Water Leaks at Home

Water leaks might not always be immediately noticeable, but early detection is key to preventing serious issues. At ScotWater, we encourage our customers in Scotland to stay vigilant by routinely checking their water bills, monitoring water pressure, and recognising the common signs of leaks. Taking proactive measures to identify and address signs of internal water leakage can safeguard your home, reduce costly repairs, and help conserve water. Regular maintenance, thorough inspections, and leveraging advanced detection technologies are essential strategies to avert significant water damage and preserve the integrity of your home’s plumbing infrastructure.

Should you encounter a water-related problem, it’s important to quickly assess its severity. Determine whether the issue could escalate rapidly, causing extensive damage. Is the problem isolated to a specific appliance, like a toilet or washing machine? Immediate action may be necessary. For more severe situations, we recommend contacting a professional plumber to ensure safe and effective resolution.

If it's a minor issue that you feel confident handling, you might consider shutting off the water supply to the specific appliance while you prepare for repairs. For more critical issues, however, it's wise to shut off the main water supply to your home. This stops all water flow, helping to minimize further damage and potential hazards.


How to Detect a Water Leak at Home

Detecting water leaks within your home can often be challenging, especially when there are no obvious signs of leakage. At ScotWater, we suggest a few practical methods to help our customers across Scotland stay alert to hidden water leaks:
 

• Monitor Your Water Bill: Regularly review your water usage by checking your water bill. Look for unexpected spikes that can't be accounted for by ordinary activities, like hosting guests or increased use of your garden hose during warmer weather. Consider signing up for online account access or requesting monthly statements from Scottish Water to keep a close eye on your consumption patterns.
   

• Check Water Pressure:  A drop in water pressure when filling your bathtub or during a shower can often signal a leak. You can conduct a straightforward test by shutting off all water fixtures in your home and then turning one back on. If the water pressure seems unusually high initially, it might indicate a hidden leak.
   

• Observe Water Heater/Boiler Activity: Pay attention to how frequently your water heater or boiler activates. If it appears to run more continuously than normal, this could point to a leak in your hot water system. Such leaks, particularly those underground, are generally more difficult to detect and require specific attention.
   

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Common Places to Find a Water Leak
 

If you're concerned about potential water leaks in your home and don't have access to a leak detector, there are several common areas you should inspect to prevent water damage and save on utility costs. Here at ScotWater, we recommend regularly checking these critical spots in your home:

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• Water Tank/Boiler: Examine the valves managing the flow into and out of your boiler or water tank for any visible signs of leakage, such as water dripping or pooling. If you don’t see an active leak, look for indirect signs like staining or a persistent hissing sound from the valves. For central heating boilers, it's crucial to involve a specialist as these symptoms could indicate a more severe issue.
   

• Toilets: Toilets are prone to leaks due to their frequent use. A simple way to check for toilet leaks is to add some food colouring (dye) to the tank and wait about ten minutes. If the water in the bowl turns the colour of the dye without flushing, you likely have a leak that needs fixing.
   

• Showerheads: Regular usage can also wear out showerheads, leading to leaks. Signs of a leaky showerhead include low water pressure and water not flowing uniformly. Inspecting and cleaning your showerhead regularly can help identify and resolve these issues early.​
   

• Appliances: Appliances like washing machines and dishwashers are often moved or vibrate during use, which can loosen connections over time. Make it a routine to check the hoses and fittings on your appliances to ensure they’re tight and leak-free.

While these checks can help you identify leaks inside your home, it's equally important to monitor for leaks outside, such as in outdoor taps or irrigation systems. Keeping an eye on these areas can help maintain the efficiency and safety of your home’s plumbing system, protecting your property and conserving water.

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Common Indicators of Water Leaks

 

If you're concerned about potential leaks in your home, staying vigilant for certain signs can help you catch issues early, potentially saving on costly repairs and water waste. At ScotWater, we advise our customers to be on the lookout for the following common indicators of water leaks:

 

• Unexpected Increase in Water Usage or Bill: A sudden spike in your water bill or meter reading that can't be explained by regular usage patterns is often the first sign of a hidden leak.
   

• Damp Spots on Walls, Floors, or Ceilings: Unexplained dampness in these areas could suggest water is leaking from pipes hidden within the structure.
   

• Mould or Mildew Growth: Especially in areas that shouldn’t be moist under normal circumstances, the presence of mould or mildew can indicate excess moisture from a leak.
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• Water Stains or Discolouration: Look for stains on walls, ceilings, or floors, which are typically a telltale sign of a longstanding leak.
   

• Reduced Water Pressure: If you experience a noticeable reduction in water pressure when using sinks, showers, or hoses, it could mean a leak is diverting water from your supply.
   

• Constant Sound of Running Water: Hearing the sound of water when no taps, showers, or appliances are running could indicate a leak somewhere in your system.
   

• Musty or Unpleasant Odours: Persistent musty smells, particularly in areas like basements or bathrooms, can be caused by hidden leaks leading to damp conditions.
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• Puddles or Pooling Water: Any unusual accumulation of water around your property should be investigated as it may result from a leak.
   

• Cracks in Walls or Foundations: Over time, leaks can undermine the structural integrity of a building, leading to visible cracks in walls or the foundation.
   

• High Humidity Levels: An increase in humidity inside your home without any change in external weather conditions or indoor heating can be a symptom of excessive moisture due to leaks.

How to Check for Water Leaks at Home with Your Water Meter (DIY Method)

 

Checking for water leaks on your own can be a straightforward process if you have a water meter. At ScotWater, we encourage our customers to follow these DIY steps to determine if there’s a leak in their plumbing system:

 

1. Stop All Water Usage: Ensure no water is being used in your home. This means all taps, showers, and appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines should be turned off.
    

2. Find Your Water Meter: Your water meter is typically located near the front of your property on the pavement in a ground-level box.
    

3. Record the Current Meter Reading: Note down the reading from your water meter before you start the test.
    

4. ​Wait: Refrain from using any water for a few hours or, ideally, overnight, to ensure accurate results.
    

5. Check the Meter Again: After the waiting period, read the water meter again. If the reading has changed despite no water use, it likely indicates a leak.
    

6. Isolate the House Supply: To further investigate, turn off the main water supply to your house at the internal stop valve. After doing so, check the meter once more. If the reading still changes, the leak might be on the underground water supply pipe. 
    

7. Seek Professional Help: If you confirm a leak in your underground water supply pipe, ScotWater is here to help.

Need Help with Water Leak Detection and Repairs? Contact ScotWater Today

We are trusted experts in Scotland for all water leak detection and water supply pipe repair services. Our skilled team, backed by years of experience, employs advanced technology to pinpoint even the most concealed water leaks in your property. For underground pipe issues, our team has the expertise and specialised equipment to locate and repair leaks effectively.
 

ScotWater can carry out water leak detection and repairs across Scotland. To get a free quote please call us on 0131 381 7770 or email hello@scotwater.co.uk to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help with your water supply needs.

For more useful help and advice see our other articles here.