Leak Detection in UK Buildings: How to Save Water, Money, and Tenant Wellbeing

Leak detection and prevention are vital for UK commercial property owners, facilities managers, and social housing providers: deteriorating pipes, faulty appliances, and hidden bursts behind walls waste water and budgets.

In this blog, we uncover the scale of water leaks in commercial and social housing buildings, backed by UK stats and real-life consequences. We’ll explore how proactive leak detection, plumbing inspections, and mould remediation reduce costs, protect tenants, and support compliance with housing regulations like Awaab’s Law.

The Hidden Cost of Water Leaks in Commercial and Social Housing Properties

Water leaks often start small, but their financial effect is anything but.

• Commercial buildings can lose up to 30% of their water supply through undetected leaks.

• A single dripping tap can waste 15,000+ litres annually – enough to fill nearly 200 bathtubs.

• The cost of a significant leak can exceed £10,000 in emergency repairs and business disruption.

UK insurers pay out £2.5 million per day for escape of water claims – and commercial properties are among the most brutal hit. - The ABI.

How do you tell if you have a hidden leak?

Not all leaks are apparent. Many go unnoticed for weeks or even months, silently causing damage. Recognising the early warning signs can prevent a minor issue from becoming a primary repair job.

Subtle indicators to look out for:

• A musty or earthy smell in one room.

• Paint or wallpaper starting to bubble or peel.

• Unexplained puddles near appliances or walls.

• Damp flooring, especially near kitchens or toilets.

• Sounds of dripping or running water when no taps are on.

How common is damp and mould in UK homes, and what causes it?

Estimates suggest that between 4% and 27% of homes in England are affected by damp and mould, which equates to 962,000 to 6.5 million households. - Source: UK Government

Unknown leaks create ideal conditions for mould and decay, leading to:

• Crumbling plaster and rotten timbers.

• Musty odours and wall discolouration.

• Airborne spores that trigger respiratory problems.

What can happen if a leak goes undetected for too long?

In one of our recent jobs, a tenant lived with black mould caused by a slow leak behind a bathroom wall. The leak went undetected for nearly a year, and repeated chest infections forced the tenant to move out. Highlighting why early leak detection matters. It protects people’s health and helps keep families in their homes.

How do water leaks affect the environment?

Every litre of leaked water means wasted treatment energy and increased carbon emissions.

• A leaking toilet wastes between 215 and 400 litres per day. Equivalent to another household’s water use.

• An estimated 400 million litres of clean water leak from UK toilets daily, enough to supply 2.8 million people. (Source: Waterwise)

Preventing leaks supports sustainability goals and reduces the burden on local infrastructure and ecosystems.

Why leak detection is essential for businesses

According to Water Plus and YouGov, over 20% of UK firms have experienced water issues on-site since 2019.

• 8% had to shut down for more than an hour.

• 16% paused operations due to a leak or burst.

• Only 21% of firms have water emergency plans.

• A school lost 12,000L per hour from one leak - £850 per day.

• One office lost £20,000/year due to an unseen 650L/hr leak.

(Source: Water Plus)

Leaks damage buildings, halt business and rack up bills.

Are leak sensors worth it?

Modern leak detection tools make it easier to catch problems early.

• Smart water meters detect real-time anomalies.

• Alerts go straight to facilities managers via email or dashboard.

• You can install sensors under sinks, near boilers, and in plant rooms.

  
  

Combined with scheduled inspections, these technologies prevent damage and support compliance.

If you're interested in smart water meters, please visit your local water supplier or click here for more information: Wessex Water - Smart Meter.

Which method is best for leak detection?

Wireless leak sensors are becoming more affordable and widely adopted across UK housing.

• Some sensors automatically trigger shut-off valves.

• LoRaWAN and Wi-Fi options offer flexible installation.

• Centralised dashboards help landlords monitor multiple properties.

The investment in technology is often far less than the cost of repairing a single major leak.

How leaks impact insurance claims and policies

Water damage is one of the most common insurance claims in UK property. However, insurers may deny or reduce claims if they determine the issue was preventable.

Keeping a leak log, sensor reports, and proof of inspections can strengthen your claim and demonstrate your duty of care.

Avoiding expensive delays in repairs helps you stay financially and legally protected.

Best practices for commercial leak prevention

• Schedule regular plumbing inspections.

• Educate staff and tenants to report leaks.

• Use qualified professionals for refurbishment.

• Monitor bills and usage patterns for anomalies.

• Ensure all occupants know where the stopcock is.

  
  

Water leak inspection checklist

• Are your water bills suddenly higher?

• Are toilets or flushes continuously running?

• Do you hear unexplained dripping or running water?

• Are there musty smells or signs of moisture indoors?

• Does everyone on-site know how to shut off water in an emergency?

Why leak detection matters for ESG goals and net zero

Water efficiency has a growing role in corporate ESG strategies.

Leaks not only waste a finite resource but also contribute to unnecessary carbon emissions due to energy spent treating and pumping lost water.

Intelligent leak detection aligns with the following:

• Reduced utility costs.

• Net zero building targets.

• Resilience against climate-related events.

• Demonstrable commitment to sustainability.

Leak, damp and mould regulations in UK housing: Your legal responsibilities

From October 2025, social landlords must:

• Address emergency repairs within 24 hours.

• Investigate and fix damp or mould that poses health risks within set timeframes.

  
  

From 2026, this will extend to other hazards such as cold, heat, fire, hygiene and electrical safety. By 2027, it will cover nearly all health risks under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). - Source: GOV.UK – Awaab’s Law

If damage is significant, reinstating a property can take weeks or months. Source: Polygon Group

How Ecosafe Group supports leak detection and prevention

We offer a complete leak management service:

1. Plumbing & leak detection:

Routine checks, pressure testing, and sensor installation.

2. Damp & mould remediation:

Following UK health guidance, we clean mould, fix the cause and repair damage.

3. Remedial repairs:

We replace damaged surfaces reseal rooms and improve ventilation to prevent future leaks.

Summary: Start saving water with leak detection

Leaks waste water and money, but they’re preventable.

Participating in initiatives like Water Saving Week is an excellent reminder that small changes like detecting and fixing leaks early can have a considerable impact. In addition to reducing bills, it protects people, buildings, and the planet.

By taking action today, you can:

• Support net-zero targets.

• Improve tenant satisfaction.

• Comply with evolving regulations.

• Reduce repair and insurance costs.

  
  

Do you know someone who should read this?

Forward this blog to a colleague, property manager, or landlord in your network.

Ready to take action?

Contact Ecosafe Group today for professional leak detection, damp remediation, and compliance-focused building care.

• Dial: 07444569017

• Email: liam@ecosagegroup.co.uk

• Complete a contact form on this page.