Damp patches, growing mould, musty smells, low water pressure or a sudden increase in your water bill are all indications you might have a problem with your plumbing – specifically, you may have a leaking pipe.
As a homeowner or property manager, take swift action if you notice any of these issues emerging to avoid costly repair bills and water leak damage to your property.
The problem with pipework is that it can be hard to locate. Pipes can be hidden within walls, ceilings or under floorboards. A qualified plumber will be able to advise you on how to resolve the problem with minimal disruption to your premises.
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Signs of a Water Leak in Your House
Knowing how to find a household water leak is essential to protecting your home and avoiding costly repairs. Here are the key signs to watch out for that could indicate a hidden plumbing issue:
Damp Patches
Damp patches in your kitchen, bathroom, or on walls may indicate water from a pipe is leaking. Both internal and external walls can be vulnerable to this issue. Often, these patches feel wet and remain damp, even when the heating is applied.
If you notice dampness rising from the floor, it could signal a more severe problem. Prolonged saturation can weaken your home’s foundations, leading to structural damage.
A leak originating from the roof, on the other hand, may point to corroded flashing around a chimney stack or damage to roof vents. Similarly, if your property is older and features a water tank in the loft, a leaking pipe connected to the tank may also cause damp areas to appear.
To distinguish between a roof leak and a plumbing-related issue, observe how the damp patch behaves in different weather conditions. Roof leaks will typically worsen during rainfall, whereas plumbing leaks will cause dampness regardless of the weather. Monitoring these conditions is a practical step to identify the source of the leak.
Growing Mould
Patches of black mould or a musky smell can also indicate a pipe leak in your home – and this can appear and spread in as little as 24 hours in warm temperatures.
It’s important to have any visible spores examined by a professional damp proofing company, as left untreated, they can have a detrimental effect on your health. If caused by a leaking pipe, plumbers can resolve the issue and prevent any further water damage.
If the wall isn’t overly saturated, you could attempt to clean the area yourself with a mildew spray; however, be mindful that water could be leaking inside the wall, which will cause musty smells and mould until the water leak is resolved.
Low Water Pressure
Just because you can’t smell anything musty or see a damp patch doesn’t mean there’s no leak. You may have a larger leak on an external pipe connecting your home or business to the mains supply.
If there is no or little water coming from the taps, this indicates the water pressure is very low. It’s best to check with neighbours to see if they have the same problem. If they do, then it’s likely that your water mains has a leak and you should contact your local water authority.
If you’re the only person experiencing the issue, check around your property, in your garden, for example, for damp patches or overgrown grass covering drains – anything that could suggest an external pipe problem.
A Higher Water Bill
An unexpected increase in your water bill, without a clear reason, can be a strong indicator of a hidden pipe leak.
To investigate, begin by checking your water meter. First, ensure all taps, appliances, and water-using systems in your home are turned off. Then, take a reading on your water meter and monitor it over a period. If the meter continues to move despite no water being used, this suggests there is a leak somewhere in your plumbing.
Attempting to Fix a Leaking Pipe Yourself
If you’ve discovered a leaky pipe, a quick temporary fix may seem like the easiest solution. Using plumber’s tape (also known as PTFE tape) can help create a watertight seal. Here’s how you can do this:
- Turn off your water supply to stop any further leakage.
- Unscrew the pipe joints with care to avoid damaging them.
- Wrap the plumber’s tape securely around the threads of the pipe, applying it a few times for a durable seal.
- Reattach the pipes tightly and turn your water supply back on to check if the leak has stopped.
While this method can help in the short term, it’s important to recognise the limitations of DIY repairs:
- Temporary solution: Plumber’s tape typically provides a short-term fix and won’t address the root cause of the leak.
- Risk of worsening damage: Without proper tools or knowledge, you may unintentionally cause further harm to your plumbing system.
- Hidden issues: Leaks from pipes are often a symptom of a larger problem that might require specialised attention to resolve fully.
For these reasons, we recommend contacting our professional plumbers for leak detection and repair services. Our experts can pinpoint the exact issue, complete the repair correctly, and prevent further damage to your home.
