DIY Water Checks: Simple Ways to Protect Your Home and Save Money

As featured in Gazette Life, 24 March 2026.

That constant "drip, drip, drip" from a tap isn't just an annoying sound — it's the sound of money going down the drain. In a place like Lanzarote, where every drop of water is precious, even small leaks can have a big impact on your wallet and the environment. The good news: you don't have to be a plumbing expert to take control. A few simple checks can help you spot problems early, protect your property, and save a significant amount of money.

A single dripping tap can waste thousands of litres of water a year. That adds up to a surprisingly high water bill — but beyond the personal financial cost, there's a wider community cost as it puts an unnecessary strain on Lanzarote's desalination plants and our island's finite resources. Taking a few minutes to check for leaks is a small investment that pays off for you and the community.

Your First Line of Defence: The Water Meter

Your water meter is your best friend for detecting hidden leaks. Here's a simple check anyone can do:

1. Turn everything off. No taps running, washing machine off, no one using the shower.
2. Read your meter. Take a photo or write down the numbers on your water meter.
3. Wait. Leave everything off for at least 30 minutes — an hour is even better. (Don't make a cup of tea.)
4. Read the meter again. If the numbers have changed, you likely have a leak somewhere in your system.

If you have an aljibe-and-pump system (most Lanzarote homes do), the picture is more nuanced — see our Lanzarote water-system guide for the full diagnostic.

Common Culprits Hiding in Plain Sight

Once you know you have a leak, where do you look? Many leaks don't need specialist detection equipment — there are a few common problem areas you can check yourself.

Toilets

A constantly running toilet is a major water waster. Check for a silent leak by adding a few drops of food colouring to the cistern. Wait about 15 minutes without flushing. If colour appears in the bowl, your flapper valve isn't sealing properly and needs to be replaced.

Appliance hoses

Check the hoses connected to your washing machine, dishwasher and water heater. Look for bulges, cracks, or any signs of moisture. These hoses are under constant pressure and can fail unexpectedly.

Taps and shower heads

Don't ignore those drips. Often, a simple washer replacement is all that's needed to fix a leaky tap.

Walls

Watch your paint (not drying). Flaking paint or "furry" walls can often be an indicator of a leak. A quick check on your water system will confirm if you have a leak.

Water heaters

Check the hot and cold-water valves on your heater. Any drips or increasing erosion are an indicator that your boiler may fail soon.

When to Call in the Professionals

These DIY checks are a great first step and can help you catch many common problems. Some of those problems you may be able to fix yourself. However, if your meter is still running, or your water pump is kicking in unexpectedly and you can't find the source, you may have a more complex or hidden leak in your pipes. That's when it's time to call for professional help.

If you suspect you might have a leak somewhere but you're not 100% sure, Canary Detect, The Leaky Finders offer a free leak confirmation test where we'll utilise our skills, experience and detection equipment to confirm for definite if your property has a leak or not.

Once a leak is confirmed, Canary Detect offer comprehensive leak detection surveys using advanced technology to pinpoint the exact location of leaks without causing unnecessary damage to your property. Regular check-ups can prevent major issues, save you money, and give you peace of mind. By taking a proactive approach to your home's plumbing, you're not just protecting your property — you're investing in its future and helping to conserve Lanzarote's most valuable resource.

Get in touch with Canary Detect →