There’s nothing quite like the sinking feeling you get when you open an unexpectedly high water bill. If your usage has spiked but your habits haven’t changed, you might be dealing with a main water line leak.
For Perth homeowners, these underground leaks are more common than you’d think.
The good news is you don’t need to be a plumber to spot the warning signs. Tunnel Vision has been helping Perth families and businesses tackle main water line leaks for over 20 years. This guide will walk you through how to identify a leaking pipe, what you can do yourself, and when it’s time to call in the professionals.
Before you pick up the phone, there are a few checks you can do yourself to confirm your suspicions.
Turn off all water sources in your home. Ensure no fixtures or appliances are using water such as taps, toilets, washing machines, and dishwashers. Wait 15 minutes, then check your water meter again. If it’s moved at all, it’s likely you’ve got a leak somewhere in your plumbing system.
If your property has an isolation valve (usually near the water meter or where the main line enters your house), you can shut it off to see if the leak is on your side or the Water Corporation’s side. Close the valve, check the meter, and see if water is still running. If it stops, the leak is on your property.
Not all leaks are in the main water line. A leaking tap or running toilet can waste surprising amounts of water. Drop some food colouring into your toilet cistern and wait 10 minutes without flushing. If colour appears in the bowl, you’ve got a leaky flapper valve. Check under sinks and around your hot water unit for dripping taps or faulty connections.
Walk your property and inspect outdoor taps, garden hoses and reticulation systems. Sometimes what looks like a main water line leak is actually a burst pipe in your irrigation setup.
If you’ve ruled out the obvious culprits and your meter test confirms a leak, it’s time to bring in leak detection specialists. Professional plumbers use acoustic detectors, thermal imaging cameras and tracer gas to find the exact location of underground leaks without tearing up your yard.
If you’ve confirmed there’s a leak, what are the next steps?
Your first step is to stop more water from escaping. Locate your main shut-off valve (usually near the water meter or boundary) and turn it clockwise to close it. This will cut off water supply to your home but prevent further water damage and waste.
If water is pooling inside your home, turn off your hot water system and switch off electricity at the mains. Water and electricity don’t mix, and taking this precaution can prevent serious hazards.
Grab your phone and take photos of any water damage, damp areas and the water meter reading. This documentation will be useful if you need to make an insurance claim down the track.
This is where you need a licensed professional. At Tunnel Vision, we offer 24/7 emergency response across Perth and Canning Vale. Our team can quickly assess the situation, locate the burst pipe and recommend the best repair option.
Once a licensed plumber has fixed the fault, you can apply for a leak allowance through the Water Corporation. They offer up to 50% credit on the estimated water lost due to the leak. It’s worth doing, especially if your bill has gone through the roof.
Once you’ve dealt with a main water line leak, you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Keep an eye on your water meter readings. As part of Water Corporation’s Smart Water Meter Program, many Perth homes now have access to smart meters. It’s a helpful early warning system.
Old pipes don’t last forever. Copper pipes can corrode over time, and galvanised pipes are prone to rust. If your home’s plumbing system is decades old, it might be time to upgrade before small leaks turn into big problems.
Tree roots usually only penetrate water pipes if existing cracks or joints are present. If you’ve got large trees near your water line, regular checks and root control treatments can prevent costly repairs. We offer tree root control services to keep your pipes safe.
These simple additions to your plumbing system give you more control. An isolation valve lets you shut off water to specific areas without cutting the supply to your whole house. A pressure-reducing valve protects your pipes from excessive strain.
A main water line leak might start small, but left unresolved, it can lead to significant damage, wasted water and expensive repairs. The sooner you act, the less it will cost you in the long run.
If you’ve noticed any of the warning signs we’ve covered, don’t wait. Book a qualified plumber or give us a call on 1800 631 799.
Our team at Tunnel Vision can locate your leak and fix it with minimal disruption. With our trenchless repair methods and decades of experience, we’ll get your plumbing back on track without tearing up your property.
Turn off your main water valve immediately to stop further water loss. Document any damage with photos, then call a licensed plumber to locate and repair the leak. Once fixed, contact the Water Corporation to apply for a leak allowance on your bill.
In Perth, homeowners are responsible for leaks on their property, from the water meter onwards. The Water Corporation handles leaks on their side of the meter. If you’re unsure where the leak is, a plumber can help determine responsibility.
Mould can begin forming within 24 to 48 hours of moisture exposure. If you’ve got damp areas from a leak, act fast to dry them out and prevent mould growth, which can cause health issues and structural damage.
Common causes include ageing pipes, corrosion, excessive water pressure, ground movement, tree root intrusion and freezing temperatures (though less common in Perth). Regular maintenance and pressure management can reduce the risk.
The simplest DIY method is the water meter test. For underground leaks, professional acoustic detectors and thermal imaging cameras are the most effective tools, as they can pinpoint leaks without excavation.
Look for soggy ground, unusually green grass patches, drops in water pressure, a constantly moving water meter and unexplained increases in your water bill. Professional leak detection services can confirm and locate underground breaks accurately.
The good news is you don’t need to be a plumber to spot the warning signs.
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Whether you require emergency response, scheduled maintenance, pipeline inspections or trenchless rehabilitation services, the Tunnel Vision team is ready to assist. Contact us today to discuss your project, request a quote or speak with our experienced team about the right solution for your site or property.
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