It’s the last thing you’d expect when you open your mail—an eye-watering water bill that’s more than 30 times higher than normal. Unfortunately, for some homeowners in Australia, this is a reality they’re facing due to hidden water leaks. These “silent” leaks can waste thousands of litres of water, and if left unchecked, they can lead to a massive financial headache. But how do you catch them before they drain your wallet?
The Hidden Threat of Water Leaks
For one homeowner in South East Queensland, a hidden leak under their concrete driveway resulted in a shocking water bill of almost $9,000 for just one quarter, reports Yahoo Finance. The leak was invisible—no visible water pooling, no obvious signs of damage—and yet it was draining water at an alarming rate. By the time they noticed the issue, they were stuck with a $1,300 plumbing bill, not to mention the inflated water charges.
What’s even more concerning is that this isn’t an isolated case. According to UnityWater, over 4,500 customers in the area were flagged for unusually high water usage, which is often an indicator of a leak. Leaks like these can occur in hidden spots—under driveways, inside walls, or underground—where they go unnoticed for months, sometimes even years. And by the time they’re discovered, the damage to both your wallet and your property can be significant.
The Impact of Hidden Leaks
Water leaks, especially the ones that aren’t visible, are more than just an inconvenience. They can cause serious property damage, including rotting wooden beams, mold growth, and weakened structural integrity. Plus, the environmental impact is no small matter. Wasting thousands of litres of water every day only adds to Australia’s already strained water resources.
Experts at UnityWater warn that the cost of these hidden leaks can escalate quickly. In another extreme case, a body corporate managing 98 units saw its water and wastewater bill balloon from $300 to a staggering $20,000 per quarter due to a concealed leak. That’s a huge financial burden for any household or business to bear.
How to Prevent the Shock of a Big Bill
So, how can you avoid the same fate? The good news is that identifying hidden leaks doesn’t require a detective-level skill set. UnityWater recommends a few simple steps to check your property for leaks: Turn off all taps and appliances that use water. Read your water meter and take note of the numbers. Don’t use any water (including flushing the toilet) for at least one hour. After an hour, check the meter again—if the numbers have changed, you’ve likely got a leak.
It’s also important to be on the lookout for more subtle signs of water leaks. These include damp patches on your walls or ceiling, squishy spots in your garden, and lawn patches that seem unnaturally green or lush. Another red flag is if the water level in your pool seems to drop quickly, even on a sunny day when evaporation shouldn’t be the culprit.
Can You Get Help?
If you suspect a leak and can’t find it, calling a licensed plumber is your best bet. Some water suppliers, like UnityWater, offer “hidden leak allowances,” which means they’ll refund a portion of the water charges incurred due to concealed leaks, as long as you can prove the leak wasn’t your fault. But, of course, you’ll need to catch the issue early to take advantage of these allowances.
