6 Signs You Need Professional Leak Detection
A hidden leak can waste hundreds of dollars per month and damage your foundation. Learn the warning signs and why professional detection saves money.
Common Signs
Unexplained spike in water bill
Usage jumped 20–50% with no change in habits. Hidden leak likely in pipes underground or in walls.
Sound of running water when no taps are on
Hear water moving through walls or floors constantly. Underground water leak or burst pipe inside walls.
Wet patches on walls, ceiling, or floor
Dampness appearing in unexpected areas. Water escaping from pipes inside walls or slabs.
Soft spots in lawn or garden
Grass unusually green and soggy in one area. Underground sewer or water pipe leaking beneath.
Mold or musty smell in home
Persistent dampness smell despite ventilation. Leak trapped inside walls causing moisture buildup.
Pressure drop at taps or shower
Water pressure suddenly weak. Large leak diverting flow before it reaches taps.
Why This Happens
Corroded Pipes
Copper and galvanized pipes corrode over 20–30 years. Tiny holes develop, water escapes slowly into walls and ground.
Tree Root Infiltration
Underground sewer lines cracked by tree roots. Water leaks out, roots fill cracks. Hidden but progressive damage.
High Water Pressure
Pressure over 80 PSI stresses pipes. Joints and fittings fail gradually. Causes slow leaks inside walls.
Poor Installation or Movement
Pipes installed with sharp bends or improper support. House settling shifts pipes, creating micro-cracks.
Slab Leaks
Pipes running through concrete foundation fail without warning. Leak sits under slab, damaging foundation before noticed.
When to Call a Plumber
Call us immediately if your water bill spiked, you hear water running, or see wet patches. We use thermal imaging, acoustic listening, and pressure testing to find leaks. Early detection prevents structural damage and saves money.
Why Ignoring Leaks Costs More
A small 1mm leak can waste 400+ liters of water per day. Over 3 months, that's $300–$600 in wasted water plus structural damage.
Early Detection ($300–$500)
- ✓ Find leak with thermal imaging
- ✓ Isolate problem area
- ✓ Repair section of pipe
- ✓ Minimize damage
Delayed (Costs $2,000+)
- ✗ Structural damage accumulates
- ✗ Foundation cracks develop
- ✗ Mold grows inside walls
- ✗ Expensive remediation needed
How We Find Hidden Leaks
Thermal Imaging
Heat camera shows temperature differences where water is escaping. Non-invasive, pinpoints leak location within inches.
Acoustic Listening
Ultra-sensitive microphone detects sound of water escaping. Works for slab leaks and underground pipes.
Pressure Testing
Isolate sections of pipe, apply pressure, measure drop. Identifies which line is leaking.
CCTV Inspection (Drains)
Camera inside sewer line shows cracks where water escapes or tree roots infiltrate.
Prevention
- ✓ Monitor water bill — sudden jumps mean investigation
- ✓ Check for soft spots — walk yard regularly, note wet patches
- ✓ Professional inspection annually — if home is over 20 years old
- ✓ Maintain water pressure — aim for 60–80 PSI, install regulator if higher
- ✓ Replace old pipes proactively — copper/galvanized over 25 years likely failing
Still not sure?
Call our experts. We'll diagnose the issue and advise the best solution.
Call 1300 158 895