Tracer gas · Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane & Gold Coast · 24/7
Tracer Gas Leak Detection
Tracer gas leak detection finds leaks that are too quiet, too deep or too small to hear, such as pipes under concrete slabs, tiled floors and long underground lines. We fill the isolated line with a safe hydrogen and nitrogen mix, and a sensitive detector picks up the gas where it escapes and rises to the surface, so we can mark the leak without digging or lifting tiles. From $398 inc. GST for the first hour in metro Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with a written report.
How tracer gas leak detection works
First we pressure test the line to prove it's leaking. Then we drain or isolate it and fill it with a tracer gas mix of 5% hydrogen and 95% nitrogen, the industry-standard mix that's safe, non-toxic and non-flammable. Hydrogen is the smallest molecule there is, so it escapes through the smallest hole and works its way up through soil, concrete, grout and tiles.
We then scan the ground, floor or wall above the pipe run with a hydrogen detector. The reading peaks where the gas comes through, which marks the leak. It's often used alongside acoustic listening, which suits bigger leaks you can hear, and thermal imaging, which suits hot water leaks.
*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 tracer gas is used for
Underground and slab leaks
Leaking supply lines under concrete, driveways and gardens, including small leaks that are too quiet to hear. Water leak detection
Leaks under tiles and in walls
Pipes under tiled floors and inside walls, pinpointed so only a small, targeted opening is needed. Acoustic leak detection
Hard-to-hear leaks inside buildings
Leaks in apartments and commercial buildings where background noise makes acoustic listening difficult. Building and apartment leaks
How much does tracer gas 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, tracer gas testing, acoustic listening where 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 tracing. - We trace it with gas
The line is filled with tracer gas and we scan above it until the detector finds where it escapes. - 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 tracer gas 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 tracer gas |
| Higher water bill with no visible leak | Small leak on a buried or concealed line | Tracer gas and acoustic listening |
| Damp or warm patch on a tiled floor | Leaking pipe under the floor or slab | Thermal imaging, then tracer gas |
| Wet patch in the garden or driveway | Underground supply line leak | Acoustic listening and tracer gas |
| Pressure loss on a gas line | Gas pipe or fitting leak | Pressure test and gas detection |
Your report
Your report includes the pressure test results, where the tracer gas was detected, photos of the marked leak, the likely cause and a recommended repair scope for your plumber 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
Tracer gas leak detection FAQs
How much does tracer gas 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.
Is tracer gas safe?
Yes. We use the industry-standard mix of 5% hydrogen and 95% nitrogen, which is non-toxic, non-flammable and leaves no residue. It disperses into the air once it reaches the surface.
Can tracer gas find a leak under a concrete slab?
Yes. Hydrogen is small enough to pass through concrete, screed, grout and tiles, so the detector picks it up above the leak and we can mark the spot without breaking the slab to search.
When do you use tracer gas instead of acoustic listening?
Acoustic listening works well on leaks that make noise. Tracer gas is better for small or slow leaks, plastic pipes that carry sound poorly, deep lines, and buildings with too much background noise to listen.
Do I need to turn off the water?
Yes, the line being tested needs to be isolated, and sometimes drained, while we test. We'll tell you before we start and keep the shutdown as short as possible.
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.
Leak you can't hear or see? 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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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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