Water leak or power cut in Morocco: what to do right away
Photo : Tony Webster · BY 2.0
Updated 2026-10-19
Water coming through the ceiling of your riad, the lights going out in the middle of a heat wave, a smell of burning from the fuse board: emergencies always happen at the worst time, often when you are a guest or far from home. This guide explains the first steps to take, who to call in Morocco and what to say so help arrives quickly.
Life-threatening emergencies first
If there is a fire, smoke, an electric shock or a gas smell, leave the property and call for help. The commonly listed emergency numbers in Morocco are 15 for fire and ambulance (Protection civile), 19 for police in cities and 177 for the Gendarmerie royale in rural areas. Save them in your phone now.
Never touch someone receiving an electric shock while they are still in contact with the source. Cut the power at the main breaker first.
Water leak: first steps
- Close the main water valve, usually near the water meter, at the entrance, under the kitchen sink or on the roof terrace near the tank
- If water is near sockets or lights, switch off the electricity at the breaker
- Turn off the water heater and close the gas bottle if it is a gas heater
- Move rugs, furniture and electronics away from the water
- Take photos and videos of the leak and any damage
- In an apartment, warn your neighbours below and the syndic or gardien
Power cut: is it you or the network?
Look outside first. If the neighbours, the street lights or the building's stairwell are dark too, it is a network cut. Contact your local electricity distributor; in most regions this is now the regional multi-service company (SRM), which took over from operators such as Lydec, Redal, Amendis or ONEE. There is nothing an electrician can do in that case.
If only your home is affected, check the fuse board (tableau électrique). A breaker in the down position has tripped. Unplug powerful appliances such as AC units, kettles and water heaters, then switch the breaker back up. If it trips again immediately, leave that circuit off and call an electrician.
What to say when you call
Most tradesmen understand French and Darija better than English. Keep the message short and send a video on WhatsApp if you can.
- "J'ai une fuite d'eau" – I have a water leak (Darija: الما كيسيل, "l-ma kaysil")
- "Il n'y a plus d'électricité" – there is no electricity (Darija: ما كاينش الضو, "ma kaynch d-dow")
- "C'est urgent" – it is urgent (Darija: مستعجل, "mosta'jel")
- Your neighbourhood, a landmark and a pinned location on WhatsApp
- "Combien ?" or شحال ("shhal") – how much?
Finding an emergency repair
Your riad manager, landlord, building gardien or neighbours often know a plumber or electrician who answers at night. You can also search on aloaji.ma by trade and city, for example "Plombier" in Marrakech or "Électricien" in Casablanca, and call or WhatsApp several artisans directly. It is free for clients, and reviews help you choose. Profiles marked "Non vérifié" come from the business's own website and have not yet been checked by AloAji.
Expect higher rates at night, on Sundays and on holidays. Even in a hurry, agree the call-out price before the tradesman travels, and ask for the repair price before any work starts.
Preventing the next emergency
- Know where your main water valve and fuse board are, and label the breakers
- Have the water heater and gas connections checked regularly
- Clean roof terrace drains before the autumn rains
- Keep a short list of a plumber and an electrician you trust
- If you rent to guests, leave clear instructions and emergency contacts in the property
FAQ
What are the emergency numbers in Morocco?
The commonly listed numbers are 15 for fire and ambulance (Protection civile), 19 for police in cities and 177 for the Gendarmerie royale outside cities.
Where is the main water valve in a Moroccan home?
Usually next to the water meter, at the entrance of the property or in the building's stairwell. In riads and houses with a rooftop tank, there is often another valve on the roof terrace.
Who do I call for a power cut in my street?
Your local electricity distributor, now the regional multi-service company (SRM) in most regions. The number is usually on your electricity bill.
Can I get a plumber at night in Morocco?
In large cities it is often possible, but not guaranteed, and night rates are higher. Your building's gardien or neighbours may know someone available.
Who pays for a leak in a rented apartment?
It depends on the cause and your lease. Inform your landlord immediately in writing, with photos, and keep any invoices.