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How to check for leaks
If you have a high water bill and think your property might have a leak, here’s how to check what’s going on.
Step 1: Eliminate other possibilities
Check your meter Did we read your meter correctly? We do our best but can make mistakes sometimes. Learn more about water meters.
Did we read your meter correctly? We do our best but can make mistakes sometimes. Learn more about water meters.
Check your bill If you received an actual bill, it could be higher than expected. Actual bills reflect your true usage against estimates. If your previous estimated bill was too low, your actual bill reflects this. It’s a ‘catch-up’ bill. Learn more about higher than usual bills.
If you received an actual bill, it could be higher than expected. Actual bills reflect your true usage against estimates. If your previous estimated bill was too low, your actual bill reflects this. It’s a ‘catch-up’ bill. Learn more about higher than usual bills.
Check your usage Having guests stay, doing more laundry or watering your garden can all increase your usage and total bill. Learn more about saving water at home.
Having guests stay, doing more laundry or watering your garden can all increase your usage and total bill. Learn more about saving water at home.
Step 2: Do a leak test
1. Plan ahead Pick a time when you won’t use water, like overnight.
Pick a time when you won’t use water, like overnight.
2. Record meter Go to your water meter and record the current meter reading. Learn more.
Go to your water meter and record the current meter reading. Learn more.
3. Wait 4+ hours Do not run taps, flush toilets or use water for 4 hours or more.
Do not run taps, flush toilets or use water for 4 hours or more.
4. Compare readings If your meter number has increased, you are likely to have a leak.
If your meter number has increased, you are likely to have a leak.
Step 3: Check for leaks
If you have a possible leak, your next step is to locate it. Here are a few obvious places to start your search:
Dripping taps
Will a tap not turn off?
Behind dishwasher/washing machine
Are there any signs of water there?
Toilet leaks
Drop food colouring in the cistern and check if the bowl water changes colour without flushing.
Hot water cylinder
Is the relief valve dripping water in the gully trap?
Outside
In dry weather, do you see damp patches in the garden, lawn or driveway?
Listen carefully throughout your checks. Can you still hear running water when no taps, hoses or showers are going?
Next steps if you have a leak
If you find a leak or suspect you have one but can’t locate it, contact a registered plumber. They’ll help you fix your issue or investigate further.
Why it’s worth fixing your leak quickly
If you fix your leak quickly, you might be eligible for a partial credit to your account.
Need financial assistance?
If you can’t afford to pay for leak repairs, contact Work and Income. They may be able to help.
Help for tenants
Landlords are responsible for fixing leaks on their property. If you are a tenant, ask that they act quickly because you’re paying for the water. Learn more about help for tenants.
Related content
Related content
How to find and read your meter to check water use or confirm a leak.
Find out who is responsible for different pipes and where that responsibility starts and finishes.
Learn when to report a fault, call a plumber or take other action to resolve a water issue.
Learn how to prevent blockages and overflows in your home, on your property, and in our network.