Leak prevention

Do regular plumbing inspections 

Knowing where leaks are most likely to occur can help you catch and address issues early. Being proactive about checking for leaks, cracks, corrosion or rust is key.

Here are the most common places:

• Kitchen: Look under the sink, around the faucet and near the dishwasher for any signs of moisture.
• Bathroom: Regularly check the shower, toilet and sink for any signs or sounds of dripping water.
• Laundry: Washing machine hoses and utility sinks can also be trouble spots for leaks.
• Hot water system: Check for pooling water or rust around the base of the system.

Watertight seals at plumbing connections can wear out over time, so if you notice water pooling around an appliance, it might be time to replace these seals. If you spot any issues, call a licensed plumber for assistance.

Maintain your irrigation system

Regularly check your irrigation system for leaks or broken parts, as these can waste water. A waterwise garden irrigator can help you spot a missing or faulty solenoid, which is responsible for controlling how much water is released at any given time.

A faulty valve can also lead to issues with water pressure, water leaks and water continually flowing when a valve is stuck open.

They can also assist to locate and check your isolation valve which is designed to completely shut off the flow of water in a pipeline if required.

Install appliances correctly

Many homeowners may not realise that correctly installing appliances is essential to preventing water leaks. Misaligned hoses, faulty seals, or even a slight tilt can cause malfunctions and expensive water damage.

Make sure you:

• Read the instruction manual for correct installation.
• Use the right tools to install your appliance.
• Ensure everything is aligned correctly to prevent strain on hoses or seals.
• Check that the connections are secure.
• Run a test cycle immediately after installation to make sure it is working as it should.

For complex installations, consider hiring a professional to do it for you.

Need help?

Regular maintenance can stop leaks before they start. If you spot any problems, contact a licensed plumber or waterwise irrigator to sort it out.

Find a waterwise plumber

Benchmark your water use

If you're not sure how much water you should be using compare your water use to similar businesses. 

Benchmarking your water use is a great way to find out typical water use for similar business activities. We also have industry case studies where you can read about how other businesses are improving their water efficiency. 

Get started with our business benchmarking guide.

Check your irrigation in time for summer

As the weather starts to warm up and you start to run your irrigation, you may find some wear and tear or leaks that have popped up over the winter months.

We recommend you test your irrigation before turning it on in Spring to ensure it runs smoothly.

Find our expert tips on assessing your irrigation system to identify leaks or faults that are wasting water. 

Maintain your fittings

Regularly check your fixtures and fittings and look out for drips, running water or puddles of water. This could be as simple as setting up a regular roster. We recommend you check your:

• toilets, urinals, taps and showers
• cooling towers, plant, and equipment
• wash tanks or storage tanks to ensure they aren’t overflowing
• washers and seals and replace regularly - or at the first signs of wear.

Check your bill and watch your water use

You can check your water use by logging in to your online account or checking your bill. If you're using your bill, you will need to compare your water use to a similar period- this will help you track any sudden jumps in your water use and alert you of a possible leak.

If there is an increase in water use you can't account for, you’ll need to investigate this further.

Monitor your meter

Regular meter reads can help you identify leaks. Here is what you can do:

• Read your meter when your business closes and at the start of your next business day. If there's a difference in the reading, and there should be no water use overnight, you may have a leak.
• Install internal sub-meters to monitor key end uses such as cooling towers, irrigation or tenants. Generally speaking, if an end-use consumes more than 30% of total water use, we recommend installing a sub-meter and isolation valve. This will help to monitor water use and detect leaks in these areas.
• Install a data logger on internal water meters to track your water use digitally. You may be eligible to apply for a data logger installed on your main water meter to help you monitor water use for some time.
• Monitor usage when the property is unoccupied, shutdown or vacant.

Educate your staff and contractors

Save water by educating staff and contractors to identify and report leaks. It’s important that staff know how much water and money leaks can waste and potential damage.

It should be easy for staff to report leaks to fix them as soon as possible.

Here are some ideas on how you can get staff involved:

• Hold a short discussion session to engage staff about how to report leaks and discuss water saving ideas.
• Include messages in staff newsletters
• Put up posters or stickers in staff amenities
• Include KPIs for staff around leak prevention and detection.

Work with a plumber

If you don’t have one already, engaging a plumber or a water auditor to help you monitor your water efficiency can be helpful. They can help with:

• water management
• identifying leaks
• discussing additional monitoring options. 

Visit our waterwise specialists page to find a licensed plumber in your area.