How Do I Know If I Have A Water Leak? FAQs Answered

Water leaks can be tricky business. They’re known for driving up your bills, ruining your pipes, walls and floors, and overall costing you a lot of money. To prevent damage, it’s a good idea to know how to detect a water leak early on and hire a service to help make repairs. 

This guide will answer some of the most common questions about water leaks, how to find them, and what you can do about them. 

Let’s get started!

How Can I Tell If My Water Is Leaking?

One easy way to tell if you have a water leak is to observe your water metre for discrepancies. If you turn your water off and notice the metre going up, this could indicate a leak. To test it, follow these steps:

1. Ensure your water is turned off. It can be best to do this before leaving the house so that it won’t annoy you whilst at home. 

2. Find your water metre and make a note of the starting figures. 

3. Observe your metre over the next few hours. If you come back and check it hours later and there has been an increase, this is a sign that you might have a leak. 

If you’ve detected a discrepancy with your metre, it is best to call your water provider to tell them what’s going on before they charge you. It is also a smart idea to hire a water leak detection service to help identify the source of the leak and make any repairs before significant damage is done. 

What Types Of Damage Can A Water Leak Cause?

A water leak can cause various damage, depending on the location and severity of the leak. Some common types of damage caused by water leaks include:

• Structural damage: Water can weaken the structural integrity of your home, causing walls, ceilings, and floors to become unstable or even collapse.

• Mould growth: When water seeps into your home, it can create the ideal conditions for mould to grow. Mould can cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and other health issues.

• Rot: Water leaks can cause wood and other organic materials to rot, leading to further damage and instability.

• Electrical damage: If a water leak comes into contact with electrical wiring or appliances, it can cause a short circuit, leading to a fire hazard.

• Damage to personal belongings: Water leaks can damage furniture, carpets, clothing, and other personal belongings.

It is important to repair a water leak as soon as it is discovered to minimise the potential for damage. Things such as mould and rot are incredibly important to detect early, as they can pose serious property damage and health risks if left to grow. 

Why Do Water Leaks Happen?

There are numerous reasons why water leaks occur, and some of them can be difficult to detect, particularly when the pipes are concealed within a wall. Some common reasons why water leaks occur include:

• Tree roots: Tree roots can grow into your pipes and prevent water flow, causing the pipe to burst and leak. You will need a professional to handle this situation, as it can cause serious damage to the pipe if done incorrectly.

• Clogs: If your pipes become clogged with debris, it can prevent water flow and lead to a leak. A pipe declogger can help with this, or a plumber can make amendments using the proper tools.

Ageing or corroded pipes: Over time, pipes can become corroded or weakened, developing holes and cracks. This is especially common in older

• homes and can be remedied with repairs for short-term solutions or re-piping for long-term solutions. 

• High water pressure: If the water pressure in your home is very high, it can put extra stress on your pipes. This can often be fixed by ensuring the pressure is turned down, but it will sometimes need a professional fix if it’s a system issue.
• Freeze/thaw cycles: In areas with cold winters, pipes may freeze and contact, leading to leaks. 

• Poor installation: If your pipes are not installed correctly, it could create serious issues with the flow of water, leading to leaks and cracks. 

If you suspect any of these to be the reason for your leak, you should immediately phone a plumber or pipe specialist to book an appointment. If you leave the leak to go on, it can cause significant damage to your property. 

Can I Stop A Water Leak Myself?

Unfortunately, you can rarely stop a water leak yourself.

If you have a minor leak due to a loose valve or high water pressure, you can amend this yourself, but when it comes to cracks or trees growing into your pipes, you will require a long-term solution. 

Generally, it is always advisable to get a professional to help with your water leak, as they will prevent rot, rust or long-term damage.