I’m a money expert – a tiny £15 gadget can cut household bills by more than £100 a year and prevent £,1000s in repairs

IF your water bills are going up unexpectedly, there’s a risk you could have a hidden water leak at home.

Failing to identify an issue early may cause havoc to your property.

Leaks can also lead to mould which can be harmful to your health.

But a clever little device could help you detect any problems which have been covertly driving up the amount you pay for your water.

Households have already been feeling the pressure with average bills having risen from £417 to £448 a year from the start of April, according to Water UK.

The exact amount by which water bills will have gone will depend on a range of factors, such as where you live, how much you’re charged, and the rate of increase.

Water was just one of a host of price rises which kicked in a few weeks ago at the start of what was dubbed “Awful April“.

Other hikes which took effect at that time included gas and electricity bills, mobile phone and broadband costs, and also council tax.

With budgets being attacked from all sides, it’s vital you’re not paying out unnecessarily on water due to a leak, or to fix the resulting carnage.

Water damage from within your home, such as a leaking pipe, toilet, washing machine or tap, is categorised as “escape of water,” and is one of the most common types of claim, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

And no matter whether it’s a sudden burst or a gradual trickle, it can have a big impact on your wallet.

Say, for example, you have a leaky loo.

According to WaterLeak.co.uk, if your leak is a “trickle” of water at very low pressure, you would lose 0.16 litres per minute, adding up to 230 litres per day, or 7,015 litres per month.

Based on a cost of £1.40 per cubic metre, this leak would cost you £9.82 per month, adding up to a huge £117.84 per year.

And the expense doesn’t stop there.

Figures from insurance firm Policy Expert reveal that while the average cost in damage from “escape of water” was £454, including any redecorating or building work that was needed, in some cases homeowners were forced to splash out more than £1,000 for repairs.

The good news is, you may be able to nip any problems in the bud with the help of a “water sensor,” according to John Stirzaker, consumer expert at NetVoucherCodes.

He told The Sun: “Water alarms will help detect any water leakages.

“They are great little gadgets to have in the home, and could save you a lot of money in the long run.”

A water alarm is typically a small, battery-powered, device.

“They can be placed around the home and near appliances which are susceptible to leakages,” John said.

“Once the sensor comes into contact with water, a warning signal will sound to alert you to the leak.

“If you opt for a “smart” device, this will send an alarm to your iPhone.”

This will give you the chance to take action to prevent further costs.

The consumer whizz added: “You can then act quickly by turning off your water system before the leak becomes a major problem.”

To do this, you will need to locate your stopcock. This can usually be found under your sink.

Investing in one water sensor needn’t burn a big hole in your wallet.

John said: “Prices will vary, but you can pick up a basic device online quite cheaply, with prices starting at under £20.”

On Amazon, the battery-powered X-Sense water leak sensor alarm costs £15.99, while the Ourjob water alarm surveillance system water detector costs £17.49.

John said: “You can find much more advanced water alarms, but these could easily set you back a few hundred pounds.

“A basic one is a lot cheaper and will still do the job. It’s definitely worth the investment.”

How many gadgets do you need?

You shouldn’t waste cash buying a mountain of alarms.

“You don’t need one for each separate appliance,” said John.

“Instead, you’ll want to place just a small number of devices in areas that are more prone to leaks, such as under the sink, around the toilet, behind the washing machine, or near a water tank or boiler.”

Spotting a leak early means you will waste less water and save cash.

“With bills on the up, it’s important to avoid wasting both water and money,” said John.

“At the same time, if a leak has caused serious damage, you could find yourself having to fork out hundreds or even thousands in repairs.

“A water sensor will help you take action early on, helping to prevent any further damage, and reducing the strain on your wallet.”

As an added benefit, having a water alarm may also mean you pay less for your home cover.

John added: “You may find that having a leak-detection device is potentially a way to lower your home insurance bills.

“This is another great way to save a little bit more cash.”