What to Do If You Suspect a Leak Between the Mains and Your Home

The pipe that connects your property to the mains water supply is often called the "communication pipe" or "supply pipe." It runs underground from the water main in the street to your internal stopcock. Because it is buried — often beneath driveways, paths or gardens — leaks on this pipe can go unnoticed for months.

How to Tell If You Have a Supply Pipe Leak

There are several signs that may indicate a leak between the mains and your property:

• An unexplained increase in your water bill
• Constant movement on your water meter when no taps are running
• Damp or soft ground along the pipe route
• Reduced water pressure inside the property
• The sound of running water when everything is switched off

Who Is Responsible for the Pipe?

In most cases, the homeowner is responsible for the supply pipe from the boundary of the property to the building. The water company is typically responsible for the pipe from the main to the boundary. If you suspect a leak on your section of the pipe, it is your responsibility to arrange detection and repair.

What to Do First

If you suspect a leak, the first step is to check your water meter. Turn off all taps and water-using appliances, then observe whether the meter continues to move. If it does, water is still flowing — which strongly suggests a leak.

Next, contact a specialist underground leak detection service. Professional equipment can locate the leak precisely without digging up your entire supply pipe route.

Avoiding Unnecessary Excavation

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is hiring someone to start digging before the leak has been accurately located. This can lead to extensive — and expensive — disruption that could have been avoided.

With non-intrusive detection methods, the leak can be pinpointed from the surface. Only once the exact position is confirmed is a small, targeted excavation needed for repair.

When the Pipe Needs Replacing

If the supply pipe is old, corroded or has developed multiple leaks, repair may not be the best long-term solution. In these cases, a full pipe replacement may be recommended. This is particularly common with older lead or galvanised supply pipes.