Concealed leaks

A concealed leak is a water leak on your property that is not visible, such as when there is a leak in underground pipes. A concealed leak doesn’t include a leak within your property like a constantly running toilet or a burst pipe in an internal wall. Left untreated, leaks can lead to high water bills and can cause damage to your property.

So, if you suspect a water leak on your property, it's important to identify it early and get it fixed as soon as possible before it becomes an even bigger problem for you.

Water providers read water meters every 3 months and you can track your usage on your bill. However, you should also check your water meter regularly to keep an eye on how much water you’re using.

If your water use has suddenly increased over those 3 months, you might have a leak. Your water provider may also send you a letter to warn you of a potential concealed leak if they notice a large increase in usage.

First you should check your property for visible water leaks from taps, showers, toilets and irrigation systems. Then check for concealed leaks.

To check for concealed leaks, follow these steps:

1. Turn off all taps, water appliances and irrigation at your property.
2. Go to your water meter and record the current reading (the numbers on the meter). Leave your water meter tap turned on.
3. Don’t use any water for one hour, even flushing the toilet.
4. After one hour, check the meter again. If the reading has changed in that hour, there could be a water leak. If the leak is significant you may see your water meter reading increasing straight away.

If you’re a property owner, you’re responsible for installing, repairing, maintaining and replacing all private fittings, mains-connected water tanks and pipes on your property up to the water meter. If you find a concealed leak, turn off your water tap at the meter immediately and call a licensed plumber.

If you're a tenant, you should turn off the water tap at the meter and report the water leak to your property manager or landlord as soon as possible. 

Water providers are responsible for the water meter itself and the pipes leading away from the property. If there’s a problem in the pipes beyond your fence line, it’s the water provider’s job to fix it. If you suspect a water leak beyond your fence line, you should report it to your water provider. A water leak in the water provider’s pipes will not cause your water usage to increase. If you find a leak on the water provider’s pipes and still see usage on the meter, this may indicate both a leak for you and your provider.

Find out more about water providers in Queensland.

If you've received a high bill due to a concealed leak, you may be eligible for financial assistance. Under the Southeast Queensland Water and Wastewater Code, water providers must have a Concealed Leak Policy. These policies outline what needs to be done to successfully apply for financial assistance if a customer is impacted by a concealed leak. To be eligible for financial assistance most providers require you to repair a concealed leak within 30 days of becoming aware of it, this includes when you receive a high usage notification.

To check your eligibility, and to find more advice on water leaks, refer to your water provider:

• City of Gold Coast
• Logan City Council
• Queensland Urban Utilities
• Redland City Council
• Unitywater.