How to locate leaks under the floorboards

If your water bills seem higher than usual without any tariff increases being reported, you may have a water leak which can waste hundreds of pounds a year. Use this easy-to-follow guide to make the necessary checks and then get a professional in or your local water company to deal with locating the leak. If you try locating the leak yourself it could end up being costly and time-consuming. The best thing to do is call a professional plumber who has the right tools and technology to locate the link with the minimum of fuss.

Level of difficulty

Level 3: Easy

What you need

Observation task only

The steps to follow

  • The first thing you need to do to if you suspect a leak is to check your water meter.
  • Turn off your mains water supply and check the water meter. If water is not leaking anywhere, the indicator on the meter should not move. A water meter also has a "leak detector". If the leak detector fluctuates, it confirms that you have a leak somewhere in your house.
  • If you find that there is a leak somewhere in the house, hire a qualified plumber who will check and locate the leak for you.

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