Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

How to Find Water Leaks

  • Written by Samantha Ball


Have you noticed damp patches around your home, or is your water bill suddenly much higher than expected? A water leak could be to blame. Here's how to find those pesky leaks around your home and how to fix them.

How to Find Water Leaks

Water leaks are a really common household problem. But although it's easier to confirm you have a leak by checking the water meter, you can still find many leaks without relying on the meter numbers. 

Often, leaks come from:

  • Taps around the house

  • Pipes around sinks

  • Toilet cisterns and waste pipes

  • Showers

  • Baths

  • Heating pipes

So, even if you don't have a water meter, bathrooms, kitchens, and loft spaces are good places to start your inspection. 

Without a Water Meter

  • First, look for obvious signs of leakage. This could be damp patches, wet spots, mould, or visible drips. 

  • Next, check for foul smells, damaged caulking, and loose floor tiles. These are all signs of possible leaks. 

  • If you've narrowed down the location, see if you can inspect the pipes, drains, and valves around the area. If they're inaccessible, call a plumber.

Using Your Water Meter

Got a water meter? It's much easier to detect underground or other awkward leaks this way. 

  • Turn off your taps and check the reading on your water meter.

  • Wait at least 10-15 minutes.

  • Check if the meter reading changes. If it does, there's a leak. Big changes mean bigger leaks.  

How to Fix a Leak

So you've detected a water leak. How do you fix it? It depends on whether it's a very minor leak or something more complicated.

Minor Water Leaks

If you notice a leaking faucet or a small leak from your toilet, you may be able to fix this on your own. 

Dripping Taps

Broken washers are usually behind leaking taps. So, turn off the water at the mains and close off the dripping tap. Take off the tap handle, flange, and spindle, and replace the washer. If this doesn't fix the problem, contact a plumber.

Got a leaking tap? Don't ignore it – you're potentially wasting around 2 litres of water every hour!

Toilet Leak

Sometimes all you need to do is change a valve, like the flapper valve, to fix leaks coming from the tank. You can find these valves in hardware stores, but remember – you need to turn off every toilet around your home before changing a valve. 

Other Water Leaks

Although you can fix some water leaks yourself, some leaks will require a licenced plumber to clear. Call a plumber if you have:

  • Leaking pipes

  • A sewage system leak 

  • Leaks from the heating system

  • Multiple leaks 

  • Any leak at all if you're unsure where it's coming from or how to fix it

Conclusion

Identifying a water leak is, thankfully, less complicated than it sounds. But remember, it's always best to contact a plumber if you're at all concerned about water leaks in or around your home. And, unless it's a very minor leak, you shouldn't attempt a leak repair yourself. 


Beyond Sunscreen: Building a Sun-Smart Culture in Modern Australia

Australia’s sun-soaked lifestyle is a defining part of its national identity. From beaches and sports fields to weekend barbecues and bushwalks, t...

What is Power BI & Why Should Your Business Use It?

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly searching for ways to gain a competitive edge. One tool that has emerged as a game-changer i...

From Service to Strength: How Aussie Veterans Are Rebuilding Their Lives with Everyday Support

Life after military service can bring new challenges. From physical limitations to mental health hurdles, many Australian veterans find everyday hou...

The Best Times of Year to Buy a Caravan

If you're shopping for caravans for sale, timing matters almost as much as the layout and features you desire. The calendar shapes price, stock and ...

The Growing Demand for Smart Living Through Home Automation

Technology has reshaped how we communicate, work, and travel—but now, it’s also changing the way we live at home. The rise of home automation i...

Beyond Clicks and Likes: Why Many Small Businesses in Australia Still Aren’t Leveraging Digital Marketing in 2025

Introduction In 2025, online marketing has become the driving force behind business growth for companies of all sizes. Yet, despite its proven effect...

Lighting Shop Perth: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Lighting Solutions

Lighting is a fundamental element in defining the ambiance, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of any space. Whether you are renovating your home, ...

Private Booze Cruisers – The New Must-Have Toy for Cashed Up Millennials

Did you hear that your 30s are the new 20s? We’ve finally rocked up that adult money and now it’s time to play with it. I was going for a walk ...

Grinding & Jaw Soreness: Signs You Might Need Night Guards and How We Protect Enamel

Waking with a tight jaw, tender muscles, or a dull temple headache is more than a bad night’s sleep. Many Australians grind or clench their teeth ...

Circular Interior Design: Furnishing with Salvaged & Reclaimed Materials

Circular interior design is gradually making its way from niche circles into mainstream Australian homes. At its core, this approach revolves around...

Invisible Braces vs Traditional Braces: Which Is Best for Adults?

Straightening teeth as an adult is common in Australia, and the options are better than ever. The two main choices are clear aligners, also called i...

Smoking, Vaping, and Healing: How Nicotine Affects Sockets and What you can do About it

Nicotine and oral surgery are a poor mix. After an wisdom teeth removal in Sydney, your body needs a stable blood clot and steady blood flow to rebu...

Titanium and Bone: How Dental Implants Become Part of the Jaw

Dental implants replace missing teeth by anchoring a metal fixture in the jaw and fitting a crown on top. Their success rests on a biological event ...

Do Wisdom Teeth Really Make You Wiser? Debunking Old Beliefs

Wisdom teeth are among the most discussed teeth in dentistry, not because of their function but because of the myths that surround them. The name it...

How Long Do Dental Implants Really Last? The Facts Dentists Won’t Skip

Australians often ask one simple question before green-lighting treatment: how long will a dental implant actually last? The short answer is that th...

The Confidence Curve: Why Implants Change the Way You Carry Yourself

Losing a tooth is not just a physical change; it alters the way people see themselves and how they believe others perceive them. While dentistry has...

Why Reliable Air Conditioning Services Are Essential for Year-Round Comfort

Melbourne’s climate is known for its unpredictable swings—from scorching summers to chilly winters. This variability makes it crucial for homes ...

Expert Plumbing Solutions in Perth: From Hot Water Systems to Leak Detection

Plumbing is one of those things we often take for granted—until something goes wrong. From stepping into an unexpectedly cold shower to discovering ...

LIFE STYLE

Beyond Sunscreen: Building a Sun-Smart Culture in Modern Australia

Australia’s sun-soaked lifestyle is a defining part of its national identity. From beaches and sports fields to weekend barbecues and bushwalks, the outdoors is woven into everyday life. However, this...

From Service to Strength: How Aussie Veterans Are Rebuilding Their Lives with Everyday Support

Life after military service can bring new challenges. From physical limitations to mental health hurdles, many Australian veterans find everyday household tasks difficult to manage on their own. For those...

The Growing Demand for Smart Living Through Home Automation

Technology has reshaped how we communicate, work, and travel—but now, it’s also changing the way we live at home. The rise of home automation is making everyday tasks more convenient, secure...

Lighting Shop Perth: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Lighting Solutions

Lighting is a fundamental element in defining the ambiance, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of any space. Whether you are renovating your home, outfitting a commercial building, or designing an outdoor...

Private Booze Cruisers – The New Must-Have Toy for Cashed Up Millennials

Did you hear that your 30s are the new 20s? We’ve finally rocked up that adult money and now it’s time to play with it. I was going for a walk...

Circular Interior Design: Furnishing with Salvaged & Reclaimed Materials

Circular interior design is gradually making its way from niche circles into mainstream Australian homes. At its core, this approach revolves around rethinking how we furnish our spaces, prioritising reuse...