What to do if you have a leaking meter

Have you noticed water leaking out of your water meter?  

Find out what to do and who you need to call when your meter is leaking.

Step 1. Check that the area is safe

To avoid injuring yourself or others, check the area for potential hazards such as:

• Large pools of water, sunken lawn or cracked and uneven paving. These could be signs of a potential sinkhole or submerged area where someone could trip and fall.
• A nearby power dome. If water is leaking on or towards a power dome, stay clear of the area and call Western Power on 13 13 51 to alert them of the issue.
  
  To avoid the risk of electric shock, do not attempt to turn off your meter’s valve or touch any part of the meter and pipework while you wait for help.

Step 2. Check who is responsible for fixing the leak

Once you’ve checked the area, you’ll need to determine who is responsible for fixing the leak. 

This depends on your property and where the leak is located. 

Use the meter diagrams below to identify who’s responsible.

Single, detached properties

If you occupy a single property that is separate from other buildings, it’s likely you have a direct meter.

If the leak is located anywhere between the plumbers elbow and your property, then it’s your responsibility. 

If the leak is between the plumbers elbow and the roadside, it’s our responsibility.

Units or apartments in a shared building

If you live in a building or complex shared with other residents, such as an apartment or retirement village, your property may have a submeter.

If it’s your submeter that is leaking, the responsibility for the leak will be different.

If the leak is anywhere between the plumbers elbow and your property, or between the stop tap and the roadside, then it’s your responsibility. 

If water is leaking anywhere between the stop valve and plumbers elbow, it’s our responsibility.

Step 3. Call for help to fix the leak

If the leak is located within your area of responsibility, please call a licensed plumber.

A licensed plumber is legally required to carry out any plumbing work that involves your water supply and will ensure the leak is safely investigated and repaired. 

You can use our waterwise specialist search to find a licensed plumber near you. 

If the leak is within Water Corporation’s area of responsibility, or you’re not sure where exactly the leak is coming from, please call 13 13 75 (available 24/7) so that we can investigate.  

For TTY users, please call 13 36 77 (National Relay Service) and ask for 13 13 75.