Leaking pipes, toilets and taps can waste a lot of water, leading to high water bills. For example, a tap that drips once every second will waste up to 33 litres per day.

Leaks can also cause structural damage to your property and even attract termites.

Checking for leaks regularly and repairing them quickly is a simple task that can be often overlooked as a way to save water and money.

This section provides some simple ways to detect leaks, the steps you should take if you find a leak and what you can do to help prevent leaks.

Checking for leaks at your business

Allconnex Water is responsible for water leaks from the supply system up to and including the water meter. Water leaks that occur from water pipes and fittings on your side of the water meter are the responsibility of the property owner.

If you find a leak, turn off your water supply immediately and call a licensed plumber.

If you think you may have a leak or would like to check, please follow the steps below:

1. Turn off all taps and water using appliances in and around your premises.
2. Check your water meter. If the dials on your water meter are moving there could be a leak. If there is no movement on the dials, there may still be a slow leak.
3. To check if there is a leak or a slow leak, do not use any water for at least 30 minutes, then take another reading. If the meter reading has changed, there may be a leak.
4. To fix the leak, check all fixtures and fittings and/ or call a licensed plumber.

Plumbing work carried out in Queensland must be completed by a licensed plumber with the appropriate endorsements.

Refer to the Yellow Pages for a licensed plumber.

How can I prevent leaks?

Preventing leaks in your home could save you money. Here are some simple ways to prevent leaks:

• Take care not to plant large trees over pipes and mains that run through your property as their root growth may damage the pipes.
• Root growth can also cause cracks and leaks in your pool. Please speak to your local nursery about suitable plants.
• Inspect your pool regularly for cracks and signs of leaks.
• Ensure automatic watering systems (e.g. pool top up, irrigation) are regularly maintained and checked for leaks.
• Turn taps off gently to help lengthen the life of washers.
• If you have a water hammer problem, install water hammer arrestors. By reducing shock, these help extend the life of affected pipes.
• Ensure all building and renovation work is undertaken by a licensed professional.

Concealed leak remission

Save water and money by fixing leaks or plumbing issues quickly.  This should be carried out by a licensed plumber at all times.

Allconnex Water offers relief to customers who can prove they have experienced an undetected leak and has had this leak repaired by a licensed plumber.

Allconnex Water requires customers to complete a concealed leak remission form (768kb) to investigate a remission application. The application must be made within two years of the leak being repaired by a licensed plumber.

Leak remission eligibility requirements are:

• The leak is concealed
  The occupier could not reasonably expect to know the leak exists.  (E.g. A burst pipe either underground, under or within concrete or underneath a building).
• More than 50 kilolitres of water was lost in the reading period
  Water consumption on your water and wastewater account or water summary should be significantly higher than previous reading periods.
• A Form 4 - Notifiable Minor Works by a licensed plumber has been completed
  Visit the Department of Infrastructure and Planning to complete a Form 4.

Remissions may not be given if the same property has applied for a concealed leak remission in the last three years.

Please call Allconnex Water on 1300 000 WATER (1300 000 928) if you have any queries or require further information.