How to check for leaks
Some leaks, like dripping taps, are easy to spot, but others can be harder to find and may cause bigger issues like damp patches, mould, or structural damage.
While fixing leaks in your home or garden is your responsibility, we’re here to help you locate and sort them out.
Do a leak test
Follow these steps to check if there’s a leak on your property. If you find signs of a leak, use our tips to help locate it.
Before you start your leak test, turn off all taps, sprinkler systems and water-using appliances, such as a dishwasher, washing machine and evaporative cooling.
Find your water meter (usually at the front of your property near the mains tap) and make sure your mains tap is on.
Digital meter leak test
1. Open the lid and find the meter number below the button, then match it with the meter number on the back of your bill.
2. Tap the button briefly to activate the screen.
3. If you don't see a blinking black triangle below the numbers, the meter hasn't detected any water usage.
4. If you see a blinking black triangle this indicates you may have a leak.
5. Use the checklist below for leaks around your home.
Mechanical meter leak test
1. Find the meter number etched on the front of the meter and match it to the meter number on the back of your bill.
2. Read the numbers from left to right.
3. The black numbers show how many kilolitres (KL) of water you've used.
4. Write down all the numbers shown on the meter. Wait 2 minutes, then take the numbers again.
5. If your second is reading is different, use the checklist below to check for leaks around your home.
Detecting a leak? Here’s what to do next
Use our Home water efficiency audit below to track your water usage or contact a registered plumber to inspect your property. Please note, you'll be responsible for any costs, including repairs.
Checking your property for leaks
If your leak test showed that you have a leak, then you need to find out where it’s located.
Taps
Check all taps in your home and on your property. Remember to include all garden taps. A slow dripping tap can waste up to 30 litres of water a day.
Toilets
Check all the toilets in your house for leaks. Put 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. Flush it once you’re done to clear the food colouring.
You can also 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.
Appliances
Check that the hoses and connections to your washing machine, dishwasher and any other water-using appliances are connected properly and aren’t cracked or leaking. Read our breakdown on how much water your appliances actually use.
Hot water service and Solar Hot Water Service
Look for rust or water stains on the tank and wet patches around the surrounding area.
Evaporative air conditioning units
Turn off the system and check the water reservoir, hoses and other connections for visible leaks, cracks or loose fittings. Look for any water pooling around the base of the unit.
Sprinkler systems
Inspect the lawn along your sprinkler line for any wet spots on the grass or plants around the sprinkler lines and look for any substantially ‘greener’ patches.
Swimming pool
If the water level in your pool is dropping, even when no one has been swimming, it could be a sign of a leak. Check if the pool decking or surrounding tiles / concrete have wet spots or cracks and look for moisture around the filter, pump, heater, and valves.
Contact a plumber
If you can’t find the source or need help with repairs, we recommend contacting a registered plumber.