Fixing Leaks

A slowly dripping tap may seem insignificant, but it alone can waste 20,000 litres in a year.

Much water is lost around the home due to leaking pipes and dripping taps. Many of these leaks can be fixed without using a plumber. View the video below to learn how.

 

Changing the washers usually fixes dripping taps. If this does not solve the problem, you can contact a plumber through our First Call Plumbing referral service.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    • How can I tell if my toilet is leaking?

      Answer

      An easy way to check if your toilet is slowly leaking is to add a few drops of food colouring to your toilet cistern. Don’t flush the toilet for at least one hour. If colouring shows up in the toilet bowl after an hour, you’ve got a leak and will need to call a plumber.

    • How do I check for leaks using my water meter?

      Answer

      Before you go to bed, check your water meter reading and write it down somewhere safe. You'll also need to make sure no-one in your household uses any water during the night.

      The following morning, before anyone starts using water, go and check your meter again.

      Write this new figure down next to the figure from the night before and compare them. If the morning figure is higher, you have a water leak that needs to be traced and fixed.

    • Where is my water meter?

      Answer

      Your water meter is usually just inside the front boundary of your property. You'll recognise it as a low metal pipe structure with a tap handle at one end and a meter dial in the middle.

      Remember to keep your meter clear of leaves and garden debris, as we need to have easy access to it.

    • I have no water, what do I do?

      Answer

      If there appears to be no water supply at your property, you should firstly check whether the problem is related only to you:

      1. Make sure the isolated tap is turned on. The isolation tap is part of the framework of your meter.
      2. Talk to your neighbours to see if they still have water.

      If you have checked these things and believe that the water supply has been interrupted, contact us.