How to Find a Water Leak in Your Home

Figuring out how to find a water leak in your property can often be a daunting challenge – whilst some might spot damp patches or track the tell-tale dripping sound, in many instances the signs are much less obvious. If left undetected, even a small leak can cause disastrous damage to your home and result in a significant financial setback.

According to Ofwat, the average household water bill is predicted to increase by £27.40 in 2024/2025. An unnoticed leak persisting for days, weeks or even months can substantially inflate your water bill.

With the cost of living continually rising, it’s more important than ever to maintain your property and avoid unexpected expenses. Prevent a minor issue from becoming a major headache with our comprehensive guide on water leak detection.

How to find a water leak

The visible signs of a leak

The first step in identifying a water leak is inspecting your property for any visible signs. Effective leak detection involves diligent investigation, making it crucial to remain vigilant for common indicators, such as:

• Bubbling paint or wallpaper
• Wall discolouration
• Puddling or pooling
• Damp or mould, usually accompanied with a musty smell

Do these signs sound familiar? Many people overlook them, unaware that they indicate leak-related water damage.

If you notice any of these signs, follow the steps below to confirm the leak before it becomes a larger issue.

8 Steps to Identify a Leak in Your Home

It is important to be proactive in spotting water leaks to prevent costly damage and ensure timely repairs.

1. Monitor the water pressure

Wondering why your bath is taking longer to fill than usual? A dip in water pressure may be a small inconvenience, but it’s important to know that this could be a sign of a leak in your property.

To check for potential leaks, turn off all water fixtures in your home and then turn one back on. If you observe a significant increase in water pressure compared to when multiple fixtures were running, there may be a leak in your plumbing system that needs attention.

2. Keep track of your water bill

Unlike other household costs, water bills typically stay consistent month to month. As a result, you may be tempted to take your eye off the numbers, but it’s worth checking them regularly to spot large hikes.

If you can’t account for the extra water usage, you may be on to a leak.

3. Watch the water meter

When your sums don’t add up or your pressure is irregular, turn to your water meter to confirm the presence of a leak.

Firstly, shut off all running water and then record the numbers on the meter. If they’ve changed an hour later, there may be a leak.

You can then move on to repeating the same process, but this time shut off your whole water supply at the mains. Did the numbers change after an hour?

If so, the leak is likely outside – if not, the issue likely lies indoors.

4. Check for patches of greener grass

Significantly greener patches in your garden, possibly with puddles, often indicate an underground burst pipe. If you’ve been suspecting a leak, this could confirm your suspicions.

However, if this is your initial clue, it’s crucial to follow the steps outlined in point three to properly investigate and address the issue.

5. Investigate appliances and fixtures

Take a look under all water basins and water-based appliances in your home. Collections of water here can provide further confirmation – or initial signs – that you have an indoor water leak.

6. Dye-test the toilet

One of the last places you would expect to use food colouring is in your toilet tanks, but a few drops in each one could help you establish the root of your problem. You can also purchase leak detection or drain dye that has been formulated specifically for identifying leaks.

If you notice colour appearing in the bowl within five minutes, it may indicate that your toilet’s flapper is damaged and causing the leak.

7. Be wary of the weather

You should also think about the recent weather climate which could indicate issues such as a frozen burst pipe or a storm that could have caused damage and led to a leak.

8. Consider other extraneous factors

While less common, it’s worth considering other external factors specific to your home that could cause a leak. These might include recent construction or renovation work, potential tree root intrusion and the age of your property, as older homes are more likely to have corroding pipes or shifting foundations that can lead to damage.

Common places for water leaks in the home

Knowing where to look and what to look for is key to detecting a water leak. Keep an eye on the following water supply hotspots for visible dripping, drops in pressure or collections of water:

• Showers
• Toilets
• Water tanks, water heaters and boilers
• Appliances
• Faucets
• Supply pipes

Placing a water leak detector in these areas and ensuring secure attachments, as well as replacing simple parts, can often be managed with DIY skills. However, for more complex issues, it’s crucial to enlist a professional to prevent costly errors and potentially exacerbating the leak at hand.

How to fix a water leak

Repairing a water leak in your home will require a different approach depending on where the leak originates, the pipes material and what the pipe is carrying.

First, ensure your main water supply is turned off at the main shut off valve before attempting any type of DIY repair. Then, contain the leak by using a bucket or old cloths and rags to soak up any excess water.

Domestic plumbing commonly utilises pipes such as galvanized steel, copper, PVC, ABS and PEX. Each type of pipe offers distinct advantages, tailored for different uses like transporting hot water or handling wastewater.

You can either utilise a temporary or permanent solution to fix your leak. In either case, it’s crucial to assess whether the chosen solution is appropriate for addressing the specific type and severity of the leak.

For temporary fixes, there are several options available on the market that may be suitable, such as pipe repair tape, pipe wraps or casts, hose clamps, rubber patches and epoxy putty or paste. Whichever method you choose, it’s important to carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure its suitability and follow their guidance closely.

Whilst a temporary fix can mitigate water damage, we always recommend contacting a professional for a permanent solution that ensures long-term effectiveness.

How can Rainbow Restoration help with water leaks?

Whilst minor water leaks can often be tracked and located using the above steps, sometimes the source of the leak is within your building’s infrastructure, further complicating matters. It’s crucial to act swiftly because every second a water pipe leaks, the damage becomes more challenging and costly to repair.

At Rainbow, our professional water leak detection services swiftly pinpoint and resolve your issues. Collaborating with your insurance provider we will deliver a detailed report, equipping you with essential information and guiding you through the necessary next steps.

Even when you’ve taken all the necessary precautions, water damage to your property can be unforgiving. That’s why Rainbow also provides cleaning, restoration and repair services, restoring your space to its pre-incident condition.

If you suspect you may have a water leak or have already experienced its consequences, please contact us or call our 24 hour National Helpline on 01623 422488 today.