Leak detection expert shares key steps first-time buyers and renters should take to avoid hidden costs
Key Points:
- Leak detection expert shares 7-step checklist to help first-time buyers and renters avoid expensive mistakes when moving into a new home
- Checklist includes often-missed steps like checking for hidden leaks and reading meter before day one, saving up to £640 total in avoidable costs
- Expert warns that rushing into a new place without doing these simple checks is one of the most common – and costly – traps for movers
Whether you’re finally moving out of your parents’ house or jumping from renting to your first mortgage, moving into a new place is meant to be exciting. But from dodgy plumbing to surprise bills, it can also be full of unwanted – and expensive – surprises.
That’s why ADI Leak Detection, a UK-based expert in non-invasive water leak detection, has shared a simple 7-point checklist to help people avoid common and costly mistakes when moving into a new property.
Peter Jones, a leak detection expert at ADI Leak Detection, says: “People assume the big costs of moving come from solicitors or estate agent fees – and of course, those aren’t cheap. But in our experience, it’s the avoidable stuff that really adds up. We see people facing unexpected costs of hundreds of pounds within weeks of moving in – often just because they didn’t spot a leak early, check the water meter, or test the heating.”
Below, Peter shares seven quick checks that could help new homeowners and renters keep hundreds in their pocket – and avoid headaches later.
1. Look for Hidden Leaks – Save up to £150
Before moving in, check under sinks, around radiators, and behind appliances for signs of damp or mould. Water stains, peeling paint, or musty smells can all hint at a hidden leak.
“Even a small leak can rack up repair costs quickly,” says Peter. “If it’s not caught early, you could be facing a £150 plumber callout, plus damage to flooring or walls.”
2. Test the Heating System – Save around £80
Don’t wait for winter to find out the heating doesn’t work. Turn it on during your first viewing or visit and check that all radiators heat up properly.
Cold spots or no heat at all could mean you’ll need to bleed the system, balance the radiators, or even call in a heating engineer. Fixing this early could save you an £80 callout.
3. Get Meter Readings on Day One – Save £60
Record your water, gas, and electricity meter readings as soon as you move in.
“It’s such an easy win,” Peter says. “We’ve seen people pay for months of someone else’s usage because they didn’t get a photo of their meter on day one.”
4. Check for Dripping Taps or Running Toilets – Save £70
That slow-drip tap or endlessly running cistern might not seem urgent, but it can waste gallons of water and hike up your bill.
Fixing it early can stop water wastage and avoid higher charges, potentially saving around £70 per year.
5. Examine Exterior Drains and Gutters – Save £150+ in Repair Costs
Blocked or broken gutters can let rainwater run down your walls, causing damp patches and mould to build up inside.
“It’s often overlooked by tenants and buyers alike,” Peter says. “We’ve seen people who ended up spending hundreds repairing water-damaged walls, all because of a blocked drain or leaking gutter. A quick visual check before moving in can help you spot issues early and avoid those bigger costs down the line.”
6. Find the Stopcock – Save £40 in an Emergency (Or Much More in Damage)
It’s not the most glamorous task, but knowing where your stopcock is – and how to turn it off – is one of the most important things you can do when moving into a new place.
If a pipe bursts or a tap gets stuck open, being able to shut off the water immediately can stop flooding before it starts. That could mean the difference between a quick mop-up and thousands of pounds in ruined flooring, plaster, or personal belongings.
“It’s a five-minute check that can save a fortune when things go wrong,” Peter says.
7. Ask About Previous Leak Repairs – Save up to £90
If you’re buying, ask the seller whether they’ve had leaks repaired before – and how. If you’re renting, ask the landlord or letting agent for a maintenance history.
Quick patch jobs or recurring leaks could mean more issues down the line. Spotting them early might save you another £90 in follow-up costs.
Peter Jones, Leak Detection Expert at ADI Leak Detection, comments:
“Moving house is stressful enough without unexpected problems popping up in week one. We regularly get called out to properties where simple checks could have saved people hundreds. Hidden leaks, faulty heating, or water running unchecked for days – they all happen more often than people realise.
“First-time buyers and renters are especially vulnerable. It’s easy to assume everything’s been checked or is in working order, but unless you ask the right questions or take a closer look, you won’t spot the issues until it’s too late.
“One of the biggest traps we see is people ignoring small signs – a patch of damp, a noisy radiator, or even a tiny drip. These seem minor, but they’re often early warnings of a much bigger problem brewing behind the walls or under the floor. That’s why a basic checklist can make such a difference. It’s about avoiding surprises and giving yourself peace of mind from day one.”
ENDS
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About ADI Leak Detection
ADI Leak Detection is a UK-based specialist company founded in 2011 focusing on non-invasive detection and repair of water leaks in residential, commercial, and industrial properties. They offer services for central heating systems, water mains, swimming pools, and structural leaks, utilising advanced technologies like tracer gases, acoustic listening devices, and thermal imaging. They serve clients across England, Scotland, and Wales and are accredited by organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering and the Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme. ADI Leak Detection provides insurance-approved reporting to assist with claims and aims to locate and repair leaks on the same day, helping to minimise property damage and reduce water bills.
