How to check for leaks
If you think you have a leak at your property, carry out these simple tests to check if you have one and locate the affected pipe.
What to do if you suspect a leak
Watch our video which covers:
- how to check for leaks using your water meter
- the common signs of a water leak
- advice for checking other appliances, such as toilets.
Signs you may have a leak
You may have a leak if you notice:
- an unexplained increase in your bill
- a big drop in water pressure
- areas of lush vegetation in your garden
- damp patches on the ground
- a hissing or knocking noise near your internal stop tap.
How to find your meter or stop tap
To carry out some of the following tests, you may need to access your water meter and/or internal stop tap.
If you need help finding either of these, follow our advice on finding and turning off your stop tap and finding and reading your water meter.
Checking for leaks if you have a water meter
If you have a water meter, please carry out the following test.
Step 1
Turn off all the appliances in your home that use water.
Step 2
Locate your water meter and remove the lid.
Step 3
Take a meter reading, noting down both the black and red numbers.
Step 4
Wait for 30 minutes to one hour and check your meter again.
If the second reading is the same as the first, you most likely don’t have a leak.
If the second reading is higher, you may have a leak, and you should follow our advice on locating leaks to find out what to do next.
Checking for leaks if you don’t have a water meter
If you do not have a water meter, please carry out the following test.
Step 1
Locate your internal stop tap and check for a hissing and/or knocking noise.
Step 2
Turn off your water supply by turning your stop tap clockwise.
Step 3
Check your water supply is turned off by turning on your cold kitchen tap.
Step 4
Check your stop tap again to see if you can still hear a hissing/and or knocking noise.
If you can still hear it, you may have a leak and you should contact a qualified plumber.
How to locate a leak
If you have identified a leak but don’t know where it is, please try to locate it so that you know who is responsible for fixing it.
Find the leak by turning off your water supply at your internal stop tap and checking your water meter.
If the meter dial stops turning, you may have a leak inside your property, and you should contact a qualified plumber.
If the meter dial continues turning, you may have a leak on your private supply pipe, and you should report it to us.
Apply for a leakage allowance
If a leak has increased your bill, we usually offer an allowance once it has been repaired – find out if you are eligible.
How to check for toilet leaks
A leaky loo is hard to spot and could cost you around £50 a month if you're on a meter – follow our advice for checking for toilet leaks.