Not every leak announces itself with a puddle. Some run quietly inside walls, under floors or beneath a garden. Meanwhile, the water keeps escaping and the damage keeps growing.

This guide covers the warning signs, a simple meter test and the point at which you should call a specialist.

Why hidden leaks matter

Anglian Water says leaks at home need fixing fast. They waste water, cost money and can cause damage to your property. Therefore, finding one early is well worth a few minutes of checking.

In Great Yarmouth, Essex & Suffolk Water supplies the water. We use Anglian Water’s leak-checking guidance below because it is the clearest we could read. Your own supplier may give slightly different advice.

The aim is simple. Rule out the easy causes first, and then decide whether you need a professional. That order saves time, and it often saves money too.

Signs that point to a leak

No single sign proves a leak. However, several of them together are a strong hint.

A higher bill than usual. Anglian Water notes that a higher-than-expected bill or usage figure is a common reason people start looking for a leak.
Damp patches. Look for stains on ceilings, walls or floors that spread or never dry.
Peeling paint or lifting wallpaper. Moisture behind a surface pushes it away.
A musty smell. A damp, earthy smell with no clear source can mean water is collecting somewhere.
The sound of running water. If you hear hissing or trickling when every tap is off, listen for where it is loudest.
A meter that keeps moving. This is the most reliable check, and it is covered next.

The water meter test

If you have a water meter outside your property, you can do a simple check. Anglian Water’s leaflet sets out the steps. First, find your internal stop tap, which is usually under the kitchen sink or in the bathroom.

Step 1: check the stop tap works

Turn the stop tap to the off position, then run the cold tap at the kitchen sink. The water should stop after a few seconds. If it does not, you will need a plumber to fix the stop tap before you carry on.

Step 2: look at the meter

Keep the stop tap off and go to the outside meter. If the dials, or the digits on the screen, are still changing, there is a leak on the pipe between the meter and your stop tap. Anglian Water says to find out what to do next in its leaflet.

Step 3: read the result

If the meter does not move with the stop tap off, the problem is most likely inside your home. In that case, turn the stop tap back on and check inside. Anglian Water also warns that in older properties converted into flats, a shared supply can mean the meter is recording a neighbour’s water instead.

Checks you can do indoors

Once the meter points to a leak inside, work through the likely suspects. Anglian Water’s leaflet suggests these checks:

The toilet. Dry the back of the bowl, and place a fresh sheet of tissue across it. If the paper is wet or torn a few hours later, the toilet is leaking.
Taps and showers. Make sure they are fully off, and look for drips.
Pipes behind the sink and under the bath. Check for water trickling down them.
Appliances. Pull out the dishwasher and washing machine, and look for pools or damp connectors.
The loft tank. Check that the ball valve is not running constantly.
The garden tap. Check that it is fully off and not dripping.

When to call a leak detection specialist

Some leaks are easy to find, and others are not. If the meter moves but you cannot see why, the pipe may run under a floor or wall. Similarly, if damp keeps returning after you have fixed an obvious drip, the real source is probably elsewhere.

That is when leak detection helps. A specialist can trace the fault without tearing up your home. Once it is found, a leak repair fixes it at the source.

Anglian Water’s leaflet adds that a plumber can help with leaks inside your home, while underground pipe repairs may need a specialist. It also says the private supply pipe to a property is the responsibility of the owner or occupier.

What to do right away

If water is escaping fast, turn off the stop tap first. Then call for help.

We cover Great Yarmouth and nearby Norfolk, and you can send details through our online quote form. For a burst or a serious leak, our 24/7 emergency service is available at any hour.

Check your insurance and your supplier

Anglian Water’s leaflet suggests checking whether your home insurance or a separate policy covers leaks on your supply pipe, and calling that provider first. Therefore, look at your policy before you book a repair. Keep notes and photos of the damage, because they may help a claim.

Your water company may also offer help with the cost of water lost. Anglian Water’s leaflet describes a one-off allowance for metered customers whose leak is repaired within 30 days. It asks them to supply two meter readings two weeks apart after the repair. Essex & Suffolk Water may have its own rules, so ask your supplier before you assume the same terms apply.

More plumbing guides

These guides cover related ground. However, each one answers a different question, so read the ones that match your problem: 5 Signs You Need Drain Cleaning, Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter and Guide to Choosing a Water Heater. Because they share the same simple advice, you can move between them easily.

These guides cover related ground. However, each one answers a different question, so read the ones that match your problem: Who Fixes a Blocked Drain or Sewer in Norfolk? A Guide, Burst Pipe: What to Do in the First Hour in Your Home and Hard Water in Great Yarmouth: Boilers and Heaters Guide. Because they share the same simple advice, you can move between them easily.

These guides cover related ground. However, each one answers a different question, so read the ones that match your problem: Annual Boiler Service and Gas Safe: What You Need to Know and What Not to Flush: Wipes, Fat and Blocked Drains. Because they share the same simple advice, you can move between them easily.

Plumbing help near you

We cover Great Yarmouth and nearby Norfolk, so help is close by. For example, we can help with leak detection in Great Yarmouth, leak detection in Gorleston-on-Sea, leak detection in Caister-on-Sea and leak detection in Bradwell. Each page explains how the service works in that town.

However, the same advice applies across the area. If you live nearby, see blocked sinks in Hemsby, blocked sinks in Belton, blocked sinks in Acle or blocked sinks in Lowestoft. Because we quote before any work starts, you can compare the options with no pressure.