call us : 1300 462 284 24/7 SUPPORT

Water Leak Detection

How to Detect a Water Leak

Water leaks can sneak up on you and lead to extensive water damage as well as rising water bills. Keep an eye out for potential water leaks in your home by knowing what to watch out for and ways to locate leaks around your home.

Water Leak Detection in Sydney

How to tell if you have a water leak?

There are a number of ways to detect water leaks around your home.

  1. Monitor your water bill
    Our regular water consumption tends to stay the same every month, so if you see a random spike in your water bill, there’s a good chance you have a leak somewhere. Even a slow leak from a tap can waste up to 40,000 Litres of water per year.
  2. Check the water meter
    There’s an easy way to confirm whether you have a leak. 

    • First, turn off all the water taps and check that the dishwasher and machine washing are not running. 
    • Check the water meter and make a note of the last 3 digits. Wait an hour and compare the last 3 digits with the previous numbers. If the numbers have gone up, you have a leak.
  3. Watch out for greener or thicker patches of grass
    If the grass is greener or growing faster in a certain part of your garden, that’s a clear sign of a leak in the water line beneath the spot. You might even see water puddles if it’s a major leak.

How can you tell where a water leak is coming from?

If you’ve confirmed the presence of a water leak, the next step would be to identify the source of the leak.

1. INTERNAL LEAKS

Check the following for common signs of internal leaks:

  • Warped cabinets under the sinks in the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom
  • Water puddles beneath the dishwasher, washing machine, and fridge
  • Leaking toilets, taps, and showers
  • A constantly running toilet cistern

– How do you find a leak in the wall?

Look out for:

  • The appearance of mould or water spots on the walls
  • A damp smell coming from the walls
  • Peeling or bubbling paintwork
  • Wet flooring or carpets, especially near water-based appliances such as the dishwasher or washing machine

– How do you find a leak under the floor?

If the leak is coming from the hot water pipes, you might notice warm spots on the floor or carpets. You can also try to listen for noises created by leaking pressurised pipes.

2. EXTERNAL LEAKS

To detect leaks originating from outside your home, check for the following:

  • Dripping faucets and hoses
  • Exposed pipes
  • Leaks in irrigation systems, hot water systems, and air-conditioning units
  • Brick paving that’s damp and unsteady
  • Grass that’s greener in some parts than others

– What to check for underground leaks?

Also known as a concealed leak, an underground leak is especially difficult to detect as it usually happens in the supply pipes underground that connect your meter box or water meter to your home. Obvious signs of an underground water leak include:

      • Water in the meter box
      • Muddy patches in the garden
      • Water puddles around your driveway or curb
      • Cracking in the outdoor pavement

If you suspect an underground leak, turn off your water meter and call Active Plumbing for professional assistance!

Why Call Active Plumbing

Active Plumbing’s licensed and insured plumbers have a proven track record in using state-of-the-art, non-intrusive water leak detection methods and technologies to pinpoint the source of the leak and conduct the necessary repairs efficiently. 

Our thorough multi-testing leak investigation uses advanced technologies such as thermal imaging, hydrogen tracer gas, radio pipe location, thermal imaging,  acoustic listening and correlators, CCTV drain camera, and hydrogen pressure testing.

For more information on our water leak detection services, call Active Plumbing for a FREE consultation today!

1300 462 284