The Water Leak Guide
Spot the signs early, take the right first steps, and know exactly when to call a specialist. Written by the engineers who find leaks across Cornwall every week.
Water leaks aren't just annoying—they damage your property, inflate bills, and create health hazards like mould. Acting quickly can prevent a minor issue from becoming a costly disaster. This guide will help you identify leaks, take immediate action, and decide when to call the professionals.
If you're experiencing active flooding, water near electrics, or structural damage, take immediate action:
✓Turn off your main water supply immediately✓Switch off electricity at the consumer unit if water is near sockets✓Call us now for emergency leak detection
Click on the scenario that best describes your situation:
✓Water gushing, flooding, or pouring through ceiling✓Water near electrical outlets, appliances, or consumer unit✓Ceiling bulging or sagging with water weight✓Burst pipe with continuous flow✓Water coming through light fittings✓Major flooding under floors you can hear/see✓Structural cracks appearing with water✓Can't stop the water flow
Turn off water & electrics NOW, then call us
✓Topping up boiler pressure daily or multiple times per day✓Boiler losing 0.5+ bar pressure per week✓Need to top up boiler more than twice per year✓Pressure drops below 1 bar within days of topping up✓Persistent dripping or running water sounds in walls✓Damp patches actively spreading or growing✓Water meter spinning when all taps are off✓Water bills 30%+ higher than normal✓Wet patches appearing on walls or ceilings✓Floor feeling spongy, soft, or bouncy✓Wallpaper peeling near pipes or radiators✓Radiators needing bleeding weekly✓Toilet running constantly (not stopping)✓Musty smell getting stronger daily✓Visible mould growth appearing
Don't wait - these get worse fast
✓Boiler needs topping up once or twice per year✓Very slow pressure drop over several months✓Slight musty smell (stable, not worsening)✓Minor condensation on windows (seasonal)✓Small damp spot that isn't growing✓Very occasional drip from overflow after filling tank✓Minor dampness only after very heavy rain✓Old water stains that are dry (no active moisture)
Check monthly - call if frequency increases
Click each item as you complete it. These steps will help limit damage while you arrange professional help:
Knowing where to look can help you provide useful information when you call us. Here are the most common leak locations:
Look for:
✓Water stains on walls/ceilings✓Dripping sounds in walls✓Damp patches behind fixtures✓Corroded or wet pipework
Common causes: Burst pipes, joint failures, corrosion, freeze damage
Look for:
✓Water stains on ceilings✓Missing/damaged roof tiles✓Sagging ceiling areas✓Drips after heavy rain
Common causes: Damaged flashing, cracked tiles, blocked gutters, poor seals
Look for:
✓Water pooling on sills✓Peeling paint around frames✓Damp walls near openings✓Mould on window frames
Common causes: Failed seals, damaged weatherstripping, poor installation
Look for:
✓Wet or warped flooring✓Musty basement odours✓Cracks in foundation✓Puddles in basement
Common causes: Underground pipe leaks, poor drainage, rising damp
Look for:
✓Dropping boiler pressure✓Damp under radiators✓Wet patches on floors✓Hissing from pipes
Common causes: Failed valves, corroded pipes, underfloor heating leaks
Look for:
✓Damp under sinks✓Water on floor after showers✓Soft/spongy flooring✓Musty smells in cabinets
Common causes: Failed seals, leaking taps, worn waste pipes
While professional equipment gives the most accurate results, here are some DIY methods to help locate a leak:
What to do: Systematically check all visible plumbing, fixtures, and water-prone areas for signs of moisture. Look for:
✓Water stains (brown, yellow, or dark patches)✓Mould or mildew growth✓Peeling paint or wallpaper✓Warped or buckled flooring✓Visible dampness or wet spots
Best for: Obvious leaks, bathroom/kitchen issues, visible pipe damage
What to do: Turn off all taps, appliances, and water-using devices. Wait until the house is very quiet (late evening or early morning works best), then listen carefully. Listen for:
✓Dripping or trickling sounds in walls or floors✓Hissing from pipes or radiators (especially near joints)✓Running water when nothing's in use✓Gurgling in drain pipes✓Sounds near stop tap or meter (can indicate supply pipe leak)
Best for: Locating general area of hidden pipe leaks, especially in older properties with copper or lead pipes
What to do:
✓Turn off all water-using appliances and taps✓Make sure no one uses toilets, showers, or washing machines✓Locate your water meter (usually outside near property boundary)✓Write down the exact meter reading or take a photo✓Wait 1-2 hours without using any water (overnight works best)✓Check the meter again
What the results mean:
✓Meter hasn't moved: No leak detected✓Meter has increased: You have a leak between the meter and your taps
Some situations absolutely require professional equipment and expertise. Here's when to call us rather than attempting DIY:
If you've checked obvious areas but can't locate where water's coming from, professional detection equipment can find leaks you'll never spot yourself—often without any destructive investigation.
Any leak that continues despite your attempts to fix it, or that's spreading to new areas, needs immediate professional attention. What starts small can quickly cause structural damage.
Bulging ceilings, warped floors, crumbling plaster, or visible structural issues indicate serious water damage. This requires urgent professional assessment to prevent collapse or further deterioration.
Mould indicates moisture has been present for weeks or months. Beyond the immediate leak, you need professional remediation to prevent health issues and ensure complete drying.
Hidden leaks in walls, floors, or underground pipes require specialist detection. Guessing and ripping up floors costs far more than professional pinpointing.
Most home insurance requires professional trace and access reports. We provide detailed documentation with thermal images, moisture readings, and exact leak locations that insurers accept.
Our non-invasive leak detection technology finds hidden leaks without destroying your property.
Water leaks don't fix themselves—they only get worse. What starts as a small drip can quickly become structural damage, mould growth, and thousands in repair bills. But with quick action and professional help, you can minimise damage, save money, and protect your property.
Remember these key points:
✓Act immediately when you spot signs of a leak—turn off water, protect electrics, document everything✓Don't wait to see if it gets worse—every day increases damage exponentially✓DIY detection has limits—hidden leaks need professional equipment to find accurately✓Prevention is cheaper than cure—regular maintenance catches problems before they become emergencies✓Professional detection saves money—pinpointing leaks precisely prevents unnecessary property damage
Free quote, fast reply
One call or one form and we will book a survey and talk you through what happens next. We cover the whole of Cornwall, from Land's End to Launceston.
Tell us what you are seeing and we will tell you what to do next.
