How to check your property for water leaks

Identifying water leaks at your property is a simple task that can greatly benefit you and the community.

For many properties, water leaks may not be obvious but can cause aesthetic damage or even compromise the structural integrity of the property. If your property’s water supply is metered, it may also result in high water-use charges. Community benefits include reducing demand on water supplies and treatment processes; overall creating savings and efficiencies.

So, how can you help?

If your property does not have a meter, to check for signs of a water leak:

• Trace the route from your toby to where the pipe enters the house and check for wet areas, unexplained patches of green grass in otherwise dry ground, or obvious leaks from fittings and connections.
• Use a screwdriver for a simple listening test. First, check all taps are turned off and water-using appliances (dishwashers, washing machines, etc.) are not operating. Then go outside and put one end of a screwdriver against your water pipe and the other end to your ear. If you hear water moving, you may have a leak.
• If you come across standing or running water and you are not sure if it is a leak, you can get a free test kit with instructions from Council’s main office in Levin. This is a simple test that requires a sample of water, the test kit sachet and a few minutes of time. If the water turns pink, then you have a water leak and you may want to contact a plumber.
• Check inside the house for dripping taps and leaky toilet cisterns. Leaky toilet cisterns can often be identified by the sound of hissing, trickling or running water coming from the cistern.

If your property is metered, there is a simple five-minute test you can carry out:

1. Check all taps are turned off and water-using appliances (dishwashers, washing machines, etc.) are not operating.
2. Locate the blue water meter lid on the footpath, lift it up and write down the time and reading on the meter inside.
3. Sit down and relax for five minutes.
4. Re-read your water meter, taking note of the reading and time again. If the numbers have changed then you might have a water leak and you may want to contact a plumber. If you are unsure, Council’s water services staff can come and double check it for you.

For more information, or to report a water leak, contact Horowhenua District Council on enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz or 06 366 0999.