The summer holidays give schools a valuable opportunity to carry out checks that can be difficult to complete during a busy term.
One of the most useful is checking for water leaks.
When pupils and most staff are away, water use should fall considerably. This makes it much easier to notice unusual consumption and identify potential problems before they lead to higher bills, wasted water or damage to the building.
At Wodr, we help schools understand and manage their water use more effectively. A simple leak check during the summer can be a practical first step.
Why is the summer break a good time to check?
During term time, schools use water throughout the day.
Toilets, kitchens, classrooms, science rooms, sports facilities and cleaning teams all contribute to normal consumption. With so much activity, it can be difficult to tell whether extra water use is caused by everyday operations or by a leak.
During the holidays, expected usage is much lower.
If the water meter continues to show steady or significant consumption when the site is mostly empty, this may suggest that water is being lost somewhere within the system.
Where might leaks occur?
Some leaks are easy to spot, while others can remain hidden for a long time.
Common areas to check include:
- Toilet cisterns that continue to run
- Taps that drip or do not close properly
- Urinals with faulty controls
- Underground pipework
- Outdoor taps and irrigation systems
- Storage tanks and float valves
- Heating and cooling equipment
- Older or damaged internal pipework
Even a small leak can waste a surprising amount of water if it continues for several weeks.
How can schools check for leaks?
1. Take a meter reading
Record the water meter reading before the school closes or at the start of a quiet period.
Taking a clear photograph can be helpful.
Check the meter again after a few days when little or no water should have been used. An unexplained increase may need further investigation.
2. Look at overnight water use
Schools with automated meter reading or online consumption data may be able to review hourly or half-hourly usage.
During the holidays, water use should usually fall very low overnight. A steady flow during periods when the building is empty can be a sign of a leak or an appliance that has been left running.
3. Walk through toilets and washrooms
Toilets are a common source of hidden water waste.
A cistern may continue to refill quietly, or water may trickle into the toilet pan without being immediately noticeable.
Listen for running water and check whether any toilets, taps or urinals appear to be operating when they should not be.
4. Check outdoor areas
Inspect outdoor taps, irrigation equipment, valve covers and visible pipework.
Unusually wet ground, standing water or a particularly green patch of grass during dry weather may indicate an underground leak.
5. Review recent bills and usage
Compare recent water consumption with the same period in previous years.
A noticeable increase that cannot be explained by building work, lettings or summer activities may point to a problem.
Why is early detection important?
Finding a leak early can help a school avoid unnecessary cost and disruption.
Leaks can:
- Increase water and wastewater charges.
- Cause damp, mould or structural damage.
- Waste large volumes of treated water.
- Affect sustainability targets.
- Lead to repair work during term time.
The sooner a possible leak is identified, the easier it is to investigate and resolve before pupils and staff return.
How Wodr can support schools
Wodr helps schools, academies and multi-academy trusts gain a clearer view of their water use.
By reviewing bills, consumption patterns and meter data, we can help identify unusual usage and highlight areas that may need further attention.
Where specialist investigation is required, we can also help connect schools with trusted leak detection and water management partners.
The summer holidays offer a quieter period in which to carry out these checks. A simple meter reading and a walk around the site could help prevent water waste, reduce costs and avoid an unexpected problem in September.