Water Leaks

Water leaks can be unexpected and stressful, here are some tips to help you get through with less of the stress.

Leaks can happen at any time so its best to try and be prepared before they occur. The best way to prepare for a leak, is to learn how to turn off the water supply to your property.

Water damage from leaks can cause damage to your home, so it’s best to learn how to turn the water supply off before an emergency occurs so that you can act quickly when a leak occurs.

If you are on council mains, you can turn the water off at the Toby.

1. Find your Toby: this should be located near the property boundary underneath a covered lid, if you can’t find it or find there are issues with the Toby, contact your council.
2. Turn the handle clockwise: Just lift the lid and turn the handle.

Turning the water off can minimize on damage to your property until you are able to arrange for a plumber to attend and make permanent repairs.

If you find a small or slow leak, using buckets underneath the drip to catch the water or towels around pipes can help to prevent water damage to your property, until permanent repairs are made.

Some leaks can be hidden and go unnoticed for periods of time, below are some signs to look out for that may indicate a leak is present.

• Musty/damp smells even when the area is clean.
• Mould or water marks or discoloration on walls.
• The sound of running water, when no water is being used.
• Increases in water bills, when water usage hasn’t changed.
• Water meter movement, when no water is being used.

If you suspect that you may have a leak, you can contact the council to arrange a leak detect or call a licensed plumber to carry out repairs.