Key takeaways
- The water meter test is the simplest DIY check you can do
- Warm spots on the floor can indicate a hot water pipe leak
- Unexplained bill spikes are a classic red flag
Hidden leaks are sneaky. Because you can't see them, they can run for months — damaging your home and quietly inflating your water bill. The good news is there's a simple test you can do yourself. (If it's just a drip you can see, our guide to tap repairs is a better place to start.)
The water meter test
- Turn off every tap and water-using appliance in the house
- Find your water meter and note the exact reading
- Wait 1–2 hours without using any water
- Check the meter again — if the numbers moved, you likely have a leak
Other tell-tale signs
- A sudden, unexplained jump in your water bill
- Damp patches, bubbling paint or mould on walls or ceilings
- A musty smell that won't go away
- Warm spots on the floor (a leaking hot water pipe)
- The sound of running water when everything's off
Tip: Don't go knocking holes in walls to find it. Licensed plumbers use acoustic and thermal leak-detection gear to pinpoint the exact spot, so repairs stay small and targeted. Learn how our leak detection in Adelaide works.
