Detecting and repairing leaks
Have I got a leak?
Water leaks can be extremely wasteful and costly. Regularly checking taps, pipes and fittings around your property could save our precious water and your precious money! Some leaks, however, are difficult to detect. We urge you to be proactive and use your water meter to regularly check for signs of leaks.
How to test for leaks
The following simple test can be carried out to investigate for leaks:
- Turn off all taps and water-using devices at the property
- Write down the black and red numbers of the meter
- If the dial is not visibly moving, wait for at least fifteen minutes (the longer the better as small leaks may take longer to show)
- Write down the black and the red numbers again – have they changed?
If the red numbers have changed, the test confirms there is a leak and further investigation is needed.
If you own a property that is not regularly occupied such as a holiday home or if you intend on being away from your property for long periods, we recommend you have someone check the meter regularly on your behalf to test for a leak.
 | Understanding Your Water Use - Your water use, meter reading and leaks |
Where can I look for possible leaks?
- In the kitchen, bathroom and laundry looking for dripping taps, leaking toilet cisterns, washing machine and dishwasher connections.
- By walking around the outside of your house looking at the outdoor garden taps/hoses, garden reticulation (including sprinklers), automatic solenoids and manual isolation valves along with any exposed pipe work. Check hot water systems and air condition units.
- Look for damp patches on walls, damp and unstable brick paving or concrete and garden areas that may be moist and greener than expected.
Once you find a leak or faulty appliance, ensure it is repaired quickly.
Repairing leaks
All plumbing work carried out in Western Australia must be completed by a licensed plumber or a licensed tradesperson working under the direction of a licensed plumber. They must be registered with the Western Australian, Plumbing Licensing Board.
Once the repairs have been completed, carry out the leak detection test again. It is not unusual to have more than one leak.
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More information on licenced plumbers |
| | Find a Waterwise Specialist with leak detection services |
How can my water meter help me?
The water meter at your property has a stop tap installed right next to the meter, this may be used to turn off the flow of water while you are waiting for a plumber or while they are carrying out repairs. This tap is NOT to be used as a permanent flow regulator device.
If you cannot locate your water meter or if the stop tap does not stop the flow of water, call our Faults, Emergencies and Security on 13 13 75.
Is there financial assistance available?
In certain circumstances and where the leak has been repaired by a licensed plumber, the Water Corporation may be able to assist with a leak allowance.
The licensed plumber is required to complete a leak allowance application form, providing us with details regarding the leak and the repairs carried out.
If you engage the services of a licensed plumber to check or make repairs to your internal water service, the Water Corporation will not reimburse you for their cost.
| | Leak Allowance Application Form |
