High water bill with no visible leak? Get expert leak detection!

Everyone is feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis right now, and when your water bill is higher than expected, it can cause a lot of stress. If you've found yourself in this situation and are wanting answers, Outright Plumbing is here to help you locate the cause of your exorbitant bill. Taking immediate action is crucial to avoid further water waste and higher costs.

You are almost certainly dealing with a hidden leak; our plumbers have heard countless stories like this. While a leak might not be visible, it can slowly pull excess water from the mains supply. Over a quarter, this can add up and leave you with a costly bill. Now, you are probably reeling; the leak could be anywhere from underground in your backyard to in your bathroom walls. Locating it is a near-impossible task without the right equipment. That’s where Outright Plumbing comes in. 

With our plumbers' expertise and a reliable leak detection service, we will get to the bottom of this in no time. We have put together this straightforward guide you can follow if you have received a high water bill.

Steps to take if you receive a high water bill

Check for hidden leaks

First, carefully inspect areas where leaks often go unnoticed. These include behind appliances, under sinks, and around toilet bases. Check for water stains on your walls, peeling paint, or mould growth. This indicates excess moisture where it shouldn’t be!

Walk outside and examine your outdoor spaces, like pathways, lawns, and irrigation systems. Look out for cracks or mysterious bulges forming on your driveway, as well as lush patches of grass. Don’t forget to check your garden taps, too! 

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to know they could also indicate a burst pipe. Once you’ve covered all your bases, head over to your water meter.

Read your water meter 

One effective way to detect hidden leaks is to monitor your water meter. Turn off all water-using appliances and fixtures in your home, then check the meter reading. Wait a couple of hours without using any water, and if the meter reading changes, it's a clear indicator of a leak. 

Contact a professional 

If your initial checks don’t reveal the source of the leak, it's time to call in the experts. Contact Outright Plumbing Maintenance, and we'll help locate the hidden leak and handle the repairs once we find the source. A professional will pinpoint the leak location using specialised plumbing equipment, such as CCTV cameras, thermal imaging, acoustic sensors, and pressure testing. Calling in a professional prevents further damage to your floors, walls, and gardens.

Benefits of Early Detection 

Discovering leaks early can save you a significant amount of money and prevent extensive property damage. Our leak detection services can identify problems before they escalate into costly repairs. With early detection, you can:

• Save thousands of litres of water from being wasted
• Prevent mould growth and wood rot inside your home
• Protect your family's health
• Save on water bills

Can hidden leaks cause damage even if they're not visible?

Even if leaks aren’t immediately visible, they can cause significant damage over time. Water can seep into building materials, leading to structural damage, mould growth, and increased humidity levels within your home. Left unchecked, these issues can escalate and compromise your property's integrity. In some cases, prolonged water exposure can damage electrical wiring, posing a serious fire safety hazard.  

To minimise risk, it’s critical to identify and address leaks as soon as possible. We can help pinpoint the source of hidden leaks quickly and accurately, ensuring they are repaired efficiently before severe damage occurs.

How Outright’s local knowledge can make all the difference

Using a local plumber pays off. Outright Plumbing has worked in Melbourne’s southeast for decades and understands common pipe failure patterns. Understanding local quirks lets us cut to the chase and narrow down likely causes before we even arrive at your property. This speeds up the whole process and minimises the potential damage. 

If you've received a high water bill due to an undetected leak, please do yourself a favour and contact Outright Plumbing today!