Have you noticed that your water usage is higher than normal? Maybe you have received a water bill that was higher than what you were expecting? If you have, there may be a few reasons as to why.

  • Seasonal variations:We tend to use more water, on average, during Spring and Summer as we usually do more activities that use water. This can include watering the garden, topping up the pool, having more showers, and using an evaporative cooler.
  • Larger amount of people at your home: Having a larger number of people in your home is a sure way to use more water – especially if you have guests staying for a while. Having more people in your home will lead to more showers, more toilet flushing, and more general use of water throughout your home.
  • Hidden leaks:Did you know some leaks can waste more than 2000 litres of water? Regularly checking for leaks around your home – and getting them fixed as soon as you notice them – can help to reduce your water consumption. Think you might have a leak but not 100% sure? Check out our blog post on how to check your water meter for leaks!
  • Cleaning: Cleaning your cars or boats, as well as high-pressure cleaning around your home, uses more water and quickly add up without you realising it. 

How do I Detect a Water Leak When We Are Already Using So Much Water?

There are several ways to detect a water leak in and around your home when your water consumption is already up.

  • Check your water meter for moving dials or numbers ticking over at a fast rate (when you know no water is being used).
  • Listen out for the sound of water flow internally and externally. The sound you may hear is a hissing, water flow noise. The easiest way to hear it is to put your ear up to fixtures or walls as if you are trying to listen to a shell.
  • Check for any obvious differences around your home. This includes wet or damp patches, build up of moss or mildew on pavers or brick work, and greener grass patches.
  • If your stormwater charges into a curb outlet, check to see if it is constantly running or wet.
  • Look for dripping gutters. If you have an evaporative cooler or a solar hot water system, it may be leaking and will show on the gutters.
  • Shine a torch down your drains to see if there is any water flow when you aren’t using the water.

If you are worried that you have a leak but are unable to detect it, call an experienced plumber to come and inspect your house. An experienced professional will have leak locating equipment on board to detect the location of any leaks and will be able to provide you with the most suitable solution to repair the leak.

Have you found leaks in your home that require urgent attention? Canberra Plumbing and Drains is here to help! Give our friendly team a call on 0474 488 899 to book your appointment with one of our highly skilled technicians today!