General Plumbing Maintenance & Repairs
Taps, toilets, pipe repairs, fixture installs and everyday plumbing fixes done properly the first time.
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How We Investigate Hidden Water Leaks
A hidden leak behind a wall or under a slab can run up your water bill for months before it's obvious. We use leak detection methods to narrow down the source before any digging or wall-opening happens, so repairs are targeted instead of guesswork.
Published examples: a hidden recycled water leak in Clyde and a burst underground water pipe in Beaconsfield. Recent leak detection work in Berwick involved pressure testing a home's water supply, locating a failed REHAU hot water fitting behind a bathroom vanity and completing the plumbing repair within one day.
Common signs of a hidden leak: an unexplained high water bill, damp or discoloured patches on walls, floors or ceilings, a musty smell that won't go away, or hearing water running somewhere in the house when every tap and appliance is turned off. Any one of these is worth getting checked before it turns into a bigger repair.
- Hidden pipe and slab leak detection
- Unexplained high water bill investigation
- Damp patch and mould-cause diagnosis
- Water meter leak testing
- Underground pipe leak location
- Shower and bathroom leak repairs
- Follow-up plumbing repairs, with any required reinstatement clearly scoped and quoted separately
How we work
How Fine Detail Handles Leak Detection
Inspect and identify the actual problem
We use leak detection methods to narrow down the actual source before any digging or wall-opening.
Explain the recommended solution
We explain where the leak is and what repairing it will involve.
Agree on the scope and upfront job price
The repair price is agreed before any invasive work begins.
Complete, test and leave the work clean
The leak is confirmed stopped and any access points are left tidy.
No unapproved surprises
If the scope changes, work stops and the revised work and price are approved before proceeding.
Spotting a leak
Signs of a hidden leak, and what happens next
Not every leak leaves a puddle. These are common signs of a hidden leak, and what we do to confirm and fix the cause.
A higher water bill than usual
A bill that jumps with no change in how you use water can point to a leak on the supply side. A simple first check: stop all intentional water use, including toilets refilling, irrigation and appliances, then watch your water meter. Continued movement can indicate a leak or other ongoing use, and a moving meter alone does not show where or why water is being used.
Damp patches, mould or stained walls and ceilings
Persistent damp or mould near a wall, ceiling or floor can come from a leaking pipe, a shower leak or an external source. We work out whether the water is coming from plumbing before any walls are opened.
Leaks under the slab or underground
Wet ground, an unexplained soft patch in the lawn, or a meter that moves with no visible leak can mean an underground pipe has failed. We locate the leak first so any digging or concrete cutting is limited to the section that needs access.
Shower and bathroom leaks
Water marks below a bathroom, or a wall that stays damp after showering, may come from the mixer, pipework or waste. We check the plumbing and tell you if the cause lies elsewhere, for example tiling or waterproofing.
Low pressure, running water sounds or hot spots
A sudden drop in pressure, the sound of water running when everything is off, or a warm patch on a floor can all be signs of a leaking pipe, including hot water pipework.
Leaks on the water main
A leak between the meter and the house can waste water for a long time before it shows. We repair the leaking section, or replace the main where it is corroded or has failed repeatedly.
How we investigate and what to expect. We start by asking when you first noticed it and checking the meter, then isolate sections of pipework and inspect fixtures to narrow the location. Once the source is found we explain the repair options, such as repairing at the point of the leak or re-running a section of pipe, and agree the scope and price before any access work begins.
More questions we are asked
How can I check if I have a leak at home?
Stop all intentional water use, including toilets refilling, irrigation and appliances, then look at your water meter. If the dial or flow indicator keeps moving, there may be a leak or other ongoing use on the property. Call or text and we will arrange an inspection to find it.
Can a leak under a concrete slab be fixed?
Often yes. After locating the leak we explain the options, which can include a repair at the leak point or replacing a section of pipe. We explain what would be disturbed before any work starts.
Common questions
Leak Detection — FAQs
My water bill doubled but I can't see a leak — can you still find it?
Yes, that's one of the most common calls we get. We start with a water meter test to confirm there's an active leak, then narrow down the location before opening anything up.
Will you need to cut into my walls or floors?
Not necessarily. We use detection methods to narrow down the likely source first, which usually means only the affected section needs to be opened up rather than guessing across a whole wall. Some access work may still be needed to confirm and repair the leak; we explain it and agree the price before starting.
How much does leak detection cost?
It depends on the property and how the leak is presenting. We'll talk through the likely approach and cost before starting any work.
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