Fire hydrant, sprinkler and fire tank leaks · Commercial & strata · 24/7
Fire Service Leak Detection
Jockey pump cycling, pressure dropping on the gauge, or a higher bill on the fire service meter? 1300 FINDLEAK finds leaks in fire hydrant mains, sprinkler supply lines, fire rings and fire water tanks on commercial, industrial, strata and council sites. We use acoustic correlation, ground microphones and tracer gas, usually with the system still live, and mark the leak so your contractor digs once, in the right place. Quoted per site, with a written report for your fire contractor, insurer or building manager.
What is fire service leak detection?
A fire service is the network of underground mains, hydrants, booster assemblies, sprinkler supply lines and tanks that keeps water ready for firefighting. Because it sits under pressure and is rarely used, a leak can run for months, showing up only as a jockey pump that starts more often, a pressure drop at routine inspections or higher use on the fire service meter.
Why the system can usually stay live
Acoustic correlation works on a pressurised main, so in most cases the fire service stays operational while we survey. If the pipe is plastic or the leak noise doesn't carry, we confirm the leak point with tracer gas, which rises through soil, concrete and asphalt.
Fire service leaks we find
Hydrant mains and fire rings
Underground hydrant mains and ring mains around warehouses, shopping centres, schools and apartment complexes. We correlate between hydrants and valves to find the leak along the run.
Sprinkler supply lines and risers
Leaks on sprinkler supply lines, risers and valve sets, including in basements and plant rooms. We trace the loss to a pipe section so your fire contractor can isolate and repair it.
Jockey pump and pressure loss
A jockey pump that keeps starting usually means pressure is escaping somewhere. We check the booster, valves and pump set, then survey the main to find where the water is going.
Fire water tank leaks
Fire water tanks and the pipework around them can lose water through cracked tank walls, failed liners, leaking valves and fittings, or the buried suction and fill lines. We check the tank and its connections, run a level-drop test where needed, and survey the buried lines with acoustic listening and tracer gas, so you know whether the tank itself is leaking or the pipework.
How much does fire service leak detection cost?
Every fire service is different, so we quote each site after a quick call about the size of the main, the number of hydrants and access.
Call 1300 346 353, 24/7, or send us the site details and any plans when you book.
Acoustic correlation, ground microphones and tracer gas where needed, the leak marked on site and a written report.
Pre-approved 30-day accounts and work orders are accepted for commercial, body corporate, strata and council clients.
How it works
- Tell us about the site
The type of system, any plans, and where the hydrants, valves and fire service meter are. - Survey the main
We fit sensors at two access points and correlate the leak noise. In most cases the system stays pressurised and in service. - Confirm and mark
We confirm the spot with ground microphones or tracer gas and mark it for excavation. - Report
A written report with the leak location and our findings for your contractor, insurer and records.
Signs your fire service may be leaking
| What you notice | What it can mean | How we find it |
|---|---|---|
| Jockey pump cycling more often than usual | Pressure is slowly dropping somewhere in the fire main or sprinkler system | Acoustic correlation between hydrants or valves |
| Pressure drop at routine gauge inspections | A leak in the underground ring main or a fitting | Correlation and ultrasonic listening |
| Higher water use on the fire service meter | Hidden loss on the dedicated fire supply | Tracer gas and acoustic survey |
| Wet ground, sinking pavement or a damp car park slab | A leaking underground hydrant main washing out soil | Tracer gas through concrete and asphalt |
| Corrosion or water stains near sprinkler pipework | Leaking sprinkler fittings or pipe | Thermal imaging and ultrasonic listening |
Your fire service leak report
The report shows where the leak is, how we found it, photos of the marked location and what we recommend, so your fire services contractor or plumber can repair it in one small excavation. It also gives you evidence for your insurer, water retailer and building or compliance records. Read more about our reports.
Related services
Fire service leak detection FAQs
Do you need to shut down the fire system to find the leak?
Usually not. Acoustic correlation works on a live, pressurised main, so in most cases the fire service stays operational during the survey.
How accurate is fire main leak detection?
Acoustic correlation measures the time the leak noise takes to reach two sensors, which narrows the leak to a short section of pipe. We confirm it with ground microphones or tracer gas, so only a small area needs excavating.
Can you find leaks in plastic (PVC or poly) fire mains?
Yes. Plastic pipes carry leak noise poorly, so we use tracer gas, which rises through soil, concrete and asphalt at the leak point.
How much does fire service leak detection cost?
It is quoted per site, because the size of the main, the number of hydrants and access vary so much. Call 1300 346 353 for a free phone quote.
Can you find leaks in fire water tanks?
Yes. We check the tank, its valves and fittings, and the buried suction and fill lines, so you know whether the tank or the pipework is losing water.
Where do you offer fire service leak detection?
We cover Melbourne, Geelong, the Mornington Peninsula, regional Victoria, Sydney, Wollongong, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Tweed Heads and Byron Bay.
Fire main losing pressure? Call 1300 346 353.
Trusted by builders, real estate agencies and strata managers across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast
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.
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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
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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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