Acoustic leak detection · Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane & Gold Coast · 24/7
Acoustic Leak Detection
Acoustic leak detection finds leaking water pipes by listening for the sound of water escaping under pressure, through concrete, soil, paving and walls. Our licensed technicians use ground microphones and listening equipment to follow the pipe and pinpoint where the noise is loudest, so the leak is marked before anything is dug up or broken. From $398 inc. GST for the first hour in metro Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with a written report.
How acoustic leak detection works
Water escaping from a pressurised pipe makes a hiss or rush that travels along the pipe and up through the ground. We first pressure test to prove which line is leaking, then follow the pipe route with ground microphones and listening sticks. The sound is loudest directly above the leak, which is where we mark it.
Acoustic listening works best on metal pipes and leaks that make noise. For very small or quiet leaks, plastic pipes, or busy sites with a lot of background noise, we switch to tracer gas, and we use thermal imaging for hot water leaks in slabs.
*If we can't find the leak you booked us for, you don't pay for the inspection. Ask for details when you book or read our guarantee terms.
What acoustic leak detection is used for
Burst and underground mains
Leaking supply lines under lawns, driveways and paths, found without digging trenches to search. Water leak detection
Leaks under slabs and floors
Supply and hot water pipe leaks under concrete slabs and tiled floors, pinpointed so only a small opening is needed. Thermal imaging inspection
Fire service and commercial lines
Leaks on fire service mains, ring mains and large commercial water lines. Fire service leak detection
How much does acoustic leak detection cost?
First hour on site in metro Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, inc. GST, with no separate call-out fee.
$198 an hour in Victoria and $168 an hour in NSW and Queensland, only if needed. We check with you first.
Pressure testing, acoustic listening, tracer gas if needed, and your written report.
The Mornington Peninsula is $498, Geelong $598, the Surf Coast $898 and regional Victoria from $798. See all prices.
How it works
- Call or book online
Tell us what you're seeing. You get the price before we book. - We prove the leak
A pressure test confirms which line is leaking before we start listening. - We listen for it
Ground microphones and listening sticks follow the pipe until the sound peaks above the leak. - We mark it and report
The leak is marked on site, and you get a report with the test results, photos and a repair scope.
Signs acoustic leak detection can help with
| Sign | Likely cause | How we find it |
|---|---|---|
| Water meter moving with all taps off | Supply pipe leak underground or under the slab | Pressure test, then acoustic listening |
| Jump in your water bill | Hidden leak on the main supply line | Acoustic listening and pressure testing |
| Hissing or running water sound with taps off | Pressurised pipe leak in a wall or floor | Acoustic listening |
| Wet patch or soft ground in the yard | Underground main leaking | Acoustic listening, tracer gas if quiet |
| Low water pressure | Burst or leaking supply pipe | Pressure test, then acoustic listening |
| Fire service pressure dropping | Leak on the fire main or ring main | Pressure testing and acoustic listening |
Your report
Your report includes the pressure test results, where the leak was found and marked, photos, the likely cause and a recommended repair scope for your plumber, water retailer or insurer. Please allow up to 14 days for formal reports. Read more about our insurance reports.
Repairs: our visit is about finding the leak. If you'd like us to fix it, we'll quote the repair and return at another time to complete it, often with trusted independent trades.
Related services
Acoustic leak detection FAQs
How much does acoustic leak detection cost?
$398 inc. GST for the first hour on site in metro Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with the written report included. Extra time is $198 an hour in Victoria and $168 an hour in NSW and Queensland, and we check with you before going past the first hour.
Can acoustic equipment hear a leak through concrete?
Yes. The sound of water escaping a pressurised pipe travels through concrete, soil and paving. Ground microphones amplify it so we can pinpoint the spot above the leak.
Does acoustic leak detection work on plastic pipes?
It can, but plastic pipes carry sound less well than copper or steel, so quiet leaks on plastic lines are often found with tracer gas instead. We choose the method on site.
Will you need to dig to find the leak?
No. We find and mark the leak from above the ground or floor. Digging or opening up is only needed for the repair, at the marked spot.
Can you find leaks on fire service lines?
Yes. We pressure test fire service mains and ring mains, then use acoustic listening and tracer gas to locate the leak on commercial and strata sites.
What happens if you can't find the leak?
Found or you don't pay: if we can't find the leak you booked us for, you don't pay for the inspection. Conditions apply; see our guarantee terms.
Water meter spinning with the taps off? Call 1300 346 353.
Specialized Applications for Acoustic Tech
-
SLAB LEAKS
Ultrasonic Ground Microphones
Pinpointing bursts under concrete foundations without lifting tiles. -
COMMERCIAL FIRE SERVICES
Digital Correlation
Detecting silent leaks in large-scale fire ring mains (up to 2L/min). -
UNDERGROUND MAINS
Acoustic Soil Probes
Tracing leaks in external supply lines, recycled water, and greywater systems. -
MULTI-LEVEL STRATA
Micro-Acoustic Sensors
Identifying inter-floor leaks in high-rise waste stacks and bathroom cavities.
Australian Home & Business Owners Choose Us
I'm Oliver Schulze, the director of 1300 FINDLEAK, a family-run company committed to solving all your gas and water leak problems. We pride ourselves on delivering the highest standards in customer outcomes and satisfaction, ensuring reliable and professional service every time.
We’re here to help!
Not sure which service you need?
Use the enquiry button below and we will be in touch shortly or call us on 1300 346 353, and our friendly team will gladly help schedule an appointment at your convenience. We're here to make the process easy and stress-free for you!
Call 1300 346 353 - 24/7 for emergencies, office hours 7am–11pm, 7 days
Email admin@1300findleak.com.au — work orders and purchase orders welcome
Book online or submit a work order through our portal
We're a mobile service and come to your property. Our teams are based in Parkdale and Moorooduc in Victoria, Seaforth in Sydney, and Hope Island on the Gold Coast, covering Melbourne, Geelong, the Mornington Peninsula, regional Victoria, Sydney, Wollongong, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Casuarina, Kingscliff and Byron Bay.
1300 FINDLEAK Pty Ltd · ABN 83 640 078 397 · VIC licence 105159 · QLD licence PD26669
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