Have you recently received a notification about unusual water use, discovered a wet patch around your home or noticed your water meter continuing to move when everything is turned off?
You are not necessarily imagining an increase in leaks.
Plumbers around North Lakes and surrounding Moreton Bay suburbs have recently been responding to a number of leaking pipes, fixtures, hot water systems and concealed underground water leaks.
Winter conditions can contribute, but they may not be the only reason more homeowners are suddenly discovering problems.
Does Winter Cause More Plumbing Leaks?
Brisbane does not generally become cold enough for water to freeze inside household pipes. Frozen and burst pipes are more commonly associated with much colder climates.
However, plumbing materials still respond to temperature changes.
Pipes, fittings and metal components expand slightly when they become warm and contract when they cool. Repeated temperature changes can place additional stress on an older joint, weakened fitting or seal that was already approaching the end of its service life.
The colder weather may not create the original defect. Instead, it can expose a weak point that had previously managed to hold together.
Outdoor pipes, taps, valves and plumbing connections can be particularly exposed to the difference between cool overnight temperatures and warmer daytime conditions.
Hot Water Systems Are Being Used More Heavily
Most households use more hot water during winter.
Showers may be longer and hotter, while storage systems must heat colder incoming water. The system may also run more frequently to maintain the selected temperature.
A healthy hot water system is designed to handle these conditions. However, increased use can make an existing problem easier to notice.
Leaks may develop around:
- Pressure and temperature relief valves
- Isolation valves
- Pipe connections
- Flexible connectors
- Storage tanks
- Corroded fittings
A small amount of water from a relief valve during a heating cycle can be normal. Water running continuously may indicate a faulty valve, excessive pressure or another issue requiring inspection.
Digital Water Meters Are Finding Hidden Leaks Earlier
Another major reason more Moreton Bay homeowners may be hearing about leaks is the rollout of digital water meters.
Traditional water meters are generally read periodically. A concealed leak can therefore continue underground, behind a wall or beneath a driveway for weeks before the homeowner notices the additional usage on their bill.
Digital meters monitor water use more frequently. Unusual continuous usage can be identified sooner, allowing homeowners to be notified before the leak creates an unexpectedly large water bill.
This does not necessarily mean every detected leak has suddenly developed.
Some leaks may have existed unnoticed for weeks or months and are only now being identified because water use is being monitored more closely.
Where Are Hidden Water Leaks Commonly Found?
A leak is not always an obvious burst pipe with water spraying across the yard.
Common sources include:
- Underground water lines between the meter and the house
- Leaking toilet cisterns
- Hot water relief valves
- Pipes underneath concrete driveways
- Flexible hoses beneath sinks and basins
- Outdoor taps and irrigation systems
- Connections behind walls or cabinetry
- Plumbed refrigerators and appliances
- Pipes running beneath bathrooms, laundries and kitchens
A small concealed leak can waste a significant amount of water because it continues throughout the day and night.
How Can You Check for a Hidden Water Leak?
A simple water meter test can help determine whether water is escaping somewhere on your property.
Turn off every tap and water-using appliance, including the washing machine, dishwasher, irrigation system and plumbed refrigerator.
Check the water meter and take a photograph of the numbers, including the smaller numbers or leak indicator.
Do not turn off the water supply at the meter.
Avoid using any water for at least one hour and then check the meter again.
If the numbers or indicator have moved, water has continued passing through the meter. This may indicate a leaking fixture, pipe or appliance that needs to be investigated.
Signs of a Water Leak Around Your Home
Contact a licensed plumber when you notice:
- Your meter moving while no water is being used
- A notification about unusual or continuous water use
- An unexplained increase in your water consumption
- Damp soil during otherwise dry weather
- Water pooling around the meter
- Reduced water pressure
- A toilet quietly refilling throughout the day
- Continuous water from a hot water relief pipe
- Dampness inside cabinets, walls or ceilings
- Mould or damaged paint appearing without an obvious cause
- The sound of running water when every tap is closed
A concealed leak will normally continue until the failed pipe, valve or fixture is repaired.
Finding the problem early can reduce water waste, prevent damage to the property and help avoid a much larger water bill.
Why Has There Been a Sudden Surge in Leaks?
There may not be one single cause.
The current increase could be the result of several factors happening at the same time:
- Cooler conditions exposing weakened joints, seals and valves
- Increased use of hot water systems during winter
- Ageing plumbing components beginning to fail
- Digital meters detecting leaks that previously remained hidden
- Homeowners becoming more aware of unexplained water use
In many cases, winter may not have directly caused the leak. It may simply have placed enough additional stress on an existing weakness for the problem to become visible.
Leak Detection and Repairs Across Moreton Bay
RJT Plumbing & Gas investigates visible and concealed water leaks throughout North Lakes, Narangba, Mango Hill, Griffin, Kallangur, Murrumba Downs and surrounding Moreton Bay suburbs.
If you have received a leak notification, noticed unexplained water use or suspect water is escaping somewhere on your property, the next step is to identify the source.
Contact RJT Plumbing & Gas to arrange an inspection and determine what is causing the leak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does winter cause more plumbing leaks in Moreton Bay?
Moreton Bay does not usually become cold enough for water to freeze inside household pipes. However, cooler overnight temperatures and warmer daytime conditions can cause plumbing materials to expand and contract. This may expose weakened joints, seals, valves or fittings that were already beginning to fail.
Why are more homeowners suddenly receiving water leak notifications?
Digital water meters can identify continuous or unusual water use earlier than traditional periodic meter readings. Some homeowners may therefore be discovering leaks that have existed unnoticed for weeks or months rather than experiencing a completely new leak.
How can I check for a hidden water leak?
Turn off every tap and water-using appliance, then photograph the numbers on your water meter. Avoid using water for at least one hour and check the meter again. If the numbers or leak indicator have moved, water may be escaping somewhere on the property.
What are the common signs of a hidden water leak?
Common signs include an unexplained increase in water use, a meter moving while all fixtures are turned off, damp soil, pooling water, reduced pressure, toilets that regularly refill, continuous water from a hot water relief pipe, damp cabinetry, damaged paint or the sound of running water.
Where are hidden water leaks commonly found?
Hidden leaks may occur in underground water lines, toilet cisterns, hot water system valves, pipes beneath driveways, flexible hoses, irrigation systems, connections behind walls or cabinetry and pipes beneath bathrooms, laundries and kitchens.
What should I do if my water meter keeps moving?
If the water meter continues moving while every tap and water-using appliance is turned off, contact a licensed plumber. The leak should be located and repaired before it causes additional water waste, property damage or a larger water bill.
