A hidden water leak can waste thousands of litres and cause serious damage before you even notice it. Learning to detect leaks early can save you money and prevent costly repairs. Here’s how to find water leaks in your home.

Signs You May Have a Leak

Unexplained High Water Bills

If your water usage hasn’t changed but your bill has increased, you likely have a leak. Even a small leak can add a surprising amount to your quarterly bill.

Water Meter Test

The simplest way to check for leaks:

1. Turn off all taps and water-using appliances
2. Note your water meter reading
3. Wait 2 hours (don’t use any water)
4. Check the meter again

If the reading has changed, you have a leak.

Visual and Sound Clues

• Damp or discoloured patches on walls or ceilings
• Musty smells in certain areas
• Sound of running water when nothing is on
• Warm spots on floors (hot water leak)
• Cracks in foundations or concrete
• Unexplained mould growth

Common Leak Locations

Toilets

Toilets are the most common source of household leaks. Check by:

• Adding food colouring to the cistern
• Waiting 15 minutes
• If colour appears in the bowl, the flapper is leaking

Hot Water System

Look for:

• Water pooling around the base
• Rust or corrosion on the tank
• Relief valve dripping

Under Sinks

Check regularly for:

• Dripping supply lines
• Wet patches in cabinets
• P-trap connections

Outdoor Taps

Often forgotten, outdoor taps can leak for months unnoticed. Check all garden taps and irrigation connections.

Slab Leaks

Leaks under concrete floors are serious. Signs include:

• Warm spots on floor
• Sound of running water under floor
• Cracks in flooring or tiles
• Foundation cracks

DIY Leak Detection

Check Your Hot Water

Turn off the cold water supply to your hot water system. If the meter still moves, the leak is in your hot water pipes.

Isolate Sections

Most homes have isolation valves. Turn them off one by one to narrow down where the leak is.

Listen Carefully

At night when it’s quiet, walk through your home listening for dripping or running water sounds.

Inspect the Garden

• Look for unusually green patches of lawn
• Check for soft or muddy areas
• Inspect visible pipes and taps

When to Call a Professional

Call a plumber if:

• You’ve confirmed a leak but can’t find it
• The leak is in a wall or under floor
• You suspect a slab leak
• The leak is from your hot water system
• You’re not comfortable doing repairs

Professional Leak Detection

At Hankook Plumbing, we use:

Acoustic Detection

Specialised equipment that amplifies the sound of water escaping from pipes.

Thermal Imaging

Infrared cameras detect temperature differences caused by water leaks.

Pressure Testing

We can pressurise your system to identify leaks in specific sections.

Preventing Leaks

• Regular inspections – Check under sinks monthly
• Water pressure – High pressure causes premature wear
• Tap washers – Replace at first sign of dripping
• Flexi hoses – Replace every 5-10 years
• Hot water service – Annual professional check

Acting Fast Saves Money

A leak that drips once per second wastes:

• 20 litres per day
• 7,000+ litres per year
• A noticeable increase on your water bill annually

A running toilet can waste 200+ litres per day.

Our Leak Detection Services

Hankook Plumbing offers:

• Professional leak detection
• Accurate location without unnecessary damage
• Fast repairs once found
• 24/7 emergency service for major leaks
• Honest advice on repair options

Suspect a Leak?

Don’t wait for a small leak to become a big problem. If you’ve noticed any signs of a leak, get it checked.

Call 0407 756 172 for leak detection and repair.