Looking for leaks

Yorkshire Water has invested more than £50m in leakage reduction strategies in recent years and uses cutting edge technology to find and fix around 6,000 leaks per year on its network – including satellite imagery, ‘acoustic ears’, drones and flow data.

During cold weather, like Yorkshire has experienced recently, bursts are more likely. As the ground freezes, it contracts - this contraction combined with the pressure in a water main can lead to movement of ground around the main causing stress fractures, or small cracks, to occur allowing water to escape.

In winter, private properties can also suffer from more burst pipes and leaks. Yorkshire Water recently reminded customers to insulate their pipes – something 79% of first-time buyers don’t know how to do – in order to avoid a costly burst in the home and potential damage to their property.

Martyn Hattersley, head of leakage operations at Yorkshire Water, said: “Cold weather like we’re experiencing can have a huge impact on our network – not only can it be dangerous for exposed pipes on people’s properties, but it also means that our underground network of pipes can become stressed and more susceptible to bursts.

“If you spot a leak on the street, please do let us know as soon as possible, so that we can arrange for it to be fixed. The sooner we know about a leak, the sooner we can get a team out to fix it and minimise disruption to the local area.”

Yorkshire Water is responsible for most pipes outside private property boundaries – if you see a leak in the road or on a footpath, call 0800 57 35 53 to report it to Yorkshire Water. If you find a leak inside your property or in your garden, find a reliable plumber with WaterSafe.