Hidden leaks and high water bills in Ottery

Ottery got its name from an otter sanctuary that opened here in the early 1900s, and its railway station dates from 1904. Today it's a mix of homes, businesses and light industry on the eastern edge of the Southern Suburbs. Whether it's a family home or a small business, one problem looks the same everywhere: a water bill that's higher than it should be, with no obvious reason.

Check for a leak in five minutes

1. Close every tap in the house and make sure nothing is using water: no washing machine, dishwasher or irrigation.
2. Find your water meter and note the reading, or watch the small dial.
3. Wait 15 to 30 minutes without using any water.
4. Check the meter again. If it has moved, water is escaping somewhere.

Where leaks usually hide

• Running toilets. A cistern that keeps trickling into the bowl can waste a surprising amount of water, silently.
• The geyser overflow. A pipe outside that drips constantly means the geyser's valves need attention.
• Dripping taps. Small on their own, costly over a month.
• Underground pipes. A leak between the meter and the house can run for months. Look for a patch of garden that stays green or damp in dry weather.
• Inside walls and floors. Damp patches, lifting tiles or bubbling paint are the usual clues.

How we find it

We start with the meter test to prove there is a leak, then trace it room by room, using listening equipment and moisture readings to narrow it down before anything is opened up. For leaks deep under a concrete slab, we bring in specialist detection rather than guessing. You get a photographed report, recorded on site in our own app, showing where the leak is and an itemised quote to fix it.

For businesses in Ottery

Workshops and small businesses often have longer pipe runs, outbuildings and older connections, which give leaks more places to hide. The meter test works the same way: do it after hours, when nothing should be running.

Common questions

How do I know if I have a hidden leak?

Close every tap and watch your water meter for 15 to 30 minutes. If it moves while nothing is running, water is escaping somewhere.

Is a running toilet really that expensive?

It can be. A cistern that trickles day and night wastes water continuously, and it's one of the most common causes of a high bill.

Can you find a leak without digging up the whole floor?

Usually, yes. We narrow it down with listening equipment and moisture readings first, and use specialist detection for leaks under a slab.