Water leak detection
Some leaks announce themselves with a puddle. Most don't. A pipe weeping inside a wall, a slow leak under a slab or a cracked fitting behind a vanity can run for months, quietly adding to your water bill and damaging timber, plaster and flooring. Our plumbers use a methodical approach and the right tools to narrow down where water is escaping, so we can fix the cause with as little disruption to your home as possible.
Where hidden leaks hide
Inside walls
Copper and plastic pipes behind tiles and plasterboard can split at joints or corrode over time.
Under concrete slabs
Common in older brick homes and units, where pipes run through or under the floor slab.
Showers and wet areas
Failed waterproofing or leaking mixers can soak into neighbouring rooms.
Toilet cisterns
A cistern that keeps trickling into the bowl can waste a surprising amount of water.
Underground supply lines
The pipe between your meter and the house can leak into the garden without any obvious sign.
Signs you may have a hidden leak
Any one of these is worth checking. Two or more together usually means something's going on.
- Your water bill has jumped. A noticeable increase without a change in how you use water is a classic sign.
- The meter moves when everything is off. Turn off every tap and appliance, note the meter reading, wait an hour and check again.
- Damp patches or bubbling paint. Moisture coming through walls or ceilings, especially near bathrooms and kitchens.
- Musty smells or mould. Persistent dampness in a cupboard or corner often points to a slow leak.
- Lifting floorboards or loose tiles. Water under the floor causes timber to swell and tile adhesive to fail.
- Low water pressure. A leak on the supply line can reduce the pressure you get at taps.
How we find the leak
Leak detection is a process of elimination. We start by asking what you've noticed and checking the water meter with everything turned off, which tells us whether water is being lost on the supply side. From there we isolate sections of pipework where possible, inspect fixtures and visible fittings, and check wet areas for failed seals or waterproofing.
If the leak is on the waste side rather than the pressure side, for example a cracked drain pipe under a shower, our CCTV drain camera can show us what's happening inside the pipe without digging.
Once we've found the source, we explain what we've found and quote the repair. That might be a simple fitting replacement, a section of new pipe, or repairs to a shower. We aim to open up as little as possible, and we'll tell you up front if access through tiles or plaster is needed.
Why Eastern Suburbs locals call us
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters (Lic. 398171C)
- Free quotes, and a clear price before any work starts
- We're based in Matraville and know the pipework typical of older brick homes and units in Sydney's east.
Common questions
How do I check for a leak myself?
Turn off all taps and water-using appliances, then read your water meter. Check it again after an hour or two without using water. If the reading has changed, water is going somewhere.
Will you need to break tiles?
Not always. We narrow down the location first so any access is as small and targeted as possible, and we'll discuss it with you before we start.
Can a leak cause damage to the unit below?
Yes. In apartment buildings a leak in one unit often shows up in the ceiling of the unit below.
Is the leak my responsibility or Sydney Water's?
Generally, pipes on your side of the water meter are the property owner's responsibility. If you're unsure, we can take a look and let you know.
We find leaks for homeowners in Maroubra, Malabar and nearby.