Water bills in London have climbed noticeably in recent years, so most people expect to pay a bit more. But if your bill has jumped far more than expected, or your usage looks high for the size of your household, a hidden leak could be quietly wasting water day and night.
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How to check for a leak with your water meter
- Find your water meter. It is often in a small chamber in the pavement or front garden, or inside under the kitchen sink in newer homes and flats.
- Make sure nothing is using water: no taps, washing machine, dishwasher or toilet refilling.
- Take a photo of the meter reading.
- Wait at least 30 minutes, ideally an hour, without using any water.
- Check the reading again. If it has moved, water is escaping somewhere.
Many meters also have a small spinning dial or red triangle that moves even with tiny flows. If that is turning with everything off, you have a leak.
Where hidden leaks usually are
- Toilets. A worn flush valve can let water trickle into the pan constantly. Look for a thin ripple of water at the back of the bowl.
- Under floors. Pipes under suspended floors and in screed can leak for months unseen.
- Behind showers and baths. Failed seals and joints leak into walls.
- The supply pipe outside. The pipe between the boundary and your house is usually your responsibility, and leaks here can be invisible.
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Who is responsible for the leak?
In general, the water company looks after pipes up to your property boundary, and you are responsible for the supply pipe from the boundary into your home, and everything inside. Water companies sometimes offer a leak allowance or a one-off bill adjustment once a leak on your supply is repaired. Contact your supplier to ask what applies to you.
High water bill from a leak? What to do next
If your meter test shows a leak but you cannot see it, professional leak detection can usually pinpoint it without digging up floors or knocking down walls. Fixing it promptly stops the waste and prevents damage to floors, walls and foundations.
Frequently asked questions
How much water can a hidden leak waste?
A constantly running toilet alone can waste hundreds of litres a day. Leaks on underground supply pipes can be even larger.
Will my water company fix the leak?
They usually fix leaks on their side of the boundary. Leaks on your supply pipe or inside your home are normally your responsibility.
Can I get money back for leaked water?
Some suppliers offer an allowance once the leak is repaired. Ask your water company.
