Water Leaks or Faults

Council is responsible for water leaks from the supply system up to (and including) the water meter. Water leaks that occur from water pipes and fittings on your side of the water meter are the responsibility of the property owner.

To check if you may have a leak, please follow the following suggestions. To report a leak or fault from the supply system and/or meter, contact Council.

Checking for leaks at home

Leaking pipes, toilets and taps can waste a lot of water, leading to high water bills. For example, a tap that drips once every second will waste up to 33 litres a day.

Leaks can also cause structural damage to your property and even attract termites.

Checking for leaks regularly and repairing them quickly is a simple way to save water and money.

This section provides information on how to detect leaks, what to do if you find a leak and how to prevent leaks.

Council is responsible for water leaks from the supply system up to and including the water meter. Water leaks that occur from water pipes and fittings on your side of the water meter are the responsibility of the property owner.

Step-by-step leak check

If you find a leak, turn off your water supply immediately and call a licensed plumber.

If you think you may have a leak or would like to check, please follow the steps below:

  1. Turn off all taps and water using appliances in and around your home.
  2. Check your water meter. If the dials on your water meter are moving there could be a leak. If there is no movement on the dials, there may still be a slow leak.
  3. To check if there is a leak, do not use any water for a substantial amount of time, such as overnight, then take another reading. If the meter reading has changed, there may be a slow leak.
  4. To fix the leak, check all fixtures and fittings and/or call a licensed plumber

Plumbing work carried out in Queensland must be completed by a licensed plumber with the appropriate endorsements.

Refer to the Yellow Pages for a licensed plumber.

How can I prevent leaks?

Preventing leaks in your home could save you money. Here are some simple ways to prevent leaks:

  • Take care not to plant large trees over pipes and mains that run through your property as their root growth may damage the pipes.
  • Root growth can also cause cracks and leaks in your pool. Please speak to your local nursery about suitable plants.
  • Inspect your pool regularly for cracks and signs of leaks.
  • Ensure automatic watering systems (e.g. pool top up, irrigation) are regularly maintained and checked for leaks.
  • Turn taps off gently to help lengthen the life of washers.
  • If you have a water hammer problem, install water hammer arrestors. By reducing shock, these help extend the life of affected pipes.
  • Ensure all building and renovation work is undertaken by a licensed professional.

 How to check for leaks

Concealed Leak Policy and Application

If you have had a concealed leak repaired on your property by a licensed plumber, you may be eligible for a reduction in high consumption charges as a result of the leak.  Your application will be assessed in accordance with the eligibility criteria as set out in Council's Concealed Leaks Policy. (PDF 73 KB).  If you meet all of the eligibility criteria, please complete a Concealed Leak Remission Application.

Prior to making an application for a remission due to a concealed leak, consideration should be given as to whether the amount of water lost is significant. Approval is granted for only one remission every 12 months therefore if approval has already been granted for a minor leak an application for a major leak within 12 months would be declined.