On 2 August 2023 the Queensland Government announced it will implement a new SEQ Bulk Water Concealed Leak Remission scheme for eligible customers who have experienced a concealed leak. The City is working with the Queensland Government and Seqwater to finalise the details of the implementation of the scheme. Information on how to receive the remission and eligibility for debt relief will be available soon. Further information on the scheme is available on the Queensland Government website.
Water Leaks on Private Property
Property owners are responsible for the installation, repair, maintenance and replacement of all the private fittings, mains connected water tanks and pipes on their property up to the water meter.
Water companies are responsible for the water meter itself and the pipes leading away from the property. If a problem is detected in these pipes, it is the water company’s responsibility to fix it.
To reduce the likelihood of leaks going undetected, homeowners are encouraged to actively monitor their water usage by taking regular readings of their water meter.
Leaking toilets, taps and more particularly, leaking underground pipes 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. In comparison, a leaking underground water pipe can waste thousands of litres per day and not be visible. Leaks can also cause structural damage to your property and even attract termites.
Water leak detection can be tricky, as water leaks are difficult to discover. Water companies read water meters every three months and issue letters to alert householders that they may have a concealed water leak in the instance when water use for the quarter has spiked significantly. It is however recommended that householders regularly check their water meter to detect a concealed leak early. Not all water leaks are visible.
Checking for a Concealed Water Leak
If you think you may have a concealed leak such as an underground leak or would like to check, please follow the steps below:
- Check your property (inside and out) for visible water leaks from taps, toilets, showers and irrigation systems.
- Turn off all taps, water appliances and irrigation at your property.
- Read your water meter and record the reading. Leave your water meter tap on.
- Wait one hour and then check your water meter again – remember not to use any water during this time, even to flush the toilet.
- If the reading has changed there could be a water leak.
If you find a concealed leak, turn off your water supply at the meter immediately and call Bond Plumbing on 07 5573 5253.
Plumbing work carried out in Queensland must be completed by a licensed plumber.