How to Report a Water Leak (And What Happens Next)

Water is one of our most valuable resources, yet thousands of litres are lost every day across the UK due to leaks. From small trickles on pavements to burst mains flooding roads, water leaks are an issue that affects communities, the environment, and the security of supply. Knowing how to report a leak quickly is vital in helping water companies keep networks running efficiently.

This guide explains the right way to report a leak, what details to include, who is responsible for fixing different types of leaks, and what happens once the issue has been logged. It also highlights how leaks are prioritised, the technology used in finding and fixing leaks, and provides practical reporting water leaks tips.

Why Reporting Water Leaks Matters

Water companies operate vast underground networks, with thousands of kilometres of pipes running under roads, fields, and towns. Despite ongoing maintenance and investment, leaks are inevitable. They may be caused by ageing infrastructure, ground movement, weather conditions, or sudden bursts in high-pressure systems.

While monitoring technology plays a role, the public is often the first to notice leaks. A patch of wet ground on a dry day, bubbling water through tarmac, or an unexplained drop in pressure can all signal a problem. Prompt reporting of water leaks in the UK helps ensure that water loss is minimised, safety risks are addressed, and communities experience fewer disruptions

How to Report a Leak: Step by Step

The process of reporting water leaks in Manchester or elsewhere in the UK follows broadly the same steps:

Check if it’s already reported

Many water company websites feature live maps showing known leaks. Before you submit details, check whether the one you’ve seen is listed. This prevents duplication and helps teams focus on new cases.

Provide clear details

When you report a leak, include:

• The exact location (street name, nearby landmarks, or postcode).

• The severity of the leak (trickle, puddle, pooling water, or gushing flow).

• Any photos or videos, if possible, to help engineers assess remotely.

Use the right reporting method.

• Online forms: Available 24/7 on water company websites.

• Telephone hotlines: Useful for emergencies such as bursts of flooding on roads.

• Mobile tools: Some companies offer video calling or apps to show the issue directly.

Stay safe

Never attempt to investigate underground leaks yourself. Simply provide accurate information and allow trained engineers to take over.

Assessing the Severity of a Leak

Not all leaks are equal. Companies use triage systems to prioritise based on urgency. For example:

• Trickle or damp patch: Not urgent but still logged for investigation.

• Small puddle or bubbling water: Moderate urgency, often repaired within days.

• Large pooling of water or flowing across surfaces: High priority, engineers dispatched quickly.

• Fast-flowing burst or spraying water: Emergency requiring immediate action, often involving road closures and traffic management.

  
  

When reporting water leaks in the UK, giving a good description of severity helps water companies allocate resources effectively.

Who Is Responsible?

An important part of reporting is understanding responsibility.

• Public mains and supply pipes: These belong to the water company, who are responsible for repairing them.

• Private supply pipes within property boundaries: These are typically the responsibility of the property owner. If the leak is inside a home or private garden, the householder or landlord must arrange repairs.

• Shared supply pipes: Responsibility can be split between multiple properties; guidance is usually provided by the local supplier.

Since DHC Utilities deals only with external works on the private and commercial supply of properties, this guide focuses on leaks in the public supply network, roads, and pavements rather than domestic plumbing.

What Happens After You Report a Leak

Once your report has been logged, the following process usually takes place:

Initial review

The information provided is assessed by a dedicated leakage team. Photographs, videos, and descriptions are checked to confirm urgency.

Site investigation

Engineers are dispatched to inspect the location. They may use acoustic equipment, cameras, or even drones to pinpoint the source of the problem.

Planning and permissions

For leaks on busy roads, permits from local authorities may be needed before digging can begin. This step ensures public safety and minimises disruption.

Repair works

Depending on severity, repairs may involve patching small sections, replacing pipework, or carrying out larger excavation projects.

Follow-up monitoring

Once repairs are complete, the area is checked again to confirm the issue has been resolved and no secondary leaks remain.

Reporting a leak is just the beginning of a structured process designed to balance speed, safety, and reliability.

Finding and Fixing Leaks: The Technology Behind the Work

Modern water companies use a combination of public reports and advanced technology to keep on top of leaks. Methods include:

• Acoustic loggers: Sensitive devices that listen for the sound of escaping water.

• Satellite imagery: Used to detect unusual moisture patterns underground.

• Drones and CCTV surveys: Helpful for surveying hard-to-reach areas.

• Pressure monitoring: Identifying areas where water loss may suggest a hidden leak.

Despite these tools, public reports remain one of the most effective ways to highlight issues quickly. Without them, many leaks could run unnoticed for days, wasting significant volumes of water.

Reporting Water Leaks Tips

When submitting information, there are a few ways to make your report more useful:

• Provide the nearest address or postcode.

• Mention landmarks such as shops, bus stops, or junctions.

• Describe the size and flow of the leak.

• Note whether the leak is affecting traffic, pavements, or access.

• Attach a photo or short video if possible.

These small details can save engineers valuable time and ensure the leak is dealt with sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the leak is inside my property?

Leaks within your home, garden, or private supply pipes are generally the responsibility of the property owner. External companies or approved plumbers should be contacted for those cases.

How long does it take to fix a leak?

Minor leaks may be repaired within a day or two, while larger bursts requiring road closures can take several days or even weeks, depending on complexity and permissions.

Can leaks increase my bill?

Public mains leaks will not affect your bill. Private supply pipe leaks, however, can lead to higher charges if water usage is increased, so they should be addressed quickly.

Do water companies already know about leaks?

Some are detected automatically, but it should never be assumed. Even large bursts may go unnoticed until members of the public raise the alarm.

Building Trust Through Transparency

One concern many people have when reporting leaks is whether their effort will make a difference. Water companies are increasingly transparent, publishing live updates, maps of ongoing issues, and progress reports on repairs. This openness helps build trust and reassures the public that their reports are acted upon.

Conclusion

Water leaks, no matter how small, have a wider impact on communities, infrastructure, and the environment. By reporting water leaks promptly, people play a vital role in conserving supplies and ensuring that problems are dealt with before they escalate. Clear descriptions, accurate locations, and quick reporting all help water companies act faster and more effectively.

As specialists in external utility works, DHC Utilities supports projects across the North West by providing expertise in surveying, repairs, and network management. While everyday leak reports go directly to water companies, our role is to ensure that wider utility infrastructure is managed safely and efficiently.

If you need guidance on external works or want to discuss a project, you can contact us for professional support. Together, we can help keep water networks secure and resilient for the future.