High Water Bill in Lanzarote? You Might Have a Hidden Leak

If you've received a water bill that's significantly higher than usual, you're not alone. Many property owners in Lanzarote experience this—and in most cases, a hidden water leak is the cause.

How to Check Your Water Meter for Leaks

Before calling a professional, there's a simple test you can do yourself. It takes about 30 minutes and requires no special equipment:

1. Turn off all water in your property—taps, washing machines, dishwashers, irrigation systems, and pool auto-fill.
2. Locate your water meter—usually in a box near the street or property entrance.
3. Check if the meter is moving—most meters have a small dial or digital display that shows water flow. If it's moving with everything off, you have a leak.
4. Wait 30 minutes and note the reading. Check again. Any increase confirms a leak somewhere in your system.

Common Causes of High Water Bills in Lanzarote

Lanzarote's climate and building styles create some unique leak risks:

• Underground pipe corrosion—the volcanic soil and mineral-rich water can corrode pipes faster than on the mainland.
• Pool leaks—evaporation is normal, but many pools also have slow leaks in shells or pipework that waste thousands of litres.
• Irrigation system failures—buried garden pipes often develop leaks that go unnoticed because the water soaks into the ground.
• Hot water system leaks—solar thermal panels and their pipework are common leak points, especially in older installations.
• Aljibe (water tank) issues—float valves can fail, causing continuous water flow into already-full tanks.

When to Call for Professional Leak Detection

If your meter test confirms a leak, the next step is finding exactly where it is. This is where most people run into problems—you can't see underground pipes, and digging randomly is expensive and destructive.

Professional leak detection uses technology like acoustic sensors, thermal imaging, and tracer gas to pinpoint leaks without excavation. We find the exact location first, so repairs are targeted and minimal.

Call us if:

• Your meter shows water usage when everything is off
• Your bill has increased significantly without explanation
• You can hear water running but can't find the source
• You've noticed damp patches, warm spots on floors, or unexplained wet areas in your garden

Stop Paying for Water You're Not Using

A typical hidden leak can waste hundreds of euros per year in water charges—plus the cost of any damage it causes. The sooner you find it, the sooner you stop paying for it.