Affinity Water is proud to partner with the Bowens to launch the Look & Listen Test, an accessible and effective solution empowering homeowners to detect leaks early and protect their homes.
This initiative aims to address the significant issue of home leaks, which cost the nation £700 million annually.
Affinity Water launches new Leak Visit service, where customers can get small leaks fixed for free.
In addition to this partnership, Affinity Water is reaffirming its commitment to improving network conservation and advancing broader sustainability initiatives in the South East.
Affinity Water is pleased to announce a new initiative to help customers address leaks. New data reveals that over a third of Brits are unaware of how to identify a leak at home. In response, Affinity Water has partnered with the Bowens to promote the Look & Listen Test, a straightforward method to help people detect leaks and take immediate action to fix them.
Furthermore, customers can upload a video of their leak onto the Affinity Water website, and our expert plumbers will assess it. If eligible, we may be able to come out and fix it for free as part of our My Water Footprint Leak Visit service. For more details, visit Affinity Water Leak Visits.
Survey Findings
Due to leaks within the home, the nation could be wasting £697 million on water bills each year, and 900 million litres of clean drinking water every day. High water pressure is a common culprit that can damage plumbing fixtures, potentially leading to leaks. However, an independent nationwide survey commissioned by Affinity Water revealed that 57% of Brits have no idea how to check the water pressure in their homes. This lack of knowledge can result in undetected leaks and higher water bills.
The survey also highlighted that only 21% of respondents have attempted to fix a water leak in their homes themselves. Encouragingly, of those who did try, a remarkable 85% were successful. This demonstrates that with the right guidance and tools, homeowners can effectively manage minor plumbing issues.
The ‘Home Leaks’ Initiative
The ‘Home Leaks’ initiative, first introduced last year, was created to empower occupiers to save water, save money, and help the environment. Introducing the ‘Look and Listen’ test, a quick and easy method to help homeowners detect leaks. This simple test guides individuals on what to look and listen out for, from looking at visible pipes and fixtures to listening for drips, running water, and toilet leaks.
The survey revealed that homeowners who fixed leaks themselves saved significantly on repair costs compared to those who hired professionals, highlighting the financial benefits of the Look & Listen Test. This underscores the importance of equipping customers with the knowledge and confidence to tackle small leaks before they escalate into bigger problems.
James Curtis, Affinity Water explains: “At Affinity Water, we are committed to reducing leakage across our network. Over the last three years, we have reduced leaks by 18.3%, saving 34 million litres of water each day, and in the past year alone, we have fixed more than 18,000 leaks. However, we need our customers to help make a significant impact.
"By continuously being vigilant, and fixing leaking taps, toilets, and pipes promptly at home, we can stop leaks in their tracks and conserve our precious water resources. This is why we are excited to re-introduce the ‘Home Leaks’ campaign, designed to educate homeowners on the key signs of leaks, and encourage everyone to join us in this important effort to save water and create a more sustainable future for everyone."
Alex and Olivia Bowen said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Affinity Water on their ‘Home Leaks’ initiative. The ‘Look and Listen’ test is a simple yet highly effective method to detect leaks early. By taking just a few minutes to look for signs of moisture and listen for unusual sounds, everyone can play a crucial role in conserving water, protecting our environment, and also protecting their homes!”
“As we continue to buy, build, and renovate our property portfolio, the ‘Look and Listen’ test will be invaluable to us. It has already helped us identify and fix leaks promptly, preventing potential water damage and ensuring our properties are sustainable. We encourage everyone to join us in this effort to create a more sustainable future for our communities."
Affinity Water’s Top Five Tips on How to 'Look & Listen’ for Leaks in the Home
- Look at Your Water Meter: Turn off all water-using appliances and fixtures in your home, then look at your water meter. If the meter is still moving, you likely have a leak somewhere.
- Listen for Drips and Running Water: Pay attention to the sounds in your home. Listen for dripping faucets, running toilets, or the sound of water running when no fixtures are in use. These can be signs of leaks.
- Look at Visible Pipes and Fixtures: Regularly check under sinks, around toilets, and behind appliances for any signs of moisture, rust, or water stains. Look closely, as these can indicate a leak in the pipes or fixtures.
- Look at Your Water Bill: Keep an eye on your water bill. If you notice an unexplained increase, look at your usage compared to previous months. An unusual spike could be due to a hidden leak.
- Use a Leaky Loo Strip: Affinity Water provides free leaky loo strips to detect toilet leaks. After the last flush, dry the back of the pan, place the strip above the overflow hole, and check it in the morning (providing the toilet’s not been used overnight). If altered, you have a leak.
Affinity Water is working on a comprehensive demand management plan to reduce water usage, which includes cutting leaks in half by 2050. To achieve this, they’ll install around 1.5 million smart meters by 2035, run water-saving campaigns, and help businesses use less water. The goal is to get water use down to 110 litres per person per day by 2050.
Starting in 2025, the efforts will increase with more leak-fixing, water audits for businesses, and new water-saving policies from the government to support the program.
Stop leaks in their tracks with the Look and Listen Test, visit affinitywater.co.uk/homeleaks to learn more.