Per day, around 3 billion litres of water are wasted, so water leaks inside our homes are incredibly common. If left to get worse, it can cause some serious damage. The problem is, there aren’t always obvious signs that you have got a leak in your water supply, so it can be difficult to know until too late.
If left unfixed, water leaks can also add up to £300 to your bill, so they are something that you want to avoid, or catch as early as possible!
In this blog, our experts are going to talk to you about ways that you can find water leaks in your house, common causes of water leaks, early warning signs to look out for and how to detect leaks. From leaky loos to dripping taps, we’ve got you covered.
Why Water Leaks Are a Problem
Although they may not seem sinister, water leaks can actually cause a lot of problems! Per year, a small leak can waste 3,000 gallons of water, per year, putting an extra cost on water bills.
Water damage can be unseen – water flowing where it shouldn’t can cause the wood to rot, ruin dry walls, and affect the structure of your property.
It can also pose a health risk as it creates damp-filled spaces and can damage the electrics in a house.
Common Causes of Water Leaks
- Over time, age and material mean that pipes corrode and rust, which weakens them and allows water to leak.
- High water pressure is always nice, but if it’s too high, it can put too much pressure on our pipes and cause them to burst.
- Pipes are highly sensitive to changes in temperature. When it’s cold, they freeze and expand, which can cause leaks.
- If pipes weren’t installed correctly, they might be more prone to leaks over time.
- Clogs and backups in pipes can lead to backflow and excessive high pressure.
Early Warning Signs of a Water Leak: Water Leak Detection
Annoyingly, water leaks aren’t always obvious. In fact, in many cases, they start small and worsen over time, causing damage before you even realise there’s a problem. Knowing what to look out for can help you spot leaks early.
Inside the home
Discoloured Walls & Damp Patches
Inside your home, look for damp or discoloured walls and ceilings – this is one of the most common signs of a hidden leak inside your house. These patches may be yellow, brown or darker than the surrounding surface.
Cracking Paint
Excess moisture behind walls can cause paint to bubble, crack or peel away. If you see wallpaper lifting around the edge, it could be a sign that water is trapped beneath the surface and there is an internal leak.
Musty Smell
If you notice a damp or musty odour, it may be a sign that there is a leak causing excess moisture.
Water usage signs
Spike in Water Bill
If your water bill or water meter reading spikes without a clear reason, like increased usage or a change in season, it could be a hidden leak behind the scenes.
Water Meter Reading
A water meter is a simple way to tell if you leak; if it continues to move after a few hours and two readings are different despite all taps and appliances being off, water is most likely escaping somewhere in your system!
Weak Water Pressure
A drop in water pressure throughout your home could indicate that water is leaking from your pipes before it reaches your taps or shower.
Sound clues
When everything is off, you hear water running, dripping or hissing when no taps, appliances or systems are in use, it’s a strong sign of a pipe or fixture leak.
How to Find and Fix the Leak
Discovering a water leak is stressful, but acting as quickly as possible will help to minimise the damage and keep the repair costs down.
The first thing to do is turn off the water supply by your internal stop tap to prevent further water loss and reduce spreading. If the leak is near electrical outlets, it might be safest to turn off the electricity in that area.
Use towels, buckets, or containers to limit the spread of the water. If you can see the leak, you may be able to pinpoint the source. If it’s hidden, our team uses advanced, non-invasive water leak detector systems to locate leaks. Find out more about leak detection here.
Once the leak has been identified using water leak detection tools, it’s important to get a plumber in to fix it as soon as possible. Even small leaks can escalate into major problems if left untreated, leading to structural damage, higher water bills, and potential health risks from damp and mould.
If you’ve spotted the signs of a leak or want peace of mind, the expert team at Masterfix is here to help. Using advanced, non-invasive leak detection methods, we can quickly locate and resolve issues before they become costly problems.
Get in touch with Masterfix today to book a leak detection service and protect your home from further damage.
