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I getting a shock from my kitchen tap?

The most likely cause is a faulty appliance that is leaking current onto the pipework. Common culprits include immersion heaters, electric showers, and washing machines. The current travels through the metal pipes and water to the tap.

What is earth bonding and why does it matter?

Earth bonding connects your metal pipework to the electrical earth. This ensures that if a fault puts current on the pipes, it triggers the RCD to trip and cut the power. Without proper bonding, the current has nowhere to go except through you when you touch the tap.

Could the fault be in a neighbour's property?

In some cases, especially in flats or terraced houses with shared pipework, a fault in a neighbouring property can energise shared pipes. An electrician can test whether the source is internal or external.

Is it safe to shower if I got a shock from a tap?

No. Do not use the shower, bath, or any taps until an electrician has identified and fixed the fault. Being wet and barefoot in a shower with an electrical fault on the pipework is extremely dangerous.

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