Diagnose a problem
How to find a hidden water leak (the meter test)
Damp patches, a musty smell or a jump in your water bill can all point to a hidden leak. You can confirm it in about an hour with nothing more than your water meter.
The meter test
Turn off every water-using thing in the house: taps, toilets, dishwasher, washing machine, irrigation. Read your water meter and note the small leak indicator (a tiny triangle or dial), which should be still. Wait an hour or two without using any water, then read it again. If the numbers moved, or the leak indicator is spinning, you have a leak.
Inside or outside?
To narrow it down, turn off the stop tap where the water enters the house and repeat. If the leak indicator stops, the leak is inside or under the house. If it keeps moving, the leak is between the meter and the house, often an underground pipe.
When to call
Hidden and underground leaks are hard to pinpoint without acoustic leak-detection gear. If the meter test confirms a leak, a plumber can locate it precisely and open up only where needed, rather than guessing.
Common questions
Could a leak cost me money even if I cannot see it?
Absolutely. A running toilet or an underground leak can waste thousands of litres and add a lot to your bill while leaving no obvious sign except the meter ticking over.
What are the common signs of a hidden leak?
A rising bill with no change in use, damp or discoloured walls or floors, a musty smell, reduced water pressure, or the sound of running water when everything is off.
Need a hand with this?
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