How do I know if I have a hidden water leak?

The clearest test is your water meter: turn off all taps and appliances, note the reading, wait an hour or two without using water, and check again. If it has moved, water is escaping. An unexplained bill rise, damp patches, mould or the sound of running water are other common signs.

Can a hidden leak really increase my water bill that much?

Yes. Even a small, constant leak runs 24 hours a day and adds up quickly over a billing period. That's why a sudden, unexplained jump in your bill is one of the most reliable warning signs of a hidden leak.

Do you need to dig up my floor to find a leak?

Not as a first step. We use professional leak-detection equipment to pinpoint the source before any digging or opening up, which keeps the repair targeted and minimises disruption to your home.

High Water Bill? Signs of a Hidden Water Leak

Quick answer

Signs of a hidden water leak include an unexplained jump in your water bill, the sound of running water when everything is off, damp patches or mould, and a water meter that keeps ticking over with all taps closed. A simple meter test — checking the dial with all water off — quickly confirms a leak.

Common signs of a hidden leak

Hidden leaks happen inside walls, under floors, in the slab or underground, so you often can't see the water. Instead, watch for these tell-tale signs:

›A water bill that jumps up with no change in how much water you're using.
›The sound of running or trickling water when all taps and appliances are off.
›Damp patches, bubbling paint, warped skirting or mould on walls, floors or ceilings.
›A musty, damp smell that won't go away.
›Warm spots on the floor (a possible hot-water line leak) or an unusually green patch in the garden.
›Reduced water pressure with no obvious cause.

The simple meter test you can do yourself

Your water meter is the easiest way to confirm a leak. It only takes a few minutes:

1Turn off every tap and water-using appliance in and around the house.
2Find your water meter (usually near the front boundary) and note the reading, including the small dials.
3Wait 1–2 hours without using any water, then check the meter again.
4If the reading has moved even though nothing was used, water is escaping somewhere — you likely have a leak.

Some meters have a small leak-indicator dial that spins when water is flowing. If it's turning with everything off, that's a clear sign of a leak.

Why hidden leaks are worth fixing fast

›They waste water and money every single day they go unfixed.
›Trapped moisture leads to mould, rot and structural damage over time.
›A slow leak can quietly undermine slabs, foundations and tiling.

How we find and fix leaks

Because hidden leaks are out of sight, tracking them down without damage takes the right equipment. Our plumbers use professional leak-detection methods to pinpoint the source before we open anything up — so the repair is targeted, not guesswork.

Eagle Plumbing 24/7 offers leak detection and repair across Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and the Illawarra. We're licensed (498336C), insured, quote upfront, and back our work with a lifetime workmanship guarantee. If your bill has spiked, call 0489 998 221 and we'll get to the bottom of it.

High Water Bill? Signs You Have a Hidden Water Leak