Check for undetected household leaks.
Some leaks are obvious, like a dripping tap or leaking shower hose, but leaks that have gone un-noticed could drive up your water use.
Leaking toilet cistern
Toilets are a common culprit for household leaks. A leaking toilet is difficult to see with the naked eye, but can waste thousands of litres of water a year.
To check for a leak, place a few drops of food colouring in the cistern. If the food colouring ends up in the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
Leaking hot water cylinder
A leaking hot water cylinder will not only drive up your water bills, it can also do a lot of damage. Often tucked away in a cupboard, a leaking hot water cylinder can go undetected. Use a torch to look around your hot water cylinder to see if there is any surrounding dampness.
Leaking appliances
Often tucked away in their own designated nook, a leaking appliance can remain undetected for a long time. Pull your dishwasher or washing machine away from the wall and check behind and underneath for any pools of water. Also check surrounding walls for mould.
Leaking pipes beneath your property
A leak in the pipes beneath your home or property can silently waste thousands of litres a year. If you’ve noticed a sudden drop in water pressure, it could result from a leak in your pipes. In dry weather, look out for dampness or moisture on the lawn, garden or driveway.
