Found a leak on Power and Water infrastructure?
If you see water leaking from fire hydrants, meters, mains water pipes or valve boxes (they’re the small red boxes at intersections), please report it here as soon as possible. Leaks at work can be reported immediately to your manager or maintenance person.
Are leaking pipes costing you buckets? If your water bill is higher than usual, it might be a leak.
Finding and fixing leaks is a great way for residents and businesses to save water and money – and conserve our precious water supply sources.
Something as simple as a leaking toilet can lose over 200,000 litres of water per year. That’s enough water to fill your average backyard pool many times over!
As you’re responsible for the pipes on your property, it pays to know when you have a leak. Signs of leaking pipes could include a higher than average water bill or an unusual green patch in your yard. If you suspect a leak, conduct a simple test on your water meter.
Simple water meter leak test
A meter leak check is easy for you to do at any time. Aim to check for leaks regularly. Set yourself a reminder, such as when your bill arrives.
- Turn off the water in your home or business. Make sure no one uses any taps or flushes the toilets.
- Go to your water meter and watch for any movement on the dial. Smaller leaks will take longer to show.
If the meter moves - You may have a leak. You can try to find the leak yourself. It might be an easy fix, such as a dripping tap. Or you could contact a plumber to get a quote to find and fix your leak.
If the meter doesn't move - Fantastic! Check for leaks regularly to make sure it stays this way.
Not sure how to read your water meter? Learn more about water meters including how you read them.
Where should I check for leaks?
Outside your home
Territorians love their gardens, with over 60 per cent of our household water used outside. Your garden is also a place where leaks occur regularly. Check your garden every couple of weeks for:
- wet patches
- green spots
- damaged or missing drippers
- joiners or disconnections in the irrigation system. (Leaks in your irrigation may only be visible when the system is on.)
Inside your home
- dripping taps and showerheads
- leaking toilets (you’ll hear noise or water movement in the bowl, or you could put food dye in the cistern and see if it ends up in the bowl).
Watch our video on finding hidden leaks
AWS Finding Hidden Water Leaks
Fixing leaks
If you live in your own home, it can be easy to fix simple leaks yourself. If you’re renting, remember to ask your landlord first.
- look online for ‘how to’ videos
- speak to your local hardware store about your options
- ask a handy neighbour for advice
- contact a licensed plumber
