Checking for leaks is something everyone should do regularly.

Tell-tale signs to help you spot leaks include:

• Damp patches in or outside the property
• Lush vegetation in dry periods may be indications of leaking pipes
• Leaking toilets
• Leaking overflow systems

Metered customers

If your meter reading or bill is unusually high it may indicate you have a leak. You can use your meter to check if you have a leak on the pipework after the meter:

• Turn off all taps
• Find your water meter and take a reading (including the red digits)
• Do not use any water for a length of time (eg overnight or while you are out for the day).
• Read the meter again

If the second reading is higher than the first there may be a leak.

If you have a leak on your property you may wish to contact an approved plumber.

When your overflow pipe is leaking, it may indicate that you've got a problem with the float valve.

The float valve is usually a plastic ball at the end of a metal arm in the tank that's usually found in the loft. It controls the water level of the tank and will cause your overflow pipe to leak if it's faulty.

The most common problems include a leak in the float, which means it needs replacing, or a fault with its washers, which will need refitting.

If you do have a leak you may wish to contact an approved plumber.

If you need to turn off your water supply quickly in an emergency:

1. Turn off the water supply

• Turn off your inside stop tap  – it should where your water pipe comes into your home such as in the cupboard under the kitchen sink or in a downstairs toilet.
• Turn on all your cold taps to drain the system.
• Keep an eye on your ceilings. If water has been leaking for a while, there may be damaged plaster waiting to fall. If the water starts to bulge carefully make a hole in the ceiling to let water out.

2. Turn off water heating systems

• Switch off your central heating, immersion heater and any other water heating systems. If the central heating uses solid fuel, let this die out.
• Once your water heating has shut down, turn on the hot taps to help drain the system.

3. Turn off the electrics

• If water leaks near anything electrical – lights, sockets or appliances – don’t touch them.
• Switch off the electricity supply straight away.
• Electrical wiring damaged by water can be very dangerous and you will probably need to call in a professional to repair any damage.

4. Call a professional

Find an approved plumber

If you have a leak in your home, garden or driveway, this is your responsibility to fix. If you're a household customer, we may be able to help you with the repair. Please call us on 01223 706050 for further advice.

The 'report a leak' form below is for leaks on the road or in the footpath, which are our responsibility to fix.