A hidden water leak can cause significant damage to your home before you even realise there is a problem. From unexplained increases in water bills to damp walls, mould and water stains, leaks can be difficult to locate without the right equipment and experience.
A professional leak detection service helps identify the source of a leak without unnecessary damage to walls, floors or other parts of your property. Using specialist equipment and proven detection techniques, a licensed plumber can investigate the problem, locate the affected area and recommend the most appropriate repair.
But what actually happens during a professional leak detection service? Here’s what homeowners can expect.
1. Initial Inspection and Assessment
The first step is understanding the symptoms and identifying where a leak may be occurring.
Your plumber will typically ask about any problems you’ve noticed, such as:
- An unusually high water bill.
- Water meter readings that continue to change when no water is being used.
- Damp patches on walls, ceilings or floors.
- Mould or persistent musty smells.
- Reduced water pressure.
- The sound of running water when taps and appliances are switched off.
- Wet or unusually warm areas around floors and walls.
The plumber will also inspect accessible plumbing fixtures, pipes, taps, toilets and other potential sources of water loss.
This initial assessment helps narrow down the likely location and type of leak.
2. Checking the Water Meter and Plumbing System
One of the simplest ways to investigate a suspected leak is by checking the property’s water meter.
If all taps, appliances and water outlets are switched off but the meter continues to register water usage, it may indicate a leak somewhere in the plumbing system.
A plumber may also isolate different sections of the water supply to determine whether the problem is coming from an internal pipe, an external water line or a particular fixture.
These checks help establish whether water is escaping from the plumbing system and guide the next stage of the investigation.
3. Using Specialist Leak Detection Equipment
Once the potential problem area has been identified, a plumber may use specialist equipment to locate the leak more accurately.
The equipment selected depends on the type of plumbing system, the suspected leak location and the surrounding building materials.
Acoustic Leak Detection
Acoustic equipment detects the sound and vibrations produced by water escaping from pressurised pipes.
Specialist listening devices can help plumbers identify unusual sounds beneath concrete slabs, behind walls and in other concealed locations.
Thermal Imaging Cameras
Thermal imaging cameras detect differences in surface temperature.
When water escapes from a pipe, it can create temperature variations in nearby building materials. A thermal camera may help identify these patterns and narrow down the area requiring further investigation.
Thermal imaging is particularly useful in certain concealed pipe and moisture investigations, although temperature differences do not automatically confirm a leak.
Moisture Meters
Moisture meters measure moisture levels in materials such as plasterboard, timber and masonry.
They help identify areas that may have been affected by water and can assist in tracing the spread of moisture away from the original leak.
Pressure Testing
Where appropriate, a plumber may conduct pressure testing to assess whether a section of pipework is maintaining pressure.
A pressure drop can indicate a potential leak, although further investigation may be needed to establish its exact location.
4. Locating the Source of the Leak
After completing the necessary tests, the plumber uses the findings to narrow down the leak’s location.
This is an important part of the process because the visible signs of water damage are not always directly above or beside the source of the leak.
For example, water escaping from a pipe beneath a bathroom floor may travel through surrounding materials before appearing as a damp patch in another room.
Accurate leak detection helps avoid unnecessary demolition and allows repairs to be targeted more precisely.
5. Explaining the Findings and Recommending Repairs
Once the investigation is complete, your plumber should explain what has been identified and discuss the available repair options.
Depending on the problem, the recommended solution may include:
- Repairing or replacing a damaged section of pipe.
- Fixing leaking taps, toilets or plumbing connections.
- Repairing a leaking hot water system.
- Addressing damaged underground water pipes.
- Investigating concealed leaks beneath floors or within walls.
- Considering pipe relining where the condition and location of the pipe make it suitable.
The repair method will depend on the type of pipe, the extent of the damage and the accessibility of the affected area.
Your plumber should explain the proposed work and any associated costs before proceeding.
6. Completing the Repair and Checking the System
If you approve the recommended repair, the plumber can arrange or carry out the necessary work.
After the repair, the affected plumbing may be tested again to check that the leak has been addressed and the system is operating as expected.
Depending on the extent of the water damage, additional drying, restoration or building work may also be required. Plumbing repairs do not automatically resolve mould or structural damage that has already occurred.
When Should You Arrange Professional Leak Detection?
It is worth arranging a plumbing inspection if you notice signs of a possible hidden leak.
Some warning signs include:
- Your water bill has increased without an obvious explanation.
- You can hear water running when everything is switched off.
- There are damp patches or unexplained water stains.
- Mould keeps returning despite cleaning.
- Your water pressure has suddenly decreased.
- Your water meter registers usage when no water is being consumed.
Leaving a leak unresolved can lead to further water damage, wasted water and potentially more expensive repairs.
If you suspect a significant leak, turn off the water supply if it is safe and practical to do so, and contact a licensed plumber.
Why Choose a Professional Leak Detection Plumber?
Finding a hidden leak can be challenging, particularly when pipes are concealed beneath concrete, behind walls or underground.
A professional plumber has the knowledge and equipment to investigate the plumbing system, assess the available evidence and identify an appropriate repair strategy.
Professional leak detection can also help reduce unnecessary disruption by narrowing down the affected area before repair work begins.
Book a Leak Detection Service with A to Z Plumbing
If you suspect a hidden water leak at your property, A to Z Plumbing can help investigate the problem and recommend a suitable solution.
Our experienced team provides residential plumbing services across Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, helping homeowners address leaking pipes and other plumbing problems.
Don’t ignore unexplained water usage, damp patches or signs of moisture damage.
Call A to Z Plumbing on 1800 600 545 to discuss your plumbing problem and arrange assistance.