The Times Australia
The Times House and garden

.

How to Find a Water Leak

  • Written by NewsServices.com

Water leaks can be one of the most frustrating things to deal with in your home. Even if your water bills are telling you there’s a problem, they can be hard to find. That’s because many of your plumbing fittings and pipes are hidden from sight. Some are even on your roof or below your floors.

Once you know that you have a leak, because you’ve been getting very high-water bills or you’ve tested your water meter, you’re going to need to become a detective. Here’s how.

Look Outside

Often, we think of plumbing leaks as something that happens inside our homes, but there are actually many places outside where you might have a leak. That’s especially true if you have an irrigation system or a swimming pool.

Start your search for your water leak outside, and look for soft, spongy ground, cracked or indented paving and concrete, and areas of your garden that look especially lush.

Algae growth on walls or surfaces are another sign that there might be more moisture in that area.

Examine Your Walls and Ceiling

Many of your plumbing pipes are inside your roof and in your walls, so that’s another good place to look for signs of water leaks.

Peeling paint, rusty stains, soft ceiling boards and mould or mildew are all signs that there’s more moisture in your ceiling or walls than there should be.

Test Your Taps

Sometimes, a water leak is simply caused by taps and washers that have worn out. Place small containers under your taps to see if any water accumulates there when you haven’t used the sink or tap. This is a good sign that the problem might be in your hardware.

Inspect Your Cabinets

Very often, plumbing leaks are easier to spot in cabinets under your sink or wash basins. There are several fittings and pipes in these places that could be leaking, and it’s usually easy to spot.

Look for water damage to the cabinets or countertops, water that has accumulated in the cupboard, or visible water dripping from pipes or fittings.

Get Professional Help

When you think your pipes might be leaking, you'll want to call a plumber as soon as possible. Plumbing is not something you can tackle on your own, and you could do more harm than good if you try.

A good plumber will have all the tools and equipment necessary to find the problem, replace any damaged parts, and ensure that everything is sealed up and watertight.

Times Magazine

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Science Behind Reverse Osmosis and Why It Matters

What is reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as...

Foodbank Queensland celebrates local hero for National Volunteer Week

Stephen Carey is a bit bananas.   He splits his time between his insurance broker business, caring for his young family, and volunteering for Foodbank Queensland one day a week. He’s even run the Bridge to Brisbane in a banana suit to raise mon...

The Times Features

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...

Why You’re Always Adjusting Your Bra — and What to Do Instead

Image by freepik It starts with a gentle tug, then a subtle shift, and before you know it, you're adjusting your bra again — in the middle of work, at dinner, even on the couch. I...

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...

Ways to Attract Tenants in a Competitive Rental Market

In the kind of rental market we’ve got now, standing out is half the battle. The other half? Actually getting someone to sign that lease. With interest rates doing backflips and ...

Top Tips for Finding the Ideal Block to Build Your Home

There’s something deeply personal and exciting about building your own home. You’re not just choosing paint colours or furniture, you’re creating a space that reflects your lifes...

The Home Buying Process Explained Step by Step

Buying a home is a thrilling milestone, but it can also feel like navigating a maze without a map. With paperwork, finances, and decisions at every turn, understanding the home-b...