Detect a Leak
It’s not hard to notice a dripping tap, but some leaks aren’t as easy to spot. When you do find one, it’s important to act quickly.
One drip may not look like much, but it all adds up. A leaking tap can waste up to 10,000 litres (L) a year, while a running toilet cistern can waste around 9,000L of water each year.
Leaks can grow over time and may result in a higher water bill or damage your home or business.
Think you have a leak?
Leaks can happen for lots of different reasons, including from wear and tear to pipes, faulty pipes and fittings, ground movement or pipe corrosion.
If your water use or bill has increased unexpectedly, you may have a leak.
Here are some simple checks you should complete before you call a plumber.
How to detect a leak
Your water meter is a good place to start to perform a basic leak test.
1.
Turn off all taps
Make sure all taps and water using appliances are turned off.
2.
Find your water meter
Find your water meter which is usually in your front garden close to the verge.
3.
Enter the numbers
Enter the 3 red numbers on your meter in the tool below.
4.
Wait 15 minutes
If there is a leak the water meter will move.
5.
Enter the numbers again
Return to your meter and enter the 3 red numbers again.
6.
Your leak is calculated
If you have a leak, the tool will tell you how much water and money is being wasted.
I have a leak, how do I find it?
The next step is to locate where the leak is. Here are some common causes.
Taps
Check for dripping taps inside, including your outdoor hose taps. If you have a dripping tap, fixing it could be as simple as replacing a worn washer.
Toilets
There are a number of things to look out for including:
- water dripping from the cistern into the bowl
- water around the base of the toilet
- staining where water travels down the bowl.
Here are more signs you could have a leaky toilet.
Irrigation systems
Noticed any unexplained wet patches in your garden? This may be a sign of a leak or fault with your irrigation system.
Leaking solenoid valves (what controls the flow of water out of sprinkler heads) are a common culprit. A Waterwise Garden Irrigator can help fix any leaks with your irrigation system.
Evaporative air conditioners
Evaporative air conditioners require anywhere from 60 –100L of water per hour during operation, so it’s normal to experience higher water use charges when it is in use.
If you suspect you have a leak, however, here are some potential signs to look out for:
- hot air blowing out of your air conditioner, even when it’s set to cool mode
- calcium stains on your roof from leaking water.
Hot water systems (solar or stored)
When was the last time you looked at your hot water system?
If you’re able to, check your unit to see if there is water running out of the pipe. If so, it could be a leaking relief valve. This is what controls the flow of water in the system but if it’s not working properly, it will cause water to escape.
What about hidden leaks?
Some leaks can go unnoticed because they’re hidden. Signs you may have a hidden leak include:
- damp or discoloured areas around your walls
- very spongy areas of lawn
- the garden or lawn is greener than usual
- uneven brick paving.
Learn more about hidden leaks.
Ready to fix your leak?
Head to our waterwise specialists directory to find a waterwise plumber or garden irrigator close to you.
Your business’ unexpected high water use could be a result of a leak. To check for leaks, follow our simple steps and get your water use back on track and reduce your water bill.
Small to medium-sized businesses
You can imagine how leaks can quickly add up if you have a building full of taps and toilets.
Leaks can also contribute to higher sewer volume charges, energy bills, or even equipment and facility damage.
Spotting leaks
While some leaks are easy to identify, hidden leaks, as the name implies, are harder to find. Learn the difference between hidden and visible leaks and how to spot them.
Run a short leak test
- At a suitable time, turn off everything that uses water, such as equipment, taps, air conditioners and sprinklers. If you have any appliances that are set to run automatically, try to avoid running a leak test during the time they’re scheduled to run.
- Record the numbers on your water meter.
- Wait an hour or as long as possible (overnight or non-operating hours are best), then take another reading. If the dial on the water meter has changed despite no water being used, you may have a leak.
If you think you have a leak, you can contact a Waterwise Plumber with leak detection equipment to help you investigate it further.
For leaks in your irrigation, please contact a Waterwise Garden Irrigator.
Once a licensed plumber has fixed your leak, we may be able to offer a leak allowance to help reduce your charges.
Find out more about leak allowances and how to apply.
Large complex businesses
If you run a large operation or have a complex site, it pays to stay on top of leaks as they may contribute to high water use, sewer volume charges, increased energy costs, or even equipment and facility damage.
Check for leaks
We recommend you complete this test overnight or outside operating hours when water use is minimal.
At the close of business, turn off any water-using systems, such as irrigation or cooling, if possible. If you have processes that use water overnight, note these and their expected water use.
- Read your meter by recording the numbers from left to right.
- Read your meter again before you open for business.
- If the numbers have changed or you have unexplained water use (not the result of expected overnight water use), you may have a leak and further investigation is needed.
Download our meter reading template to make it easier to record your meter reads.
Finding the exact location of a leak or unexplained usage can be difficult for large or complex sites.
Installing isolation valves in your plumbing network can help with your investigation.
Start by separating your businesses into multiple areas and installing isolation valves in strategic locations. You can then start testing by turning off the water supply one section at a time.
If you think you have a leak, visit our waterwise specialist page to find a licensed leak detection expert.
Proactive maintenance is key
Keeping on top your maintenance can help you detect and avoid leaks. This should include regular checks of all water-using devices, including:
- storage tanks
- irrigation systems
- cooling systems
- wet areas (kitchens, amenities, laundries)
- any equipment that uses a float valve to shut off the water supply, such as evaporative air coolers, cooling towers, pool balance tanks and irrigation tanks.
No leaks?
There may be other reasons to explain the increase in your water use.
If you still need help identifying possible causes, please call us on 13 13 85 or get in touch through our billing and payment enquiries form.
Keep on top of future water use
To prevent high bills, you may wish to track your water use to identify any changes to your normal water use pattern that may be a leak.
Learn more about how you can check and compare your water use over time.