How to spot a water leak - 10 easy ways

Water leaks are a significant problem for your home and your wallet, as if spotted too late they can cause major damage to your property and on average substantially add up to £300 on your annual water bill. If you suspect that you have a water leak in your home, it's crucial to find it and fix it as soon as possible. 

The experts at City Plumbing have compiled an essential guide on how to quickly identify water leaks to avoid any unnecessary repairs and charges for a safe and happy home.

There are several ways to help you spot a water leak early; here are 10 of the most common signs to watch out for.

This is considered to be the very earliest indication that you have a leak in your home. If you notice that your water utility bill has unusually increased compared to the previous month, it could be an early sign of a water leak.

If you have a leak that has gone undetected, you may start to notice a damp or musty smell in the air. This is caused when mould and mildew form on hidden surfaces, so if the smell persists, it's essential to investigate further as it can not only pose a health hazard but can be an early detection of a water leak.

Bubbling paint or wallpaper can appear seemingly out of nowhere, which quickly occurs when water collects and pools behind the wall surface which causes the paint to bubble and the wallpaper to stretch. 

Bubbling paint or wallpaper is an evident sign after a water leak, so it's vital to check and take action immediately. 

If you start to notice a strange noise coming from your plumbing, it might be a sign of high-pressure build-up as the water will begin to vibrate inside the pipe and create a humming sound. 

This is a lot more common if you have a well for your water, so check the pressure to assure it's below 55 pounds per square inch. A plumber can test the pressure accordingly and adjust the issue for you.

There are several common reasons why water is seeping up through your floor, such as; backed-up drains, clogged gutters and cracked foundations, but one of the main reasons is due to leaking appliances.

They can all cause significant damage to your flooring, providing unnecessary costs for repairs and replacement. 

It is important to remember where the stop-cock is located for the appliance so you can stop the leak from the source or shut the water off entirely using the valve in your property. 

You may not realize it, but having a Water Heater installed in your property could run the risk of having a potential leak. This is because your water heater will naturally create pressure as it raises the water temperature; however, too much pressure will start to cause problems if the excess pressure can't escape the unit properly; the water could begin to leak through any existing cracks.

Most water heaters, such as the Hyco Speedflow range, usually are supplied with a PRV (pressure release valve). Its purpose is to prevent pressure build ups by opening up when the pressure gets too high, and releasing pressure until it drops to a safe level. Once the pressure is within a safe range, the valve closes.

If you have a basement or cellar in your home, you should regularly check for any water leaks after a heavy downfall of rain. If you notice water leaking in, it might be a sign there is a problem with the drainage.

Leaks can also happen when the water levels rise through the absorbed water in the soil; it will then cause a buildup of pressure under the foundations, allowing water to seep through any cracks in the floor.

Installing drainage tiles to solve this problem and help prevent any water damage to your property is recommended.

We hope we have helped you feel more confident so you can identify water leaks with confidence.

It's important to remember, if you notice any of these signs, to act quickly and investigate further, as it will allow you to save yourself time and money and be free of headaches. 

If you require further expert advice, then get in touch with our team or contact your local City Plumbing branch, no matter how big or small your enquiry is, we are always here to help.