Leaks from pipes, plumbing fixtures and fittings can occur in any property, at any time, regardless of its age, location or construction method. They can occur in new homes, old homes, outside, inside, above or under the ground.
How to check if you have a leak
We recommend you complete the following test regularly to ensure you don't have a leak on your property.
- After checking for visible leaks from taps, toilets and showers, turn off all taps and take a reading of your water meter . Don’t use any water for at least one hour (don’t even flush the toilet). Take another reading of your water meter and pay attention to the red numbers and dials.
- If the dials of the meter continue to turn, or there has been an increase in the readings, you may have a leak.
- If you are having difficulty accessing your water meter, or if you live in a unit or apartment block and don’t have an individual meter, please contact us.
Identifying where the leak is
Sometimes the source of a leak is obvious and can be located by conducting some of the following checks. However, there are often no visible signs of leaks, especially if they are underground, within walls, or in areas that are difficult to access.
- Taps and sinks – check to see if any taps are dripping. Dripping taps will often just need a replacement washer.
- Kitchen - check to see if there is water pooling under the dishwasher or fridge (if it is connected to the plumbing). You should also look for warped or discoloured cupboards, bench tops or walls. This is a sign that water is leaking from somewhere close by.
- Bathroom - check to see if the toilet cistern is continually running. If it is you’ll need to contact a licensed plumber to help you fix the problem.
- Laundry - check for water pooling under the washing machine or laundry tub. If you see pooling water in these areas, check the hoses connecting the washing machine to see if they are cracked, frayed, bulging or wet.
- Yard – if you can see wet patches or bright green areas of grass in your yard, this could indicate that there is a concealed leak in a pipe underground. You should contact a licensed plumber to investigate.
- Around the home – other things you can look for around the home that could indicate a leak include: Warped or discoloured walls and floorboards, damp carpets, drips on the side of the hot water system.
If you think you have a leak and a plumber is needed, you will be responsible for the cost. You will also be charged for the water that your property uses while the leak remains unrepaired.
Fixing the leak
Depending on where the leak is, we may be able to help.
You can find out who is responsible for fixing it
here.
You may wish to speak with the Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland on 07 3273 0800 between Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm, for a referral to a licensed plumber or a leak detection specialist in your local area.
If the leak is in one of our pipes, please call us immediately on 13 23 64 (24/7).
Ways to minimise the risks associated with leaks
We understand leaks can cause distress for our customers. They not only waste water and increase your water bill, but they can also damage your home. We have several options available to help protect you against the impacts of leaks.
AquaTrip is a leak detection system that acts like a safety switch for a home's water supply. It is installed on the incoming main water pipe leading to a property (just after the water meter) and automatically shuts off the water supply if it detects a continuous flow for longer than a pre-selected time.
Find out more about AquaTrip
For $16 per year, Concealed Leak Insurance provides annual coverage of up to $10,000 for excess water usage charges arising from a concealed leak at your property. This includes a reimbursement of up to $200 for the cost of a registered plumber to identify and locate the leak. An excess of $50 applies to each and every claim. Concealed Leak Insurance cover is made possible by Willis Towers Watson (the insurance broker) and QBE Australia (the underwriting insurer). Exclusions and limits apply.*
Please refer to the Concealed Leak Insurance Financial Services Guide.
Find out more about Concealed Leak Insurance
Queensland Urban Utilities' Concealed Leak Policy and associated application form is available for eligible customers to request assistance for a limited financial adjustment to reduce the excess water usage charges caused by a concealed leak.
* Willis Australia Limited ABN 90 000 321 237 AFSL 240600 is an Authorised Distributor of QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited ABN 78 003 191 035 AFSL 239545. The Central SEQ Distributor-Retailer Authority trading as Queensland Urban Utilities is an Authorised Representative of Willis Australia Limited, Authorised Representative Number 1240899. Concealed Leak Insurance is issued by QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited. Advice in this document is general advice only and has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before deciding to acquire the product you should obtain and consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).