Finding the right plumber to fix a leak
In this article
Think you’ve got a water leak? Leaks aren’t always easy to locate, which is why hiring a licensed plumber with the right qualifications is key to finding and fixing them as soon as possible.
For your safety, a licensed plumber is also required to carry out leak repairs and major plumbing works, based on guidelines from the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
To save you time, money and frustration, here’s how to choose the right plumber to find and fix leaks around your home.
Detecting hidden leaks inside your home
Not all plumbers are trained in leak detection or equipped with the proper tools for more complicated plumbing issues.
That’s why we recommend contacting a licensed plumber who specialises in detecting hidden leaks.
They use advanced technology and techniques to pinpoint the exact location of the leak – whether it’s within your walls, ceilings or under your floor.
A plumber without the right skills or equipment in leak detection could spend hours trying to find a leak and still come up empty handed – leaving you with unresolved issues and an unwanted call-out fee.
You can use our waterwise specialists tool to find a plumber in your area who specialises in leak detection.
Repairing leaks in your irrigation
If a leak is found in your irrigation system, you'll need to contact a Waterwise Garden Irrigator (WGI) - not your regular plumber - to make the repairs.
While many of the skills and techniques used in general plumbing are also applicable to irrigation, a WGI specialises in repairing leaks found in irrigation systems and are especially trained to manage your system to suit local conditions.
Applying for a leak allowance?
If you’ve repaired a hidden leak and want to apply for a leak allowance, you’ll need to provide an invoice showing that it’s been repaired by either a licensed plumber or WGI.
Use our search tool to find a waterwise specialist near you.
What to do while you wait for a plumber
Turn off your water supply
If you don’t need to be using water, it’s a good idea to turn off your mains water supply before the plumber arrives. Your stop tap is located next to your water meter which is usually at the front of your house. Simply turn the tap clockwise all the way to the end.
Contain the leak
If you have a visible leak, use buckets to capture any leaking water or towels to soak up the water.
Clear the area
Removing clutter from the impacted area will help your plumber do their job better. Turn off or move any appliances that could come into contact with water. If water has spilled, dry the area as much as you can.
Note down any details
To help the plumber find the leak, make a note of any warning signs such as spongy areas of lawn or areas in your house where you can hear water dripping or running.
You should also find where your water meter is located and ensure it’s clear and safe to access.
The more details you can share about your suspected leak, the better they will be able to diagnose it.