A calm, simple check

Let’s work out if there’s a water leak.

Your water supplier may have noticed unusual use. This guided test helps us understand whether water is escaping, and which side of the internal stopcock it may be on.

Start the test

Step 1 of 4

Turn off the internal stopcock

This first test checks the pipe between the water meter and the property’s internal stopcock.

1
Turn the stopcock fully off
It is usually beneath the kitchen sink, downstairs toilet, under the stairs or near the front door.
2
Take a clear photo of the meter
Make sure the full reading is visible. This is your “before” photo.
3
Check the movement indicator
Look for a small cog or indicator moving. On a digital meter, look for water usage.
4
Wait 30 minutes
Keep the stopcock off, use no water, then take an “after” photo.

Has the reading changed, or is the meter still showing water flowing?

Compare both photos and look again at the indicator.

Step 2 of 4

Turn the water back on

This test checks for water escaping somewhere inside the property, after the internal stopcock.

For the next 30 minutes, use no water at all

No tapsNo toiletsNo showersNo washing machineNo dishwasher

1
Turn the stopcock fully on again
Make sure it is open before taking the next meter reading.
2
Take another photo of the meter
This is the “before” photo for the stopcock-on test.
3
Wait 30 minutes without using water
Do not flush a toilet or use any appliance connected to the water supply.
4
Take the final meter photo
Compare the readings and check whether the cog, indicator or digital usage display is moving.

Has the meter changed, or is it showing water usage?

Compare the two readings from this second test.

Step 3 of 4

Check the most likely places

If the meter moved with the stopcock on, there may be a leak inside the property. Tick anything you find and it will be added to your report.

Every toiletLook for water running into the bowl or a cistern refilling by itself.Optional dye test: add a few drops of food colouring to the cistern, do not flush, and wait 20–30 minutes. Colour in the bowl suggests a leak. All taps and sinksCheck the kitchen, bathroom, utility room and outside taps. Look beneath sinks and around visible pipework. Loft water tankOnly if safely accessible: listen for continuous filling or trickling and look at the float valve.Do not climb into an unsafe loft space. Around the boilerLook beneath and around it, then check outside for an overflow or discharge pipe that keeps dripping. AppliancesWhere safely accessible, check around the washing machine and dishwasher, their hoses and the floor. Other signs of waterLook for damp patches, staining, water beneath units or fittings, or the sound of running water.

Describe what you found (optional)

Step 4 of 4

Your leak test report

Send this summary to Orchards with your before-and-after meter photos and any photos of what you found.

Ready to send

Water leak test summary

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Email Orchards