How to Check for a Water Leak in Your Home or Business

Water leaks are a common occurrence and can range from a minor nuisance to complete catastrophe. Whether it is a home, business premises, or an office block, we all want to know how to monitor our systems for a water leak, as the resulting damage can be extremely costly to fix.

If you believe you have a water leak, it’s important to locate it as soon as possible. Below are a few standard checks you can undertake to determine whether a problem exists.

1. The first step is to ensure that all water in the building is switched off. This means no running taps, no flushing toilets, and no use of
   water tanks, sprinklers,dishwashers, or any other appliances. All water usage must stop completely.
2. Locate your water meter and check whether the leak indicator is moving. Different types of water meters exist, so if you cannot find yours or do not know how to read it, contact your water supplier. Most meters contain a dial or wheel which only moves when water is flowing. If it’s moving while all water is switched off, you almost certainly have a leak. If unsure, take a meter reading, wait a couple of hours without using any water, and take another reading. An increase indicates a leak.
3. To determine whether the leak is inside or outside your home, turn off the main water valve that feeds the property, usually located in a garage or basement. After shutting it off, check the leak indicator again. If the dial stops moving or the meter stays the same, the leak is inside the house. If it continues moving, the leak is outside.

If you believe you may have located a leak, now is a good time to contact a professional. However, if the leak appears to be inside the property, you can continue with the following checks:

1. Leaking taps — check all bathroom, kitchen, and utility taps for drips or visible leaks.
2. Inspect the toilet flush to ensure the mechanism stops completely after flushing.
3. Look for wet patches or damp flooring around water-related appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.
   Also check walls and ceilings for signs of dampness.

If you think you may have a leak but cannot locate it, help is available.

At LeakDTech, we use innovative technology to help you detect and resolve leaks while also maintaining your water systems for the future. Our experts can scan buildings internally and externally using thermal imaging and infrared equipment, allowing us to instantly detect leaks and pinpoint their exact locations.
Additionally, a sensory system can be installed in your water system to alert you to any suspected leaks, giving you confidence that your water is exactly where it should be.

For information on how we can help if you suspect a leak, consult LeakDTech’s professionals now!