Lisa. Don't be embarrassed about going in the loft. I have lived in the same house since I married 25 yrs ago and the wife has NEVER dared even looked into ours, let alone climb up.
Anyway, sounds like the ball valve in the coldwater tank in your roofspace is in need of ajustment or replacement.
They do become defective, due to the obvious ajacent water and cost about £10 for a new one.
However, if your not confident get a plumber in and it should NOT be too costly as it is a reletively quick procedure.
Davymac, July 2009