Water Leak Detection Sydney
Water leak detection in Sydney, done properly: 1300 FINDLEAK finds hidden water leaks in homes, apartments and commercial buildings using pressure testing, acoustic ground microphones, thermal imaging, tracer gas and moisture mapping, so the repair goes to one small, marked spot instead of a trench or a row of holes. We work across greater Sydney, from the eastern suburbs to Western Sydney, the Hills and the north shore. Fixed pricing from $398 inc. GST, an insurance-ready report with every job, and a 24/7 line.
- 24/7 emergency line
- Free phone quote
- Insurance-ready report
Got a leak right now?
- Turn off the water at the meter, usually near the front boundary. In an apartment, use your unit's isolation valve if you can find it. If water is coming from the street side of the meter or the footpath, call Sydney Water on 13 20 90.
- Switch off the hot water system, and the power to any area where water is near power points or lights.
- Take photos for your insurer or strata manager, then call us on 1300 346 353, 24/7.
How water leak detection works
Water leak detection is a process of elimination. We start at the water meter to confirm there is a leak and how fast it is running, then isolate the toilets, taps, appliances and hot water system and pressure test the hot and cold lines one at a time. That tells us which pipe is leaking before we look for the exact spot.
Then we pinpoint it. Acoustic ground microphones hear water escaping under concrete and soil, thermal cameras show hot water spreading under tiles and through walls, tracer gas rises through the ground from a buried pipe, and moisture meters map the damp. Using more than one method confirms the spot, so your plumber opens the right place the first time.
Water leak detection services in Sydney
Water meter and high bill testing
A meter that moves with every tap off, or a bill that has jumped, means water is escaping somewhere on your side of the meter. We confirm the leak rate and narrow down where it is.
Underground pipe leaks
Leaks in the service pipe between the meter and the house, under driveways, paths and lawns. Acoustic listening and tracer gas find them without trenching.
Slab and under-floor leaks
Hot and cold pipes leaking under concrete slabs and timber floors. Thermal imaging and ground microphones pinpoint the spot to within centimetres.
Leaks in walls and ceilings
Split copper pipes, failed fittings and hot water lines inside walls and ceilings, tracked back to the source with thermal cameras and moisture meters.
Strata and apartment buildings
Risers, shared hot water, car park ceilings and units above. We test each possible source and report who is responsible for the repair.
Commercial mains and fire services
Long private water mains, fire hydrant and sprinkler services on factories, offices and schools, where a leak can run for months unseen.
Watch: our water and gas leak detection service
A short overview of 1300 FINDLEAK's leak detection service: our team, our vans and the electronic equipment we use to find hidden water and gas leaks above and below ground without digging up floors, walls or yards.
Watch on YouTube (0:51)
How much does water leak detection cost in Sydney?
Covers the first hour on site, inc. GST. Most single leaks are found within that hour.
For extra time, if needed, such as multiple leaks, long underground lines or apartment buildings. We'll tell you before going past the first hour.
Meter and pressure testing, acoustic listening, thermal imaging and tracer gas where needed, 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. Tell us what you've noticed and when it started. - Meter and pressure tests
We check the meter, isolate fixtures and pressure test each line to find which pipe is leaking. - Pinpoint and mark
Acoustic, thermal, tracer gas and moisture readings confirm the exact spot, which we mark on the floor, wall or ground. - Report and repair
You get an insurance-ready report with photos. Your plumber, builder or strata manager can use it to fix the right spot, or ask us to quote the repair and we'll book a return visit to complete it.
Which leak detection method finds which leak?
| Sign | Likely cause | How we find it |
|---|---|---|
| Meter moving with every tap off | Leak somewhere on your side of the meter | Meter test, fixture isolation and pressure testing |
| Soggy lawn, sinking path or wet driveway | Leaking underground service pipe | Acoustic ground microphones and tracer gas |
| Warm floor tiles | Hot water pipe leaking under the slab | Thermal imaging and acoustic listening |
| Damp wall or bubbling paint | Pipe or fitting leaking inside the wall | Thermal imaging and moisture mapping |
| Water in a basement car park | Riser, slab penetration or unit above | Moisture mapping, water testing and thermal imaging |
| Hot water system running constantly | Leak on the hot water line | Pressure testing and thermal imaging |
| Unexplained jump in the water bill | Hidden leak, toilet or irrigation fault | Meter test and section isolation |
High Sydney Water bill? The hidden leak allowance
A hidden leak can run for months before anyone notices, and the first sign is often the bill. Before you pay for a plumber to start opening walls or digging, have the leak found, so only one small area needs to be opened.
Sydney Water supplies homes and businesses across Sydney and is responsible for pipes up to your meter. Leaks on your side of the meter are the owner's responsibility. If a hidden leak has pushed up your bill, Sydney Water's hidden leak allowance can credit 50% of the water usage charge for the most affected quarter, once every five years per property. Our report shows where the leak was and what caused it, which supports your application. Read our guide to high water bills and hidden leaks.
Homeowners, strata managers and businesses
We work for homeowners, landlords, property managers, strata managers, owners corporations, builders, plumbers and insurance loss adjusters across Sydney. For rentals and apartments, we arrange access with tenants and residents and send the report straight to the owner, manager or insurer, so repairs can start quickly.
Related leak detection services in Sydney
Water leak detection across Sydney suburbs
Water leak detection FAQs
How much does water leak detection cost in Sydney?
Water leak detection in Sydney starts from $398 inc. GST for the first hour on site, including meter and pressure testing, acoustic listening, thermal imaging and tracer gas where needed, and an insurance-ready PDF report. Extra time, if needed, is $168 per hour. We give you a free phone quote before we book.
How do I check if I have a water leak?
Turn off every tap, appliance and the irrigation, then read your water meter and check it again after 30 minutes without using any water. If the numbers have moved, or the small dial is turning, water is escaping somewhere on your side of the meter. Call us to find where.
Which leak detection method is best?
It depends on the leak. Acoustic listening and tracer gas work best for underground and under-slab pipes, thermal imaging for hot water lines and leaks in walls and floors, and moisture mapping for showers, balconies and ceilings. We usually use more than one to confirm the exact spot.
Who is responsible for a water leak in Sydney?
Sydney Water looks after the pipes up to and including your meter. Leaks on your side of the meter are the owner's responsibility. In apartments, it depends on whether the leak is in common property or inside a lot, and our report shows the exact source.
Do you repair water leaks as well?
Yes, if you'd like us to. Our first visit is about finding the leak: we mark it, explain the cause and give you a report. Many plumbers, builders and strata managers then do their own repairs. If you want us to fix it, we'll quote the repair and return at another time to complete it, often with trusted independent trades.
Can Sydney Water reduce my bill after a hidden leak?
Sydney Water's hidden leak allowance can credit 50% of the water usage charge for the most affected quarter, once every five years per property, once the leak is repaired. Our report shows where the leak was and what caused it, which supports your application.
Hidden water leak in Sydney? We'll find it.
Free phone quote, fixed pricing from $398 inc. GST, and a 24/7 emergency line.
Trusted by Australia's largest builders, agencies and strata managers
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Not sure which service you need?
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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