Check for leaks using a water meter

Your water meter can be used to check your water supply for leaks. This is important because if you have a leak, you're not only wasting water, but also money! You're paying for whatever the meter records your water usage as, so ensuring that your water supply is leak-free is the smart thing to do.

How to check for leaks

Luckily checking for leaks using your water meter is easy:

1. Turn off all taps and stop using any water-using fixtures at your house.

Common water-using fixtures include the toilet, shower, washing machine, dishwasher, evaporative cooler and garden irrigation systems or timers. Ensure that no one in your household or property is using water. Sometimes it can be a good idea to do this overnight, so as not to interfere in your daily activities.

2. Locate your water meter.

It's usually near the front of your property. If you're in a unit it may be near your front door or in a building service cupboard - ask your building management if you're not sure.

3. Record the reading of your meter.

Include the whole reading, including the red numbers. Learn how to read your water meter

4. Make sure that no water is used within your test timeframe.

This includes toilet flushing! Two hours is a good minimum test period for leak testing.

5. After your test period, reread your meter.

If there has been a change in your meter reading (i.e. a different set of numbers!) then you have leak!

The most common causes of leaks are:

• a leaking tap washer
• a faulty toilet cistern
• a breakage in underground or concealed water pipes

What to do if you have a water leak

If you have a water leak that can't be located by checking the toilet, taps and other water-using fixtures, you may have a break in your water pipes. We recommend that you arrange for a licensed plumber to inspect and repair.

Remember, wasting water wastes money too!