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Water leak detection takes the guesswork out of a mystery leak. Instead of opening up walls and floors to hunt for the problem, a plumber uses testing and specialist equipment to pinpoint where water is escaping, then repairs just that section. SuperFox passes your enquiry to one independent local plumber, who calls you back within 24–48 hours to talk through the signs and quote.
What are the signs of a hidden water leak?
Hidden leaks often show up as small clues long before the damage is obvious:
- A water bill noticeably higher than the same period last year
- The water meter moving when no water is being used
- The sound of running water when every tap is off
- Damp patches, bubbling paint or mould on walls or ceilings
- Lifting floorboards, swollen skirting boards or drummy tiles
- A soggy patch of garden or water seeping through paving
- Low water pressure that’s come on gradually
- Warm spots on the floor (a possible hot water pipe leak under a slab)
The meter check. Turn off all taps, the dishwasher, washing machine and irrigation. Read the meter, wait at least 30 minutes without using water, then read it again. If the number has changed, you likely have a leak. SA Water’s website explains how to read your meter. Our guide to low water pressure covers other causes if pressure is the main symptom.
What does a leak detection plumber do?
The plumber works from the broad to the specific:
- Confirms there’s a leak with a meter test and checks visible fixtures, toilets and the hot water relief valve first, because these are common and easy to rule out.
- Narrows it down by isolating sections of pipework, such as hot from cold or inside from outside, and pressure testing each.
- Pinpoints the spot using specialist tools:
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Acoustic listening equipment | Picks up the sound of water escaping from pressurised pipes, even through concrete |
| Thermal imaging camera | Shows temperature differences from leaking hot water pipes or damp areas |
| Moisture meter | Measures moisture in walls, floors and timber |
| Tracer gas | Used in some cases to trace leaks in hard-to-reach pipework |
| Drain camera | Checks drains and sewer pipes for cracks and failed joints |
- Explains the options. Once the leak is found, the plumber quotes the repair. That may be replacing a section of pipe, rerouting a line around a slab, or repairing a fitting. If the cause is failed shower waterproofing rather than pipes, the plumber will tell you, as that may need a waterproofing specialist.
Why are hidden leaks common in Adelaide?
Reactive clay soils. Much of Adelaide is built on clay that shrinks in dry summers and swells in wet winters. That movement stresses pipes under slabs and in the ground, especially older copper and galvanised lines, and can open up joints.
Older homes and pipework. Galvanised steel pipes corrode from the inside, and older copper can develop pinholes. In character homes, pipes may run through solid masonry walls.
Hard water. In areas with harder water, scale can affect valves and fittings over time, contributing to drips and weeps.
High pressure. High mains pressure strains fittings, flexible hoses and appliance connections. The plumber can check whether a pressure-limiting valve would help.
Tank and pump systems. On Hills properties, a pump that keeps cycling on and off when nothing is running is a common sign of a leak. See rainwater tank pumps.
Who is responsible for the leak?
SA Water looks after the water main, the meter and leaks between the main and your meter. Report those to SA Water on 1300 729 283. From the meter into your home, the pipework is the owner’s responsibility, and any water lost through a leak there is recorded on your bill. SA Water may offer a leakage allowance for concealed leaks that have been repaired by a licensed plumber, subject to its conditions, so keep the plumber’s invoice. Don’t touch the meter itself; it belongs to SA Water.
What can you check before the plumber arrives?
Some common leaks are easy to rule out yourself. Listen for a toilet cistern refilling on its own, check under sinks and around the washing machine for damp, look at the hot water unit’s relief valve drain, and walk the garden for soggy patches along the line from the meter to the house. Note what you find for the plumber.
What affects the price of water leak detection?
The plumber quotes once they understand the situation. The main factors are:
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Size of the property | More pipework to test and isolate |
| Location of the leak | Under slabs and inside walls takes longer to pinpoint |
| Equipment needed | Acoustic, thermal and tracer gas tools add to the job |
| Repair method | Spot repair versus rerouting a line |
| Access and making good | Opening and patching walls, tiles or paving |
What to ask the plumber
Plumbing work in South Australia must be done by a licensed plumber, and you can check a licence on the Consumer and Business Services (CBS) public register. Ask:
- What tests will you run, and in what order?
- Will the repair need a certificate of compliance?
- Can you give me paperwork that supports a leakage allowance application?
- Is a reroute better than a repair for this pipe?
If water is pouring out now, turn off the main and see our emergency plumber page. If the leak is a dripping tap or running toilet, see taps and toilets, and our toilet keeps running guide.
Getting it sorted
Send one enquiry through the contact form or call 08 6800 6079, and one local plumber will call you back within 24–48 hours to quote. See all plumbing services on our Adelaide plumber page.