Leak Detection Preston
Hidden water leak, unit leak or a high water bill in Preston? 1300 FINDLEAK is a licensed leak detection specialist, not a general plumber. We find water, gas, shower, balcony and pool leaks without digging up floors or smashing tiles. Fixed pricing from $398 inc. GST, an insurance-ready report with every job, and a 24/7 emergency line.
- Rated 4.6 from 500+ Google reviews
- Free phone quote
- Same-day service often available
Water leaking right now?
- Turn off the main water valve, usually next to the water meter at the front of the property.
- Switch off power to any wet area and move valuables away from the water.
- Take photos for your insurer, then call us on 1300 346 353, 24/7.
Why leaks are hard to find in Preston
Preston is a suburb in the City of Darebin, about 9 km north-east of the Melbourne CBD, and the council's home. About 33,800 people live here. Once farmland, it filled with interwar and post-war homes and is known for Preston Market and Northland Shopping Centre, which opened in 1966. Many older blocks are now being redeveloped as units and apartments.
Interwar and post-war homes have ageing galvanised and copper pipes under timber floors, while new townhouses and apartments share pipes and stacked bathrooms, so a leak can show up next door or below. Reactive clay can crack walls when a pipe leaks. The first sign is often a higher water bill, damp walls or floors, a ceiling stain, new cracks or a meter that never stops. We find the exact source, so only a small area needs to be opened for the repair.
Leak detection services in Preston
Hidden water leaks and burst pipes
Water meter moving with every tap off, or a high water bill? We trace leaks under slabs, under floors, inside walls and in the underground supply line using acoustic listening and tracer gas.
Thermal imaging leak detection
Our thermal cameras show hot and cold water pipes, damp patches and water tracking inside walls, floors and ceilings, so we can pinpoint a leak without opening them up.
Roof, balcony and storm leaks
Water inside after heavy rain? We trace water entry through roof tiles and sheets, flashings, box gutters, balcony membranes and window seals, then show you the exact entry point.
How much does leak detection cost in Preston?
Covers the first hour on site, inc. GST. Most single leaks are found within that hour.
For extra time, if needed. We'll tell you before going past the first hour.
Thermal imaging, acoustic and tracer gas equipment, plus an insurance-ready PDF report.
How it works
- Call or book online
Call 1300 346 353, 24/7, for a free phone quote, or book online. We'll confirm a time that suits you or your property manager. - We locate the leak
A licensed technician uses non-destructive equipment to pinpoint the source. - We mark it and explain
We show you exactly where the leak is and what's causing it. - Report and repair
You get an insurance-ready report. We can repair it, or your plumber can.
Common leak problems in Preston
| Sign | Likely cause | How we find it |
|---|---|---|
| Water bill suddenly higher | Leak under the slab, under the floor or in the supply line from the meter | Acoustic ground microphones and tracer gas |
| Water coming through the ceiling of an apartment | Shower, bath waste, balcony or supply pipe in the unit above | Thermal imaging, moisture mapping and flood testing |
| Damp walls, low water pressure or rusty water in an older home | Leaking galvanised or copper pipe inside a wall or under a timber floor | Thermal imaging, acoustic listening and pressure testing |
| New cracks in walls or doors starting to stick | Leaking pipe wetting reactive clay under the house | Tracer gas, acoustic listening and moisture mapping |
| Stain or drip on the ceiling below a bathroom | Shower, bath or waste pipe leak, or failed waterproofing | Thermal imaging, moisture mapping and flood testing |
| Gas smell, or a failed pressure test | Leaking gas line or fitting | Pressure testing and electronic gas detection |
High Yarra Valley Water bill?
Yarra Valley Water supplies Preston. Leaks on your side of the meter are the owner's responsibility. If a hidden leak has pushed up your bill, Yarra Valley Water may be able to help under the Victorian water industry guideline for undetected leaks, once the leak has been repaired promptly by a licensed plumber. Our report shows where the leak was and what caused it, which supports your application. Download our free leak credit claim checklist.
Homeowners, landlords and owners corporations
We work for homeowners, landlords, property managers, owners corporations, builders and insurance loss adjusters across Preston and Darebin. For rentals and apartments, we arrange access with tenants and send the report straight to the owner, manager or insurer, so repairs can be approved quickly.
Preston leak detection FAQs
How much does leak detection cost in Preston?
It starts from $398 inc. GST for the first hour on site, including thermal imaging, acoustic and tracer gas equipment and an insurance-ready PDF report. Extra time, if needed, is $198 per hour. Most single leaks are found within the first hour, and we give you a free phone quote before we book.
How do I know if I have a hidden water leak?
Turn off every tap and water-using appliance, then check your water meter. If the dial is still moving, water is escaping somewhere. Other signs include a higher Yarra Valley Water bill, damp walls or skirting boards, a musty smell, mould or warm spots on a tiled floor.
Do you offer emergency leak detection in Preston?
Yes. Our emergency line runs 24/7 on 1300 346 353. Same-day appointments are often available across Preston, Reservoir, Thornbury and Darebin.
Water is coming through my ceiling from the unit above. Can you find the source?
Yes. We test the unit above, including its shower, bath waste, supply pipes and balcony, to find exactly where the water is coming from. The report helps owners and the body corporate work out who is responsible.
Can a leaking pipe cause cracks in my walls?
Yes. On reactive clay soils, a leaking water or sewer pipe can make the ground swell and shrink, which can move footings and crack walls. We find the leak with tracer gas and acoustic listening so it can be fixed before more damage is done.
Will my report help with an insurance claim or a high water bill?
Yes. Every job includes a PDF report with photos, readings and the cause of the leak. Insurers use it to assess resultant damage claims, and it supports an application to Yarra Valley Water for help with a bill caused by a hidden leak.
Found a leak in Preston? We'll pinpoint it.
Free phone quote, fixed pricing from $398 inc. GST, and a 24/7 emergency line.
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Simply fill out some info below and we will be in touch shortly! Or free call us at 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 plumbing licence 105159 · QLD licence PD26669
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I'm Oliver Schulze, the director of 1300FINDLEAK, 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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