Detect a leak
It’s easy to spot a leak with our leak detection tool, all it takes is 15 minutes. Simply follow the steps below.
We are currently offering a $100 rebate when you get your leak fixed. If you find that your property has a leak, there's never been a better time to get it fixed!
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?
If your leak test showed that you have a leak then you need to investigate where the leak is located.
Inside your home
- Look in the kitchen, bathroom/s and laundry for dripping taps or leaking washing machine and dishwasher connections.
- Damp patches on the walls may also indicate a leak.
- You can check your toilet cistern for leaks by placing a few drops of food colouring in the tank. Without flushing it, look for colouring in the toilet bowl. If it's getting through then you have a leak.
Outside your home
- Look in your outdoor garden for dripping taps or hoses, and check irrigation systems (including sprinklers).
- Other items to check include automatic solenoids, manual isolation valves and exposed pipe work.
- Hot water systems and air conditioning units can sometimes leak, so make sure you check them for leaks.
- Damp and unstable brick paving and garden areas that may be moist and greener than expected can be a sign of leak.
Irrigation systems
- Irrigation systems often use the most water in a household and leaks in these systems can be costly.
- Regularly test your garden irrigation system for leaks.
- Try to be home when your irrigation system is scheduled to run so that you can detect a leak.
Frequently asked questions
All plumbing work carried out in WA must be completed by a licensed plumber or tradesperson working under the direction of a licensed plumber. You can search online for tradespeople who are endorsed as waterwise and are up-to-date on water saving plumbing practices.
Once the repairs have been completed, carry out the leak detection test again to confirm the leak/s have stopped.
If you have had an invisible leak and have it repaired by a licensed plumber, you may be eligible for a leak allowance. With a leak allowance, you can get a refund based on the water which was wasted because on the undetected leak.
Once a licensed plumber has fixed your leak to the required industry standards, your plumber needs to submit the leak allowances form. We will then assess the application and let you know of the outcome. For more information about leak allowances, eligibility and how to apply, head to our leak rebates advice article.
For visible leaks (such as a leaking tap) you may be eligible for a leak rebate, please visit our leak assist page to find out more.
The stop tap which is found at the water meter is installed to temporarily stop the flow of water when carrying out routine repairs and maintenance.
We understand that you may need to use this tap when an internal leak is present however it is not a long term solution and you should arrange to have the repairs completed as a matter of priority.
It is in your best interest to ensure that there are no leaks inside or outside your property, as the property owner you are responsible for the cost of any water used.
If you require water supply to the property to be turned off regularly, or for an extended period of time, a manual isolation valve must be installed on the internal pipework.