Check for a hidden leak using your water meter

Use your water meter readings to spot a hidden leak in your home's pipework without any digging or drilling.

WM-01Find your water meter and stopcockLook for your meter under a small cover outside, often in the pavement, driveway or a meter box near the boundary. Some homes have it in a box under the kitchen sink instead. Also find your stopcock, usually under the kitchen sink, and check it turns, so you can shut the water off fast if you find a bad leak.

1 each · Water meter key

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1 each · Torch

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WM-02Turn off every tap and appliance that uses waterTurn off all taps fully, including any outside tap. Do not run the washing machine, dishwasher or anything else that uses water during the test. Ask anyone in the house not to flush the toilet or run water while you're testing.

WM-03Take a starting meter readingLift the meter cover carefully with the meter key or a flat screwdriver. Write down the row of digits shown, and note the time. Most meters also have a small spinning star or triangle that moves with even a tiny flow of water — check whether it's moving now, before you start the test.

1 each · Notebook or phone for readings

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WM-04Leave the water switched off and waitLeave everything untouched for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight if you want a more reliable test. No taps, toilets, appliances or outside taps should be used at all during this time.

WM-05Take a second reading and compareRead the meter again and compare it with your first reading. If the digits have moved, or the small leak indicator is spinning even though nobody has used any water, you have a leak somewhere on your side of the meter.

WM-06Check the usual suspectsCheck the toilet cistern first, as this is the most common hidden leak — lift the lid and look or listen for a trickle running into the pan. Check under sinks, around the stopcock, any outside tap, and look for damp patches on floors or walls near pipework.

WM-07Know who to call if you can't find itThe pipe from the water main up to your boundary stopcock is normally your water company's responsibility. The pipe from that boundary stopcock through to your house and meter is normally yours as the homeowner. If you suspect a leak on the mains side, or can't trace it yourself, contact your water supplier — many offer a free leak check service.

RULES

KNOW THE RULES

Responsibility for supply pipes is usually split at the boundary stopcock, but this can vary by water company. Always confirm with your supplier before digging up or repairing an underground pipe.

WM-08Refit the meter cover and record your findingsPut the meter cover back on securely so it's flush and safe to walk over. Note down both readings, the date and time somewhere safe, as you may need this if you report a leak to your water company or make an insurance claim.

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