Most serious water damage starts with a small leak that goes unnoticed for weeks. Hidden drips behind walls, in ceiling voids or in plant rooms soak insulation, corrode fittings and encourage mould long before a stain appears. The good news is that most leaks give early warning signs if you know where to look.
Watch for the early signs
- A water meter that keeps moving when every tap and fixture is off
- Damp patches, peeling paint or a musty smell near pipe runs
- Unexplained drops in pressure or a booster pump that cycles on and off
- Green or white deposits on copper joints and valves
Keep supply pressure within the range your fixtures are rated for — a pressure-reducing valve is a cheap way to protect the whole network — and make sure isolation valves are labelled and actually turn. Insulate pipes in cold or exposed areas, replace flexible hoses on appliances every few years, and schedule a periodic plumbing inspection so worn fittings are replaced on your terms rather than after a burst.
