Is Your Driveway Leaking Money?

A dripping tap in the kitchen is annoying, but an external water leak on the pipe running underground from the street to your house can be a silent disaster. Thousands of liters of water can escape into the ground before you notice, potentially damaging your foundations and causing your water bill to skyrocket.

At Ardent Utilities, we specialize in locating and fixing these hidden leaks quickly and with minimal disruption.

Signs of an Underground Leak

Since the pipe is buried, you rarely see a fountain of water. Look for these subtle clues:

1. Lush Grass: Is there a patch of grass on your lawn that is much greener and thicker than the rest, even in dry weather?

2. Sinking Paving: If the soil washes away beneath your driveway, block pavers or tarmac may start to dip or sink.

3. Damp Spots: A persistent wet patch on the driveway or path that never dries out, even on sunny days.

4. Hissing Noise: Can you hear a constant hissing or rushing sound near your internal stop tap, even when no water is running?

5. Water Bill High: A sudden spike in usage is the number one indicator.

The "Stop Tap Test"

Unsure if the leak is inside or outside? Try this simple test:

1. Turn off your internal stop tap (usually under the kitchen sink).

2. Go outside to your water meter (in the pavement).

3. Check the meter dial. If the small cogs are still spinning, water is flowing between the meter and your house. This confirms you have a leak on your external supply pipe.

Whose Responsibility Is It?

If the leak is within your property boundary (garden, driveway, or under the house), it is legally your responsibility to fix it, not the water company's.

Fast Repair

We locate the leak using listening sticks and correlation equipment to avoid digging up your entire garden. Once found, we excavate a small hole and repair the section of pipe, often completing the job in a single day.

Stop the Waste

Don't ignore the signs. A small leak can turn into a burst pipe overnight. Contact Ardent Utilities for professional leak detection and repair.