Mains Water Leak

Signs of a Water Leak

Recognising the early warning signs of a mains water leak can save you thousands in repair costs and prevent extensive property damage. Many homeowners dismiss these symptoms until the problem becomes severe, but acting quickly makes all the difference.

1. Unexplained increase in water bills – Even small leaks can waste significant amounts of water over time, leading to bills that are 50% higher than normal.
2. Water meter constantly spinning – When no taps or appliances are running, a spinning meter confirms that water is escaping somewhere in your system.
3. Water supplier notification or Section 75 Notice – These official communications indicate unusual water usage patterns and require immediate attention, as they often precede enforcement action and additional charges.
4. Persistent damp patches, mould, or condensation – These symptoms appearing without obvious cause suggest water is entering your property’s structure from an external source.
5. Boggy ground or surface water in the garden – Water appearing in your garden, particularly during dry weather, indicates underground water escape. This waterlogged soil can damage foundations and create unstable ground conditions.
6. Low water pressure throughout the property – This occurs when significant amounts of water are lost before reaching your taps and appliances.
7. Constant noise of running or dripping water – Especially when all fixtures are turned off, this suggests an active leak somewhere in your system.
8. Water tank or hot water pump constantly running – These systems work overtime to maintain pressure, indicating water loss elsewhere in the system.
9. Subsidence or structural movement – This can result from soil erosion caused by underground water leaks, potentially causing serious structural damage.
10. Damp smells or visible water damage inside the property – These often indicate that external water is penetrating your building’s envelope.

Our Professional Leak Detection Methods

We employ cutting-edge technology to locate leaks with precision and minimal disruption. Our non-invasive detection methods eliminate guesswork and prevent unnecessary excavation, saving you time and money while protecting your property.

Tracer Gas Leak Detection represents our most advanced technique for locating underground water leaks. This method involves introducing a safe, inert gas mixture into the water system, which escapes at the leak point and rises to the surface. Our sensitive detection equipment then identifies the exact location where gas emerges, pinpointing leaks with remarkable accuracy even under concrete or tarmac surfaces.

Infrared Leak Detection utilises thermal imaging cameras to identify temperature variations that indicate water movement. Escaping water creates distinctive thermal signatures that our trained technicians can interpret, revealing hidden leaks behind walls or under floors. This technology proves particularly effective for detecting leaks in insulated pipes or heated water systems.

Thermal Imagery Leak Detection extends our thermographic capabilities to visualise heat loss patterns caused by water leaks. Temperature differences as small as 0.1°C can indicate water movement, allowing us to trace leak paths and identify multiple problem areas simultaneously. This comprehensive approach ensures we don’t miss secondary leaks that could cause future problems.

Acoustic Leak Detection employs highly sensitive listening equipment to detect the sounds of escaping water under pressure. Even tiny leaks create distinctive acoustic signatures that our equipment can isolate and locate. This method works effectively through various materials, including concrete, soil, and tarmac, making it invaluable for mains water leak detection.