How to Prevent Water Leaks (7 Simple Home Maintenance Tips)
Leak Detection
Protect your home from water leaks with 7 simple maintenance tips. Insulate pipes, inspect your roof, and install leak detectors to save money on repairs.
A high water bill is often the first sign that your plumbing system needs emergency attention. When household habits remain the same but costs rise, it usually means water is escaping somewhere unnoticed. Even a small leak can waste significant amounts of water daily, increasing bills and placing extra strain on the local water supply. Water UK notes that a leaking toilet alone can waste between 215 and 400 litres of water per day.
Hidden leaks can develop behind walls, under floors, or along external pipework, causing damp, mould, and damage if ignored. Acting quickly helps reduce repair costs and prevent structural issues.
With over 30 years of experience, our team provide precise, non-invasive water leak detection. We help homeowners across Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire locate and resolve leaks efficiently.
A hidden water leak can begin as a small drip and grow into a major issue. Recognising the signs early helps protect your property and prevents unnecessary repair costs. Here are five indicators every homeowner should check for.
A consistent rise in your water bill without an increase in usage is one of the most apparent signs of a leak. When all taps and appliances are turned off, check whether your water meter continues to move. If it does, water is escaping somewhere in the system. According to Severn Trent Water, a leaking toilet can waste up to 400 litres of drinking water per day. That’s enough to fill five baths and potentially double an average family’s water bill!
A musty odour or patch of mould often indicates trapped moisture behind walls, beneath floors, or inside cabinetry. Prolonged dampness can lead to poor air quality and health concerns. GOV.UK guidance confirms that the respiratory effects of damp and mould can cause serious illness. NHS Inform also says that mould can trigger asthma attacks. So, vulnerable households must detect leaks early.
Discolouration or peeling paintwork can signal a leak within concealed pipework. Moisture seeps through plaster or flooring, weakening the surface and causing stains or soft patches. These minor marks often appear long before visible water damage occurs.
A sudden drop in water pressure could mean that water is leaking within the supply line or heating circuit. If pressure does not improve after adjusting the stop tap, arrange a professional inspection to identify the cause safely.
Listen carefully when the house is quiet. A faint hissing or dripping sound from walls or floors may indicate water movement in concealed pipes. Early detection limits damage and prevents moisture from spreading into structural materials.
If you recognise one or more of these signs, professional inspection is the next step. Our fully accredited engineers use advanced diagnostic equipment. This enables us to locate and repair leaks precisely, allowing our customers to maintain a dry and safe home environment.
If your high water bill has no apparent cause, you can carry out a few safe checks before contacting a professional. These simple steps can help identify whether water is escaping within your system, whether it is inside or outside your property.
Try the following:
Watching your water meter is an easy way to find water loss. Even small leaks can make the meter register movement when all taps are shut off. If you notice changes in the reading or any of the signs above, it is best to arrange professional water leak detection.
Our engineers utilise advanced, non-invasive technology to find leaks precisely. This prevents unnecessary disruption to your property. For major or underground issues, our water mains repairs service delivers a speedy and safe solution to get your system back on track.
If you notice a possible leak, take quick action. It can help avoid expensive repairs and keep your household costs down. Continuous moisture damage can affect timber, plaster, and flooring. This can result in problems like dampness and mould. Ofwat reports that in 2023-24, England and Wales leaked 48.8 litres of water per person per day across supply networks. This shows the scale of the water loss problem in the sector. So, preventing household leaks is even more critical.
The longer a leak remains undetected, the more extensive the damage can become.
Common consequences include:
Fixing leaks quickly helps you claim under “Trace and Access” insurance. These policies often cover the costs of professional leak detection if damage is found early.
Our engineers are fully qualified and accredited to locate and repair leaks with precision. Every project adheres to our health and safety policy and is accompanied by a 12-month workmanship guarantee. This ensures all work meets current industry standards. For examples of how we’ve helped protect properties, visit our recent case studies. They show successful leak detection and repairs in Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire.
A high water bill can signal a hidden leak within your plumbing system. Acting quickly protects your property, reduces costs, and conserves water. Even a small leak left untreated can cause damp, mould, and long-term structural damage. Using non-invasive technology, we locate and repair leaks precisely while minimising disruption.
Greenstar provide expert water leak detection in Bournemouth and across Dorset and Hampshire. With over 30 years of experience, our team provides 24-hour support and aims to respond to urgent callouts within two hours. Learn more about our service standards in our service promise, or explore the latest updates in our news section.
Call 01202 355 344 or arrange trusted leak detection and protect your home before the damage escalates.
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