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• Water meters
  • Reading your meter
  • Damaged and faulty meters
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  • Sub-meters
  • Meter reading FAQs
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• Water leaks
• Water supply outages
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• Water leaks

Water leaks

Water leaks can occur either within the boundary of a private property or external to the property. If the leak is on private property, it is the property owner's responsibility and the property owner should contact a licensed plumber to fix the leak.

Concealed leaks on private property

Concealed leaks that are hidden in walls or underground can go undetected for long periods of time, and can waste thousands of litres of water a day.  Concealed leaks on private property are the property owner's responsibility, so we recommend you read your water meter and check for concealed leaks regularly by using the simple steps listed below.

Water leaks on public property

If you notice a leak around your water meter or on public property, Unitywater is responsible for fixing it. Please contact us as soon as possible to report it.

 The following list gives examples of leaks we will attend to.

  - Water leaking on to the footpath or road.
  - Water leaking from your meter box.
  - Any burst water main or pipe.
  - Any leaking tap next to your meter.

Checking for concealed leaks on your property

You can check for concealed leaks on your property by following these five simple steps: 

1. Turn off all taps tightly and make sure no one will be using any water on the property for at least one hour. DO NOT turn off the tap at the water meter.
2. Find your water meter and write down the numbers shown (see how to read your meter or download our guide to reading your water meter)
3. If the last number or dial on the water meter is still moving when all taps are off, there may be a leak.
4. Keep all taps turned off, don't use any water, and take another reading one hour later (or longer if possible).
5. If the reading has changed or the last number/dial is still moving, you may have a leak.

Toilet cistern leaks are common and can be easily checked by following these steps:

1. Pour food colouring into the toilet cistern.
2. If colour appears in the toilet bowl before flushing, you have a leak.
3. Flush as soon as the test has been completed as food colouring may stain the cistern.

Leaks ar the property owner's responsibility, and we suggest you contact a licensed plumber to investigate.

Important to note: customers regularly have leaks in excess of 2,000 litres per day with no evidence of water on the surface. Pipes crack underground, often under driveways and walls, and the water simply flows underground and does not surface. It is important therefore for customers to proactively check their water meter for possible leaks on a regular basis.

If you have had a leak repaired on your property you may be eligible for a one off Water Consumption Charge Adjustment (PDF). Your application will be assessed in accordance with Unitywater's Concealed Leaks Policy (PDF) as a rebate may not be applicable to all customers.