Check for leaks
One little leak can turn into a whole lot of water and money. You could save bucket loads on your water usage by checking for leaks or updating your contact details to get leak alerts.
On this page
What could be causing my high water use?
Some leaks are easy to spot, such as a dripping tap. Others can be harder to detect and may cause damp patches, mould, or damage to your property over time.
A continuous flow of water does not always mean you have a leak. Before calling a plumber, it's important to complete a leak test and check some common causes around your home.
Verify if you have a leak
- Find your water meter
If you live in a house, your water meter is usually located outside near the front garden tap, gate or fence line.
If you live in a unit or apartment, your individual check meter is connected to a main water meter that services the entire complex. Check meters are often located near your front door, driveway or in a service cupboard.
If you're unsure where your check meter is located, contact your building manager, facilities manager or owners corporation. Once you've located your meter, check that the serial number matches the one shown on your bill. - Stop using water
Turn off all taps and water-using appliances, but do not disconnect or isolate anything, including irrigation systems or toilets.
During the test, avoid using any water in your home.
- Read your water meter
If you have a digital water meter, activate it by pressing the button or light sensor for one second, then make a note of the meter reading.
If you have an analogue meter, read the numbers displayed.
- Leave the stop tap on
Do not turn off the stop tap located next to your water meter.
To check if the stop tap is open, turn on a garden tap. If the water flows then the stop tap is open.
Keeping the stop tap on allows water to continue flowing through the meter, which helps identify whether a leak may be present..
- Wait 20 minutes
Do not use any water during this time.
- Check your meter again
Compare the new meter reading with the reading you recorded earlier. If the numbers have changed or the leak indicator/wheel has moved, you may have a leak. Repeat the test to confirm the result.
If the meter shows water being used, you can find out the common leak locations
I have a leak, how do I find it?
If the leak test indicates no water is leaking, you can read more on what could be causing your high usage.
Why could my usage still be high?
