Hidden vs visible leaks

While some water leaks are easy to spot and fix, hidden leaks can quietly wreak havoc behind walls, under floors or in other inaccessible areas of your home. 

Hidden leaks can waste lots of water if unnoticed for long periods of time. It often takes an unusually high water bill to trigger someone’s attention.  

Here’s how to spot the signs of a hidden water leak early to prevent costly repairs, high water bills and potential damage to your home.

What is a hidden leak?

Hidden leaks are leaks that you can’t see and easily locate. They are often caused by a cracked or broken pipe underground, in walls or underneath paving and driveways, which makes them harder to notice.

One of the most common indicators of a hidden water leak is a sudden and unexplained increase in your water bill. Even a small leak can waste hundreds of litres of water every day, adding up to higher water bills over time.

Common signs of a hidden leak

Unexplained increases in your water bill are a good indication you may have a leak, but if you’re aware of the signs and get on top of it early, you can avoid high water bills and extensive structural damage to your property.

Hidden leaks can be harder to find, but here are some things you should keep an eye out for:

• garden or lawn areas that are much greener than surrounding areas
• very spongy areas of lawn
• pooling water or wet areas that don’t dry out
• damp or discoloured spots on walls, ceilings or floors
• peeling or bubbling paint in your bathroom, kitchen or laundry
• sound of running water when no taps, showers or appliances are in use and you can’t locate the source
• mould or mildew growth
• musty odours
• cracks in your home’s foundation
• the numbers on your meter keep ticking over, which shows that water is flowing constantly at your property, even when there should be no water being used.

What isn’t a hidden leak

A leak that you didn’t notice around the back of your house isn’t what we consider a hidden leak. Neither are:

• leaking taps (indoors and outdoors)
• leaks from fittings, fixtures or water using appliances such as shower heads, toilet cisterns, dishwashers, washing machines or valves
• leaks in swimming pools, spas ponds, water features and other related fittings.

Spotting visible leaks

A visual inspection is the first line of defence to finding a leak. Visible leaks (leaks you can see), can be picked up easily by doing regular checks around your home or business. Here are some common things to look out for:

• Dripping taps or showers that won’t turn off properly.
• Running water in toilet cisterns caused by a sticking button or faulty valve.
• Running water in urinals caused by worn seals or faulty valves.
• Wet areas where no water is being used, for example, pooling water on the ground, wet areas of paving etc.
• Water dripping from plant or equipment when operating.
• Running water in drains or from plants or equipment when turned off.

Think you might have a leak?

To check if you have a leak, do our quick and easy leak test.

Check for leaks

When to call a licensed plumber

It’s the property owner’s responsibility to arrange for leak repairs.

If you have a dripping tap, your leak could be from something as simple as a worn washer (a small rubber disc that creates a watertight seal inside the tap stem). With the right tools, you can easily replace a washer yourself.

For anything beyond a worn washer, however, you need to call a licensed plumber to fix the leak. Find out more about when a licensed plumber is legally required to complete repairs.

Applying for a leak allowance for hidden leaks

If you have a hidden leak and get it repaired by a licensed plumber or Waterwise Garden Irrigator, you may be eligible to receive an allowance of up to 50% of the estimated water lost.

See if you’re eligible to apply for a leak allowance.

Leak allowance eligibility