How to Check for a Hidden Water Leak (and Why Your Retic Might Be to Blame)
A higher water bill than usual, or a damp patch that will not dry out, can both point to a leak you cannot see. The good news is that you can check for one yourself in under an hour using your water meter. This is especially worth doing now, as homeowners across Baldivis, Rockingham and Mandurah switch their reticulation back on after the winter break.
How do I check my water meter for a leak?
The meter test is simple and is the best place to start:
Turn off every tap and water-using appliance, inside and out. That includes the retic, dishwasher, washing machine and any evaporative air conditioner.
Find your water meter, usually near the front boundary, and write down the reading.
Wait 30 to 60 minutes without using any water.
Check the meter again.
If the numbers have moved, or the small dial on the meter is still turning, water is escaping somewhere.
Why does retic often leak after winter?
Reticulation sits idle for months over the winter sprinkler switch-off. When it starts up again, the pressure can expose problems that developed while it was off. Common ones include:
Split or cracked poly pipe, often from roots or garden work
Sticking or leaking solenoid valves
Broken or damaged sprinkler heads
Leaks at the retic connection near the house
Watch for soggy patches of lawn, water pooling between watering days, or one section of garden that is always wetter than the rest.
What are the other common culprits?
Not every leak is outside. These are the ones we find most often in homes across Perth’s southern suburbs:
Running toilets. Add a few drops of food colouring to the cistern and wait 15 minutes without flushing. If colour appears in the bowl, the cistern is leaking.
Dripping taps and garden taps. A slow drip adds up to a lot of water over a few months.
Hot water system relief valve. A small amount of water while the unit is heating is normal, but a constant flow is not.
Pipes in walls or under the slab. Look for damp walls, mould, lifting floors, a warm spot on a tiled floor, or the sound of running water when everything is off.
When should I call a plumber?
Call us if your meter keeps moving with everything turned off, if you can see damp or water damage, or if your bill has jumped and you cannot find the cause. The longer a hidden leak runs, the more water it wastes and the more damage it can do.
Book a leak check today
If you think you have a hidden leak in Baldivis, Rockingham, Mandurah, Secret Harbour or anywhere across Perth’s southern suburbs, the Willows Plumbing & Gas team can track it down and fix it.
Call 0467 981 596 or book online.
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