WATER LEAK DETECTION WOLLONGONG

We follow a systematic and professional process to ensure your leak is found and fixed with minimal disruption.

1. Initial Consultation: When you call, we listen carefully to your concerns and ask questions to understand the problem. We may offer immediate advice, such as how to shut off your water.
2. Site Assessment: Our plumber arrives on time and conducts a thorough visual inspection of your property, looking for the common signs of a leak.
3. Non-Invasive Testing: Using our advanced diagnostic tools, we begin the detection process, starting with the least invasive methods to narrow down the location.
4. Pinpoint Location: We methodically trace the source until we have pinpointed the exact location of the leak with the highest possible accuracy.
5. Provide Options and a Quote: Once the leak is found, we explain the problem clearly, outline your repair options, and provide a fixed, upfront price for the work.
6. Immediate Make-Safe or Repair: With your approval, we can often perform an immediate repair. If the job is complex, we will perform a “make-safe” to stop the leak and prevent further damage before scheduling the full repair.
7. Re-Test and Verify: After the repair is complete, we re-pressurise and test the system to ensure the leak is 100% fixed.
8. Clean Up: We treat your home with respect and always clean up our work area thoroughly.
9. Prevention Advice: We provide tips on how to prevent future leaks and monitor your plumbing system.
10. Detailed Reporting: If required, we can provide a comprehensive report with photos for your insurance company or strata manager.

Your water meter is designed to detect any flow, no matter how small. When you see movement on the meter but know you are not using any water, it is a direct signal that water is escaping somewhere. Different types of movement can point to different problems.

• Constant, steady movement: If your meter’s dial is spinning continuously, you likely have a significant, active leak. This could be a burst pipe under your lawn in Figtree or a major fault in a fixture. This situation requires immediate professional attention to prevent major water loss and property damage.
• Slow or occasional movement: A dial that creeps forward slowly, or a number that ticks over every few minutes, indicates a small but persistent leak. While it may seem minor, a slow drip from a tap or a leaky toilet in your Corrimal home can waste thousands of litres of water over a year, adding up to huge bills.
• Movement only at night: If you notice your meter ticking over during the quiet hours, it often points to a concealed issue. Common causes include a toilet cistern that is quietly refilling itself or a temperature and pressure relief valve on a hot water system that is failing.
• A quick spin after a toilet flush: If you notice the meter’s dial moves a little, long after the toilet cistern has refilled, it suggests the cistern’s outlet valve is not sealing properly, allowing water to constantly seep into the bowl.

Ignoring these signs can lead to warped floors, electrical hazards, and expensive structural repairs.

Your water meter is your home’s most reliable early warning system for hidden water leaks. While a surprise high water bill is a clear sign of trouble, understanding what your meter is telling you can help you catch a problem early. If your meter shows water is flowing when all taps and appliances are off, you almost certainly leak in your property.

1. Our professional, licensed plumber will arrive within the scheduled window.
2. We confirm the presence of a leak by checking your water meter.
3. Using our diagnostic tools, we systematically trace the water loss to its source.
4. We explain the problem clearly, show you the evidence, and provide upfront pricing for repair options.
5. With your approval, we will perform a make-safe or complete the repair on the spot if possible.
6. We re-test the system to ensure the leak is fixed and provide you with prevention advice, such as suggestions for regular maintenance.

Our leak detection specialists are ready to provide prompt service across the entire region, including:

• North Wollongong
• Figtree
• Dapto
• Corrimal
• Fairy Meadow
• Warrawong
• Shellharbour
• Unanderra
• Towradgi
• Balgownie
• Port Kembla
• Berkeley
• Albion Park
• Kiama
• And all surrounding suburbs!

The cost involves a service fee for the detection process. The total price depends on the complexity and time required to pinpoint the leak. We provide a transparent, upfront price for both detection and repair.

Most common leaks can be found within 1-2 hours. However, very complex or multiple leaks can take longer. Our goal is to be as efficient as possible without sacrificing accuracy.

Our methods are non-invasive. We aim to find the leak with minimal disruption. In most cases, we can locate the leak without any cutting or digging. If access is required for a repair, it will be minimal and targeted.

Your main water shut-off valve is usually located at the front of your property, near the water meter. Turn the handle or tap clockwise until it stops.

We use our specialised acoustic and tracer gas equipment to pinpoint the exact location. Repair options can then be discussed, which may include a direct repair or re-routing the pipe to bypass the damaged section.

If possible, turn off your main water supply to prevent further damage. If the leak is near electrical outlets, turn off the power to that area at your switchboard. Move any furniture or valuables away from the affected area.

To find hidden leaks without causing unnecessary damage to your property, we use a combination of advanced diagnostic tools and proven techniques. Our plumbers are highly trained in using this specialised equipment to pinpoint the exact location of the problem.

Acoustic Leak Detection

This is one of the most effective methods for finding leaks in pressurised pipes. We use highly sensitive ground microphones and listening devices to “hear” the distinct sound vibrations that escaping water creates. By tracing the sound to its loudest point, our plumbers can accurately locate the leak, even if it is buried deep underground or within a concrete slab.

Thermal Imaging Cameras

Our thermal imaging cameras detect minute temperature differences on surfaces. When a hot water pipe is leaking, it will create a warm plume in the surrounding area, which shows up clearly on the camera’s display. This technology is invaluable for finding leaks in hot water lines concealed within walls, floors, and ceilings without any invasive cutting. It can also identify cold spots caused by moisture from cold water leaks.

Tracer Gas Testing

For particularly elusive leaks or situations where acoustic and thermal methods are inconclusive, we use tracer gas. A safe, non-toxic gas mixture (typically hydrogen and nitrogen) is introduced into the drained pipe system. The gas is lighter than air and will escape at the leak point, rising to the surface. We then use a sensitive gas “sniffer” or detector to identify the precise location where the gas is emerging.

Moisture Meters

These handheld devices allow us to measure the moisture content of various building materials, such as drywall, timber, and concrete. By taking readings at different points, we can map the extent of water saturation and trace the moisture back to its source, confirming the presence of a leak and identifying the affected area.

Pipe and Cable Locators

Before we begin any excavation, it is essential to know exactly where your pipes and other utilities are located. We use electronic locators that transmit a signal along a pipe, allowing us to trace its path and depth accurately. This prevents accidental damage to other services and ensures we dig in the correct spot.

Pressure Testing

To confirm if a specific section of pipework is leaking, we can isolate it and subject it to a pressure test. We use a pump to fill the pipe with water or air to a designated pressure. If the pressure drops over a set period, it confirms a leak exists within that isolated line, helping us narrow down the search area significantly.

CCTV Drain Cameras

For leaks suspected in drainage or sewer lines, we use high-resolution CCTV drain cameras. A flexible rod with a camera on its tip is fed into the pipe, sending a live video feed back to our monitor. This allows us to visually inspect the entire length of the pipe for cracks, breaks, root intrusion, or separated joints that could be causing leaks.

Dye Testing

A simple yet effective method, dye testing involves introducing a brightly coloured, non-staining dye into the plumbing system, such as a toilet or drain. If the coloured water appears in an area where it should not be (like the base of the toilet or a downstream manhole), it confirms the path of the leak.

Isolation and Step Testing

This methodical process involves systematically shutting off different sections of your plumbing system to isolate the leak. By monitoring the water meter after each step, we can determine which branch line or fixture is responsible for the water loss, greatly reducing the search area.