Problems this covers
- Damp patches or stains on walls and ceilings
- A musty smell with no clear source
- A water meter that keeps turning when taps are off
- Low water pressure that appeared suddenly
- A burst or split pipe
Leak Detection and Repair in Plymouth: what to know
A hidden leak can waste water and damage a home. Signs include damp patches, stains, a musty smell and low water pressure. Finding the source comes first, because the repair depends on where the water escapes.
You can make a simple check yourself. Turn off every tap and appliance, then look at your water meter if you have one. A dial that keeps turning may point to a leak. Other causes exist, so ask an engineer to confirm what you find.
Who looks after the pipe matters. The water company looks after the main and the pipe up to your boundary. You look after the pipes on your own property, and a leak inside the home is yours to get repaired. Some water companies help find a small leak, so ask yours first.
A burst pipe is a sudden leak. Turn the water off at the stop tap, then mark your request urgent. The emergency plumber page lists the first steps in more detail.
Questions to ask the engineer
- How will you find the leak, and what will you use?
- Will the repair include making good walls and floors?
- What is the total price, in writing?
- Is there a call-out charge, and is it in the quote?
- What cover does the work carry, and for how long?
How a typical job runs
- Note the signs and check the meter if you have one
- Turn off the water at the stop tap if the leak is active
- The engineer finds where the water is escaping
- Agree the repair and the price in writing
- Ask for a final check and a note of what was done
Leak Detection and Repair near you
Looking for local details? Try the pages for leak detection and repair in Plymouth, leak detection and repair in Tavistock or leak detection and repair in Liskeard, since each one covers its own town. These are the towns with their own page for this service.
You may also want to read about emergency plumber or drain repairs, since the jobs are linked.
A leak can sit in a drain as well as a water pipe. This guide shows how a camera checks drains. Read Why Home Buyers Should Consider a CCTV Drain Survey for background while you plan the job. It uses plain words.
Leak Detection and Repair: common questions
How do I know I have a hidden leak?
Damp patches, stains and a musty smell can all point to a leak. So can a water meter that turns when every tap is off. These signs have other causes too, so ask an engineer to confirm.
Who pays to fix a leaking pipe?
The water company looks after the main and the pipe up to your boundary. You look after the pipes on your own property, and a leak inside the home. Ask the engineer where the leak sits before you agree to pay.
Is a burst pipe the same as a leak?
A burst pipe is a sudden, large leak. Turn the water off at the stop tap and send an urgent request. The emergency plumber page covers the first steps.