Leak detection

Responsibility for repairs depends on where the leak is located.

• The property owner is responsible for fixing all the pipes and fittings on the property that connect to our water network. However, we often repair water services between our water main and the water meter up to one metre inside the property boundary as a free service.
• Sydney Water is responsible for fixing water meter, which we own and maintain.

If you damage the water system, you'll need to pay for repairs.

Follow this checklist before contacting a plumber.

• Check your hot water system's expansion valves (located near the top of your hot water system) when you haven't used any hot water for a while. They shouldn't constantly leak water.
• Check your taps and toilets regularly for signs or sounds of leaks.
  
• Place a small piece of dry toilet paper at the back of the toilet bowl and check that it stays dry until the next flush. Toilet cisterns shouldn't release any water between flushes.
• Disconnect hoses or irrigation pipes that are always connected to garden taps. Then check the taps aren't leaking.
  
• Look for green patches of grass that are different from the surrounding grass. This can mean you have an underground pipe leak.

If you suspect there's a large leak, you'll probably need help from a plumber with specialist equipment.

Follow these steps to test for leaks if you have your own meter.

1. Turn off all taps and appliances that use water. These include drip systems, dishwashers and washing machines.
2. Locate your water meter. It's usually at the front of the property. The meter tap needs to stay turned on.
   
3. Note the numbers on the water meter dial.
   
4. Don't use any water for at least the next hour.
   
5. Then check the last numbers on the dial. If they've changed, you have a leak. The bigger the change, the bigger the potential leak.
   

The video shows how to read different types of water meters. Find out more about how to do your own meter readings.

Although you may want to fix the leak yourself, legally you can only do minor plumbing work like changing a tap washer. If the leak is inside your home or on your property, you'll probably need to call a licensed plumber.

Watch the video from our partners at Smart Approved WaterMark to see how to change a tap washer.

Our WaterFix® Residential plumbers can help you reduce water bills. When you request a WaterFix Residential appointment for a visible leak, our plumber will discuss any repair work needed, suggest suitable water-efficient devices and provide a quote. When you give the go-ahead, they'll do the repair work. They fix minor tap and toilet leaks at $0 per leak + callout fee. Any charges are added to your water bill.

When you detect a leak using our water meter test but can't locate it, a leak detection specialist can help. Not all plumbers have the special tools and skills needed to find leaks hidden underground and inside walls. However, WaterFix Concealed Leaks provides a full range of leak detection and repair services.

While we own the meter, it's your responsibility to fix leaks at the meter tap. However, if you call 13 20 90 we'll fix the meter tap for free within 10 working days.

To have your meter tap fixed sooner, you can call a licensed plumber at your own cost. Or call 13 20 90 and ask for our WaterFix Express Meter Taps service. For $99, we'll come to your property within 3 hours. If you call after 5pm, we'll do the repair between 7am and 10am the next day.

If the meter tap and pipe near it have been damaged (for example, they've been run over by a car, hit by a lawnmower or vandalised), we may charge extra for the repair work.

If you see water leaking in a public space like a road, park or footpath, please report it so we can fix the problem as soon as possible.

If the problem is urgent or you're reporting between 11pm and 6am, call us on 13 20 90 24/7.