If you've received a notification letter advising that your usage is higher than normal, a higher than usual bill or you've noticed damp or wet patches in or around your property, you may have a leak.
To find out if you do have a leak, you can complete a leak test.
How to use your water meter to test for a leak
- Turn off all internal and external taps.
- Write down the numbers displayed on your water meter.
- Do not turn the tap/valve at the meter.
- Do not use any water for at least one hour (don’t even flush the toilet).
- Read the numbers on your meter again, paying attention to the red numbers and dials.
- If you observe the dials of the meter turning, or there has been an increase in the numbers you recorded, you may have a leak. Find out what to do if you have a leak.
- If you are unable to locate the source of a leak, you can engage a licensed plumber or leak detection service to assist you.
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 get in touch
We also recommend property owners complete a leak test on a regular basis in order to help identify any leaks quickly.
Signs you might have a leak
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.
Visible leaks. Things to check for.
- 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.
- 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.
- Your water meter – check to see if there is water leaking from your water meter.
Less obvious leaks. Things to check for
- Yard - Wet or damp patches in the yard during a dry spell
- Unexpected increase in usage
- A noticeable reduction in water pressure
- Outside - Some cracking in paved areas
- Internal surfaces - Warped or discoloured walls or floorboards
- Damp carpets
- Hot water system - Drips on the side of a hot water system
- Irrigation systems – check your gardens for hidden irrigation pipes that may be leaking
- Solar hot water / pool heating systems – check for leaks from the unit and associated pipework
-
Water tanks – if your tank can draw water from the main supply, check that the auto top-up valve is functioning correctly
- Pools – if your pool has auto top-up, check it’s not topping up continuously. Also, check you pool for leaks.
Found a leak on your property?