Articles & Guides

Plain-English help with water leaks, heating problems, damp and insurance claims — from the leak detection specialists covering Cornwall & Devon.

How To Stop A Running Toilet Bowl?

How To Stop A Running Toilet Bowl?

A running toilet wastes up to 400 litres of water daily—that’s nearly £300 added to your annual bill. Whether your toilet constantly runs, trickles between flushes, or the cistern won’t stop filling, this guide shows you exactly how to diagnose and fix the problem. From simple flapper valve repairs to dual-flush button fixes, learn when you can sort it yourself and when a hidden leak needs professional investigation.

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Pipes banging when water is turned on

Pipes Knocking When Water Is Turned On

Pipes knocking when water is turned on? Discover what causes water hammer in UK homes, from high water pressure to loose pipe clips. Learn proven DIY fixes, professional solutions, typical costs (£90-300 for arrestors), and when knocking indicates serious pipe damage. Expert advice for Devon and Cornwall properties including Victorian homes, hard water areas, and modern plumbing systems.

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How To Find A Water Leak Underground

How To Find A Water Leak Underground

Finding a water leak underground requires systematic testing and specialist detection equipment to locate the source without extensive excavation. Underground leaks waste hundreds of litres daily, increase water bills significantly, and cause structural damage that worsens over time. This guide explains how to confirm an underground leak exists using meter tests, identify visible warning signs, understand professional detection methods including acoustic listening and tracer gas technology, and determine when immediate specialist help becomes essential to prevent costly property damage across UK homes.

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Why Is My Toilet Constantly Running post

Why Is My Toilet Constantly Running?

Discover why your toilet keeps running and exactly how to fix it. This comprehensive UK guide covers everything from worn flapper seals and faulty fill valves to dual flush button issues and silent leaks. Learn the real costs (up to £300/year on water bills), proven DIY fixes, when to call professionals, and how to prevent future problems. Written by Cornwall & Devon leak detection experts with 30 years experience stopping water waste.

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Is A Leaking Stopcock An Emergency?

Is A Leaking Stopcock An Emergency?

Learn when a leaking stopcock becomes an emergency, how to assess severity, immediate actions to prevent flooding, DIY repair steps, water company vs property owner responsibility, insurance coverage, and when to call emergency plumbers or leak detection specialists in Devon and Cornwall.

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Methods To Detect Leaks In Mains Water Supply Lines

Methods To Detect Leaks In Mains Water Supply Lines

Discover professional methods to detect water leaks in mains supply pipes using acoustic technology, tracer gas, thermal imaging, and pressure testing. Learn how non-invasive detection techniques locate underground leaks accurately—saving thousands in excavation costs whilst preventing property damage across Cornwall, Devon, and throughout the UK.

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How to Find a Water Leak Under a Concrete Floor

How To Find A Water Leak Under Concrete Floor

When researching how to find a water leak under concrete floor, this normally requires specialist detection methods to trace leaks without destructive excavation. Learn how to detect water leaks under concrete floors using DIY confirmation tests and professional tools, understand the signs of hidden slab leaks, and discover how modern technology locates leaks through solid concrete without unnecessary drilling.

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water leak between meter and house uk

Water Leak Between Meter And House UK

Discover who’s responsible for water leaks between meter and house in the UK, how to find underground leaks, repair costs, insurance coverage, and water company policies. Expert guide covering detection methods, leak allowances, and step-by-step instructions for UK homeowners facing supply pipe leaks.

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Moisture Coming Through Concrete Floor

Moisture Coming Up Through Concrete Floor

Stop moisture penetrating your concrete floor permanently. Learn to identify rising damp vs condensation vs hidden leaks, apply damp proof membranes correctly, and choose cost-effective solutions. Expert UK guide with 30 years’ experience preventing concrete floor moisture damage in British homes.

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high water bill

High Water Bill No Visible Leak

High water bill no visible leak – if you’re searching this, you’re likely staring at a bill that’s doubled or tripled overnight with absolutely no sign of water anywhere. Why is your water bill so high when nothing’s dripping? In 90% of cases, it’s a hidden leak you’ll never spot without professional equipment: silent toilet leaks wasting 400 litres daily (£645 yearly), underground pipe cracks losing 10,000 litres monthly, or central heating systems secretly refilling. With UK water bills increasing 26-46% in 2025 (South West Water up 32% for Devon/Cornwall), that invisible leak now costs significantly more. After 30 years tracking down these hidden money drains, I’ll show you exactly why your water bill is so high and how to stop the waste.

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How To Find The Shut Off Valve For Water

How To Find The Shut Off Valve For Water

Finding your water shut off valve quickly can prevent thousands of pounds in water damage when pipes burst or leaks occur. Your internal stop tap is typically located under the kitchen sink (65% of UK homes), in a downstairs bathroom, under the stairs, or near where the water supply enters your property. If your inside stop valve is seized, missing, or inaccessible, your external stop tap – found under a small metal cover near your property boundary – provides emergency backup. This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to locate both internal and external water shut off valves, free seized stop taps, understand your legal responsibilities under UK Water Regulations, and implement emergency solutions when traditional valves fail. Whether you’re dealing with a burst pipe emergency or planning preventative maintenance, knowing how to find and operate your main water valve is essential knowledge for every UK homeowner and tenant.

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How To Boost Water Pressure At Home

How To Boost Water Pressure At Home

How to boost water pressure at home starts with understanding whether you’re dealing with a whole-house problem or localised issues at specific taps. UK water companies must legally provide minimum 0.7 bar at your boundary, but good household pressure sits between 2-4 bars with flow rates of 10-15 litres per minute. This comprehensive guide covers every solution from free DIY fixes like cleaning aerators and opening valves fully, through to installing water pressure booster pumps (£220-550 fitted) that transform your water experience. You’ll learn how to test your pressure properly, understand UK water regulations for legal pump installation, identify when low water pressure signals hidden leaks that need urgent attention, and discover system-specific solutions for combi boilers, gravity-fed systems, and unvented cylinders. Whether you’re battling limescale in Devon’s hard water areas or dealing with peak-time pressure drops, I’ll show you exactly how to diagnose, fix, and prevent pressure problems – potentially saving thousands in unnecessary repairs or water damage.

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Why Is My Boiler Leaking

Why Is My Boiler Leaking Water

A leaking boiler demands immediate attention. After 30 years tracking down leaks across Devon and Cornwall, I’ve witnessed minor pressure valve drips escalate into major structural damage costing thousands. Whether you’re dealing with water pooling underneath, mysterious drips, or concerning sounds from the pressure relief valve, this comprehensive guide explains what’s happening, which situations pose real danger, and exactly what steps to take right now.

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Think you have a hidden leak?

🚨 Is Your Home Leaking Money?

Spot these red flags before it’s too late:

– 💸 Unexplained rise in bills
– 🔍 Damp patches or mould
– 💧 Weak water pressure
– 👂 Mysterious dripping sounds
– ⚠️ Walls that look warped
– 🏠 Visible water stains
– 👃 Musty or damp smells

Don’t wait until it’s a disaster.
Get help today!