What you need to know
- Look for staining, swelling, musty smells and unexplained damp.
- Use the water meter as a whole-property check when appropriate.
- Place leak sensors where a small escape of water is likely to collect first.
Use your own measurements
Use the linked BricoDato resource to check these inputs in your own situation. Small leaks can show up as an unexplained water bill, pressure loss or isolated dampness, but each has several possible explanations.
Look for early signs
Watch for discoloured paint, swollen boards, damp cabinet bases, mould odour, dripping safety valves and unusually high water use.
Try a meter check
With taps and water-using appliances off, note the meter and wait without using water. Movement can indicate leakage, though tanks, heating systems or automatic devices may complicate the test.
Place sensors where they help
Good locations include under sinks, near washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters and other points where a leak can spread unnoticed.
Know when to call a professional
Hidden leaks, repeated pressure loss, ceiling stains, damaged electrics or inaccessible pipework should be investigated by a qualified professional.
Try a controlled meter check before opening walls
Small leaks can show up as an unexplained water bill, pressure loss or isolated dampness, but each has several possible explanations. A careful observation log can make the next investigation more efficient.
Example to adapt
Take a photograph of your water meter with all taps and appliances turned off. Wait a suitable interval without drawing water and take another reading. A changing reading may suggest ongoing water use or leakage; verify that toilets, appliances and any automatic systems are truly idle before interpreting it.
| Symptom | Non-invasive check | When to escalate |
|---|---|---|
| Meter advances at rest | Recheck all fixtures and shut-offs | Persistent unexplained movement |
| Ceiling stain grows | Record shape and timing | Active leak or electrical proximity |
| Water near appliance | Check accessible connections visually | Recurring water or mould |
Checks before acting
- Shut off water where safe if an active leak is causing damage.
- Do not cut walls or floors without checking for cables, pipes and building services.
- A moisture meter can compare areas but does not identify the source alone.
- Photograph changes over time and pass clear observations to a plumber or building professional.
Final check
Use a meter check only under controlled conditions: stop taps and water-using appliances, read the meter, wait a suitable interval and repeat without using water. An advancing meter can indicate demand somewhere downstream, but it does not locate the fault or rule out intermittent leaks. Water sensors cover only the surfaces their probes contact.
- Photograph and date changing damp marks.
- Check appliances and valves.
- Use the meter only when all legitimate water use is stopped.
- Act quickly if water is near electricity or structural materials.
Keep a small job sheet
Save meter readings and times, photos, weather, appliance operation and the areas affected.
Turn the guide into a decision
Keep dated meter readings and photos of where moisture appears. Identify the main shut-off valve and avoid opening walls on the basis of one unverified alert; active leaks near electrics or inaccessible pipework require professional assessment.