Knowing how to spot water leak symptoms in your commercial building is important if you want to prevent damage. Through careful inspection, there are certain signs that can help you to identify whether water is leaking, such as damp and mould. However, some signs may be more subtle, such as falling water pressure, foul odours, and the sound of running water. In this article, we explore common signs of a water pipe leak.
According to the Consumer Council for Water, it is estimated that around 3.1 billion litres of water per day are lost due to leakage in the UK. As well as causing damage to your building, a water mains leak could cost you in terms of expensive water bills. When there is a water leak within your property boundary, you are liable to pay for repairs and any wasted water.
Key signs of water mains leak
When there is a water leak, there are certain signs internally and externally. Inside the building, damp, mould and mildew may be present on walls, floors and ceilings. Over time, water leaks can weaken the structural integrity of a building through wood rot and metal corrosion. Drywall and insulative materials can also deteriorate through water exposure.
Within the building, electrical wiring, equipment and machinery can also be affected, causing a health and safety risk to occupants. Stock can become damaged and spoiled, and musty odours caused by damp can seep into furniture and furnishings.
How to spot the signs of an outside water leak
Look for waterlogged or boggy areas. Where there are patches of heavily saturated ground, this could be the signs of an underground water leak or a drainage issue. If left unchecked, water leaks can damage the foundations of a building, causing the property to sink. Known as subsidence, typical signs include wall cracks, rippling wall coverings, and ill-fitting doors and windows.
Losing water but no sign of leak?
If you have seen your water bills rise, but there are no clear signs of a water leak, the cause may be underground.
What to do if you think you have a water leak
If you believe that you have a mains water pipe leak, check by turning off any appliances on your premises that use water. You may decide to do this in non-working hours to minimise any disruption to your staff or other building occupants.
How to find your business water meter
Look for your business water meter, which usually has a marked cover and should be located outside on a nearby pavement.
How to take a water meter reading
Record the meter reading and then wait for a few hours, and then take another reading to compare results. If the figure has increased in only a few hours, then a water leak is likely.
Receipt of a Section 75 notice
Most property owners are only alerted to a water leak once they receive a Section 75 notice letter from Severn Trent Water. This is something that needs to be resolved swiftly. Our Section 75 advice will help to guide you through the next steps.
How to fix a mains water leak
Whether it’s an obvious underground water leak on your property or you have concerns due to falling pressure or rising costs, our team can help. As we are Severn Trent approved installers, we can carry out repairs to your mains waterpipe. We offer a 24/7 emergency response for burst water pipes.
Water leak symptoms at your property? Contact us today.
