Stop sneaky leaks from wasting water and money
Water leaks can be sneaky and silent and go unnoticed until you get an unusually large water bill or significant water damage occurs on your property. When they are hidden (or concealed), they can happen underground, under your driveway, or in walls, and waste thousands of litres of water a day.
Real examples of what can occur when leaks go unnoticed:
- A residential unit owner had a concealed leak underneath a concrete driveway which was not visible above ground.
Plumbing repairs cost $1,300 and their water and wastewater bill increased from an average of $250 to $8,000 for the quarter. - A Body Corporate with 98 sub-metered units had a concealed leak underground outside one of the units. Plumbing repairs cost $2,800 and the customers water and wastewater bill increased from an average of $300 per quarter to $20,000.
How to check for hidden leaks
The simplest and most reliable way to check if there is a hidden water leak on your property is at your water meter:
- Turn off all your water-using appliances - e.g. taps, hose, washing machine, plumbed fridges, dishwashers, irrigation etc.
- Take a photo of your water meter numbers (or write it down), including the red numbers. Make sure you leave the water meter tap on.
- Check your meter after at least one hour. Remember, don’t use any water on your property during this time.
The numbers on a water meter will only move if water is being drawn through it, either by something on your property or if there is a leak. If the numbers or dial on your water meter have changed during this time, you may have a water leak and should contact a licensed plumber to investigate.
Where to look for hidden leaks on your property
All leaks, including concealed leaks, on private property are the property owner’s responsibility to investigate and repair. All water pipes and fittings from the water meter on to private property are the property owner's responsibility to maintain.
To stop water being wasted on your property if you have a leak, you can temporarily turn the stop tap off at your water meter. Just make sure this won't damage appliances such as your hot water system. If you find a leak, please contact a licensed plumber to investigate as soon as possible.
Here are all the places you can look:
Toilet cistern leaks are common and can be easily checked by following these steps:
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Pour a few drops of food colouring into the toilet cistern (just enough to colour the water slightly).
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Don't flush - wait. If colour appears in the toilet bowl, you have a leak.
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Flush as soon as the test has been completed to clear the food colouring. It does not stain ceramic toilet bowls.
Pro tip: Don't have any food colouring? Try placing a sheet of dry toilet paper at the back of the toilet bowl, above the water line. It should stay dry unless there is water trickling down the back of the bowl, indicating a leaking toilet.
Pools use a lot of water, so even a small leak is worth paying attention to. Before you start using the pool this spring, grab a bucket and check it for leaks.
- Fill a bucket with pool water and set it on a step in your pool (so the water inside the bucket and the pool are level).
- Mark the water level on the bucket and the pool.
- Wait 24 hours without using the pool.
- Come back and check the levels. If the pool water dropped more than the bucket water, you may have a leak. If they dropped the same amount, it’s just evaporation.
Pro tip: For a more accurate result, do this test with the pool pump turned off.
- When you reach for the tap or hose, check to see if the tap or fittings are dripping - if they're leaking, give them a tighten or replace the fittings. A slow drip can waste thousands of litres over time, and you may notice this on your next bill.
- You can also check any irrigation, ensuring all caps and jets are on and there are no leaks in the system.
- Check water tanks are not topped up automatically with town water, check for faulty solenoids/internal parts if connected to town water.
Pro tip: To save more water (and money) invest in a trigger nozzle for your hose - they use less water and often do the same job.
- Check your property for visible water leaks from taps and showers, ensuring they are all fully turned off.
- Check your plumbed in fridge is not leaking.
- Check your hot water system is not leaking.
Pro tip: During renovations or property maintenance, make sure to replace taps, showers and toilets with water-efficient WELS rated items.
Is the leak at your meter?
You could have a leak at the meter or around the meter if you notice water filling the meter box or soggy ground surrounding the meter. If your meter box is full of water please call us on 1300 086 489.
If you have soggy ground around your meter and your meter is not ticking over the leak is likely on our infrastructure. Please call us on 1300 086 489.
If you have soggy ground around your meter and your meter is ticking over then water is being drawn through the meter and the leak is on your side of the meter. Please call a local licensed plumber to investigate.
Are you eligible for a concealed leak allowance?
If you have had a hidden (concealed) leak repaired on your property, you may be eligible for a Concealed Leak Allowance if you meet the eligibility criteria under our Concealed Leaks Policy.
This helps cover some of the unexpected costs associated with a hidden leak. The majority of leak allowances processed by Unitywater are between $400 and $600.
Your application will be assessed in accordance with Unitywater's Concealed Leaks Policy, as an allowance may not be applicable to all customers.
Unitywater does not offer allowances for any other types of leaks or for the plumbing repair costs associated with any type of leak.
