Check for a leak

You may not have expected a higher than usual water bill, so you'll no doubt be wondering what could have caused this spike. A higher than usual bill could be the result of a number of things, but the best place to start is by looking at your latest bill. Consider the following three scenarios before you check for a leak. If you rule out scenarios 1-3, you'll need to do a leak test.

Private leaks - that's water leaking on your side of the meter - are your responsibility to fix, whereas leaks on the public network are our responsibility. Click here to see the diagram of your responsibilities and our responsibilities. If you find a leak on your property you will need to contact a registered plumber to fix it.

To find out how to check for a leak, follow the process below and watch the helpful videos.

Leak test: Step by step process

• Pick a time when no water will be used for at least four hours – overnight is a good time.

• ​Find your meter. If you're not sure which meter is yours, check out this guide: Which meter serves my property?

• 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. DO NOT turn off the tap on the meter during the test - you need to be able to see if the meter dial still moves while you are not using water, as this helps indicate a leak. 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 detect a leak (English language version)

How to detect a leak (Chinese language version)

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• 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.