Signs that you may have a water leak

Early detection of a water leak in your home can save you money on your water bill and prevent damage to your belongings and property.

How find out if you have a water leak?

Apart from the obvious signs of a water leak, like a puddle near the water pipe or a dripping fitting, most people don't know how to detect a leak until it's too late. And a small water leak can turn into a big problem if not repaired sooner than later.

With the advances in detection technology, testing for water leaks has come a long way over the last 10 years. Plumbers now have the ability to precisely detect leaks in pipes and drains, allowing for prompt, targeted repairs.

Thermal imaging can be used to locate leaks within walls and flooring. Even if an area is just beginning to show signs of dampness or moisture. The problem can be detected before significant damage occurs with a thermal image camera.

Signs you have a water leak

Sounds of running water

If you can hear running water, check your taps, toilet valves, and outdoor spigots (hose bib). If you are unable to locate a leak, take a reading of your water metre, and don't use any water for a few hours. If the reading has changed, chances are you do have a leak.

Wet or damp floors

Wet floors or damp carpets could be an indicator you have a leak. Don't risk the health of your family and home, you will need to call in a professional to have the issue assessed. Leaks will not just go away. Ignoring the problem will allow moisture to build up, causing mould or mildew. This can create an unpleasant odour and become toxic and harmful to your household.

Unusually high water bill

This is often a clear sign something isn’t right as water bills generally remain quite consistent. Unless you have had house guests or perhaps used extra water to fill up a pool which can increase your water consumption in the short term, a spike in your water bill is a good indicator of a leak in your home.

Foul odours

When something is damp or wet for any length of time the odour is undeniable. Mould and mildew begin to grow within 24-48 hours in damp areas. If you think the odour is leak-related it’s important to get a plumber out as soon as possible to isolate the leak and repair the damage from rapid fungi growth.

Fast growth lawn

When a patch of lawn is growing at a rapid rate and looking lush and green compared to the surrounding grass, this can be a prime indicator of a leaking pipe or drain underground. The excess water leaking under the lawn is giving that patch a big boost. Left untreated, your water bill could be sky-high and the damage to your yard, if the leak is from a sewer drain, could become hazardous.

Cracks in walls

Over time, even the smallest of leaks can cause cracks in the foundation of your home.

Long-term leaks will cause structures to eventually weaken, this is when cracks appear. This can be a dangerous situation as it may compromise your entire home structure. If you see vertical or diagonal cracks in your walls, it’s time to call in a plumber.

Common areas of water leaks

In the mains water line before the metre
Along the water pipe between the meter and the building
At the hot water system (including roof-mounted solar hot water systems)
In fixtures, such as shower heads or taps
Drain pipes and connections - sewer or stormwater
Within appliance fittings, like washing machines or dishwasher hoses, garbage disposal systems, or sprinkler systems.

Leak detection Sydney

If you are experiencing any of the six signs of a water leak, it's time to call in the experts in leak detection and repair at Pure Plumbing Professionals Sydney.

Unlike many leak detection services our team of fully qualified plumbers is able to fix the leak once it has been found, providing our customers with a complete water leak solution. Contact us at 02 9191 7374 to find the leak and fix it. Alternatively, complete our service request form today.