Close-up of a dripping faucet

The Silent Culprit — How Hidden Water Leaks Waste Thousands of Litres

It’s easy to ignore small drips and trickles, but in my 15+ years as a plumber across Brisbane’s Southside, I’ve seen minor leaks turn into major surprises — especially when the next water bill lands.
Hidden leaks are sneaky: they don’t just waste water, they slowly damage your walls, foundations, and budget.

Why Hidden Leaks Are So Common in Brisbane Homes

Brisbane’s mix of older housing, clay soils, and shifting weather patterns make leaks more likely.
We often find them in:

  • Underground mains lines and garden taps.
  • Shower walls and bathroom floors.
  • Hot water systems and pipe joints.
  • Toilets with silent internal leaks.

Most homeowners don’t realise they have one until water bills jump or they hear faint running water when everything’s turned off.

Quick Home Test — How to Check for a Leak Yourself

  1. Turn off all taps and appliances.
  2. Go to your water meter and note the number.
  3. Wait 30 minutes (no water use).
  4. Recheck the meter.
    If the number has changed, water is escaping somewhere unseen — and that means you’ve got a leak.

A small continuous leak can waste over 10,000 litres per year, enough to fill a swimming pool.

Signs You Might Have a Leak

  • Soft or damp patches in the lawn or floor.
  • Musty smells or flaking paint indoors.
  • Hot water system running when no one’s using it.
  • Low pressure in one section of the house.
  • Unexplained high water bills.

Even one of these is worth investigating before the damage spreads.

How a Plumber Finds Hidden Leaks

At CK Plumbing, we use acoustic detection, moisture testing, and pressure isolation to pinpoint leaks without ripping up tiles or driveways.
It’s fast, accurate, and often cheaper than guessing.

Learn more

Once found, we repair the section properly — no temporary patches. We also check your system for any future risk points.

How a Plumber Finds Hidden Leaks

Beyond the obvious water waste, leaks can:

  • Soften foundations or rot timber frames.
  • Cause mould and air quality issues.
  • Increase energy use if your hot water system keeps refilling.

A professional leak repair often pays for itself within months through lower bills and avoided damage.

Prevent Future Leaks

If your home has old galvanised or copper pipes, consider an upgrade for better pressure and reliability.

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FAQs

A hidden leak is often the cause — even a small one can add hundreds to your quarterly bill.

Most residential leaks are found within 1–2 hours using modern detection tools.

No — we use non-invasive methods like acoustic and pressure testing.

Yes, including Holland Park, Mount Gravatt, Coorparoo, Carina, Tarragindi, and surrounding suburbs.

When to Call a Plumber

If you suspect a hidden leak, turn off your water supply and call a licensed plumber.
At CK Plumbing, we provide same-day leak detection and repairs across Holland Park, Mount Gravatt, Coorparoo, and Brisbane’s Southside.

CK Plumbing helps Brisbane homeowners find and fix hidden water leaks — saving thousands of litres and preventing costly property damage.