As temperatures in London and the South East are set to rise after yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are lifted, homeowners should be vigilant for water leaks.

The shift from freezing to warmer weather can cause the underground water pipes which transport water from the water company supply network to customers’ homes to move and crack.

A survey by WaterSafe, the national register of approved plumbers, revealed that 31 percent of respondents were unaware of their responsibility for the water supply pipe running into their homes.

Additionally, 47 per cent wouldn’t know who to contact if they discovered a leak.

Signs of a leaking water supply pipe include:

Reduced water pressure at the kitchen tap
A waterlogged front garden
Noisy pipes
An unusually high water bill.
For properties with a water meter, hidden leaks can be detected by taking meter readings one hour apart, while the property’s water supply is switched off using the internal stop tap.

Those without a water meter should contact their water company for advice.

Further help is at hand from specialist water supply pipe installers, who can find and fix leaking underground pipes.

Julie Spinks, Director at WaterSafe, explains: “While many of us are quite rightly on the lookout for leaking pipes inside our homes when freezing temperatures hit, you may not know that water supply pipes are vulnerable to leaks during a sudden freeze-thaw.

“If you suspect your underground water supply pipe is leaking, you should turn off your internal stop tap and take two meter readings, one hour apart.

“If the readings differ, you might have a leak and should contact a WaterSafe-approved contractor for further advice.

“Leaks can be harder to detect if you don’t have a water meter, so contact your water company for advice. If you live in a rented property, it’s a good idea to check with your landlord in the first instance.”

According to the Association of British Insurers, claims for escape of water damage are one of the most common types, with insurers paying out £1.8 million for it every day.

Find your local WaterSafe-approved water supply pipe installer at www.watersafe.org.uk.