Water leaking from tap

Leaks are costly and wasteful, but there are a few steps you can take to ensure you diagnose and repair water leaks as quickly as possible. Keep in mind that:

  • dripping taps waste 20 000 litres per year.
  • a leaking toilet can waste 1 000 litres per day which is enough to fill 500 watering cans.

Leaks can occur in the pipes that take water from your meter to the house and to inside and outside taps. Some appliances and fittings may also leak.

 

How to monitor and prevent leaks at home

By checking your water meter monthly you can monitor your water usage and quickly identify any leaks on the property. Generally water meters are located on the footpath in line with the left or right boundary of your property with a cement or plastic lid.

How to do a water meter test

  1. Turn off all taps in the house and garden.
  2. Read the meter and write down the number.
  3. Don't use water for 30 minutes.
  4. Read the meter again after 30 minutes.
    • If the meter number has changed, you have a water leak on the property and will need to check inside and outside the home for the leak.

How to check your toilet system for leaks

You can check whether your toilet system is leaking by pouring toilet blue into the cistern then observing whether an colour discharges into the bowl before you flush.

 

Common places to check for leaks

  • Check for dripping taps in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry.
  • Check for leaking washing machine or dishwasher connections.
  • Look for damp patches on walls in case of leaking pipes.
  • Test the toilet cistern for leaks by dropping a few drops of food colouring in the tank and waiting 15 minutes. If there is colouring in the toilet bowl after the 15 minutes, the cistern is leaking.
  • Check outdoor garden taps, hoses, irrigation, sprinklers.
  • Keep an eye out for damp patches on the lawn, in the garden or on paved areas.
  • Check hot water systems and air conditioning units.
  • Keep an eye out for unexplained wet soil or green patches of grass.

 

Hidden/undetectable leaks

Hidden/undetectable leaks are leaks that don't leave noticeable indicators e.g. the leak is under the driveway, inside a wall, under the house. To avoid a costly surprise, you should regularly perform a water meter test and stay alert for indications of leaks on the property.

If you can't find the source of the leak, a licensed plumber can test your pipes to determine where the problem lies.

You may like to apply for a discount on your water rates using our water relief application process.

 

Reporting a leak on Council land

If you spot a water leak on Council land (this includes: on the footpath, at the water meter, on the road, in a Council owned building or in a park) please let us know as soon as possible so we can fix it as quickly as possible to minimise the amount of water lost. 

To report a water leak call our Customer Service team on 131 872. 

We will ask you some details about the leak so please have the following information ready:

  • Location details (if possible provide the exact address, street name, park name, suburb).
  • Where is the leak coming from (e.g. out of the ground, out of the water meter)? 
  • How quickly is the leak spilling?

Leaks at the water meter

If you notice water leaking from the water meter, it may be the property owners responsibility or it could be the responsibility of Council. To find out if the leak is on the consumer side of the property, simply:

  1. Turn off all taps in the house and garden.
  2. Read the meter and write down the number.
  3. Don't use water for 30 minutes.
  4. Read the meter again after 30 minutes.
    • If the meter number has changed, the water leak is on the consumer side (the property owners responsibility). The property owner/real estate agent will need to arrange for a licensed plumber to complete the repairs.
    • If the meter number hasn't changed, the water leak is on the Council side. Call 131 872 and report the leak as soon as possible.

Leak checkers

To ensure we’re saving water wherever possible, our staff will be conducting water leak checks on properties in areas with a high average water consumption. These checks help residents identify and repair any water leaks on their property. 

Our staff will check for leaks by taking a meter reading, wait 30 minutes, then take another reading. If the reading is different, there may be a leak on the property.

If you aren't home, we will leave a calling card in the mailbox to let you know that you may have a water leak.