You don’t have to wait until you get a large water bill to know you have a leak. You can check your water meter to see if the dial is turning when no water is being used – this usually indicates a leak.
Not sure which is your meter?
Check this guide: Which meter serves my property?
A simple test will help confirm if you have a leak
-
Pick a time when no water will be used for at least four hours – overnight is a good time.
-
Read your water meter, then read it again after the period of not using any water. Make sure you don’t use any water during the test. For example, if you do an overnight test, you would read your meter at night before bed, then again the first thing in the morning. Find and read your water meter
-
If the meter numbers are higher, this shows that water is being used and it is likely you have a leak.
-
Read all the numbers on the dial (black and red squares).
-
The example below shows that about 25 litres of water were used during the night. This indicates a leak.
How to check for obvious leaks
-
Look for dripping taps.
-
Look behind your dishwasher and washing machine for any signs of water.
-
Check your toilet cisterns. Put a few drops of food colouring in the cistern. If colour ends up in the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
-
See if the hot water cylinder expansion relief valve is letting water drip into the gully trap.
-
In dry weather, look for damp patches in the garden, lawn or driveway.
-
Listen for running water inside your home when no taps, hoses or showers are turned on.
What if I can’t find any leaks?
If your meter dial is moving and no water has been used, you may need to call a registered plumber to check further.