Warning signs
Signs You May Have
a Hidden Leak
Hidden leaks often reveal themselves indirectly. If you notice any of these signs, it's worth having a professional inspection before the damage worsens:
01
Unexplained spike in your water bill. If your usage hasn't changed but your bill has increased significantly, water is going somewhere it shouldn't be.
02
Sound of running water with nothing on. Hearing water moving through pipes when all taps and appliances are off is a clear signal of a leak somewhere in the system.
03
Damp patches on walls, ceilings or floors. Staining, bubbling paint, warped timber floors or wet patches that appear without an obvious cause point to a leak behind the surface.
04
Hot spots on the floor. Warm areas on a concrete slab floor can indicate a hot water pipe leaking beneath it — a common issue with older in-slab heating or hot water systems.
05
Mould or mildew growth. Persistent mould in areas that aren't exposed to steam or condensation often indicates moisture from a concealed leak feeding into the wall cavity.
06
Wet or unusually green patches in the garden. Lush growth above a supply pipe or sewer line — with no corresponding irrigation — can indicate an underground leak feeding water to that area.
Detection methods
How We Find
Hidden Leaks
The right detection method depends on where the leak is likely to be. We use a combination of these professional-grade techniques to pinpoint a leak precisely before any access is opened:
Acoustic Leak Detection
Sensitive listening equipment amplifies the sound of water escaping under pressure, allowing us to trace the leak's location through solid surfaces without opening anything.
Best for: Under-slab & underground pipes
Thermal Imaging
Infrared thermal cameras detect temperature differentials on surfaces caused by moisture — identifying wet areas behind walls, under floors and within ceilings non-invasively.
Best for: In-wall & ceiling leaks
Pressure Testing
We isolate sections of the pipe network and monitor pressure drop over time to confirm whether a leak exists and in which section — before any physical access is attempted.
Best for: Confirming leak presence
CCTV Pipe Inspection
A camera is inserted into the pipe to visually inspect the internal condition — identifying cracks, joint failures and the precise location of structural damage.
Best for: Drain & sewer lines
Our process
From Detection
to Repair
1
Initial Assessment
We discuss the symptoms you've noticed, review your water meter reading and conduct a visual survey of the property to determine where the leak is most likely located and which detection method is most appropriate.
2
Non-Invasive Detection
Using acoustic equipment, thermal imaging and/or pressure testing, we methodically locate the leak — marking the precise access point needed. This means we open only what's necessary, not large sections of wall or floor.
3
Upfront Repair Quote
Once the leak is located, we provide a clear upfront price for the repair before any access or groundwork is started. You decide whether to proceed — no obligation.
4
Targeted Repair
We carry out the repair with a minimal access footprint — cutting only what's needed, completing the fix to Australian plumbing standards, and pressure-testing the repaired section to confirm it's resolved.
5
Reinstatement & Warranty
We make good any access cuts where possible and leave the area as tidy as we found it. All repairs carry a full workmanship warranty, and we advise on any follow-up work needed such as drying out or replastering.
Common questions
Leak Detection FAQs
A simple water meter test can confirm whether you have an active leak. Turn off all taps and water-using appliances in your home, then note your water meter reading. Wait 30 minutes without using any water, then check the meter again. If the reading has changed, water is flowing somewhere in your system — call us to locate it.
Our goal is always to minimise access. By locating the leak precisely with detection equipment first, we only open what's necessary — typically a single tile or a small section of wall rather than a large area. Some under-slab repairs may require a small core drill hole to access the pipe; we always keep it as small as possible.
It depends on the size of the leak and the pressure of the supply. A pinhole leak in a pressurised supply pipe can waste 50–200 litres per day; a more significant joint failure can waste far more. On SA Water's tiered tariff system, even a relatively small leak can add hundreds of dollars annually to your water bill — and that's before accounting for structural damage costs.
Yes — this is one of the most common scenarios we deal with. Hot water pipes under slabs are detectable using thermal imaging (the warm water creates a heat signature on the floor surface) in combination with acoustic equipment. These leaks are often what causes unexplained warm patches on concrete floors.
SA Water offers a leakage allowance scheme for customers who experience a sudden and undetected leak. You'll typically need to provide a licensed plumber's invoice confirming the leak has been repaired. We can provide the necessary documentation to support a credit application — ask us about this when we attend.
Yes — we're a full-service plumbing team, so once we've located the leak we can carry out the repair in the same visit in most cases. We provide an upfront quote for the repair before proceeding, so there's no obligation if you want to get a second opinion first.
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