How to check for leaks on your property

1. Turn off all internal and external taps.
2. Write down the numbers displayed on your water meter. 
3. Do not turn the tap/valve at the meter. 
4. Do not use any water for at least one hour (don’t even flush the toilet).
5. 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.

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.

Customers are responsible for repairing leaks and maintaining all private plumbing up to and including where it connects into the water meter. We are responsible for the water meter and the pipes leading away from the property. 

When working on our infrastructure, our expectation is that customers will maintain their private plumbing to such a standard that it is able to withstand the minimal disturbance required by maintenance activities.

However, we will investigate all reports of leaks on or near a water meter that has recently been repaired or replaced.

If a leak occurs within four months on appropriately maintained private plumbing which could reasonably have been caused by our work on the meter, we will arrange for the leak to be repaired (subject to assessment criteria). An account adjustment may also apply for any increase in water consumption following the leak*. 

For further information, please see our Leak at Water Meter Policy.

If you suspect a leak or have any concerns within four months of a meter repair or replacement at your property, please call 13 23 64 or send us an online enquiry.

*Please note: If you do not contact us to investigate a possible leak following work at the meter and instead engage a private plumber, Urban Utilities will not consider requests for reimbursement or financial assistance.