First, compare like with like
Check the billing period, the meter reading and whether the bill is based on an actual or estimated reading. Then compare the same season if you can. Extra guests, garden watering, a new appliance or more time at home can all increase consumption without a plumbing fault.
If the increase is large and there is no clear change in use, the water meter can help show whether water is moving when the property should be quiet.
How to do a simple meter check
- Turn off taps and make sure the washing machine, dishwasher, irrigation and hot-water system are not drawing water.
- Note or photograph the meter reading. Do not touch utility seals or alter the meter.
- Leave all water off for a short period, then compare the reading.
- If the reading has changed, repeat the check once to rule out an appliance cycle or a toilet being used.
A moving meter suggests water is passing somewhere, but it does not identify the location. Shared meters, common property and some hot-water arrangements can make the result harder to interpret, particularly in units.
Common hidden sources of water loss
A toilet can leak silently into the bowl. A tap may drip only when it is turned a certain way. Irrigation pipework can fail below the soil, while a buried supply pipe can leak without creating an obvious puddle. Hot-water pressure relief valves discharge some water as part of normal operation, but continuous or unusually heavy discharge needs assessment.
Look for damp soil, unusually green patches, mould, peeling paint, swollen cabinetry, a musty smell or the sound of water when no outlet is running. Do not cut into walls or dig around utilities to investigate.
Isolate fixtures without dismantling them
You can observe the toilet bowl after the cistern has filled, check under accessible sinks, inspect around the hot-water unit from a safe distance and note whether the issue changes when irrigation is isolated. Avoid opening appliances, removing fixed panels or operating valves you cannot identify confidently.
If there is active flooding, water near electrical equipment or a rapidly worsening damp area, keep clear of hazards and arrange urgent help. Turn off the property water supply only if you know where it is and can reach it safely.
What to tell a plumber
- The current bill and the usual range, without sharing account numbers.
- Whether the meter changed during a no-use test.
- Any wet, stained, warm or unusually green areas.
- Whether the property is a house, unit or commercial premises.
- The suburb and where the meter, hot-water unit and visible pipework are located.
A plumber can confirm which inspection or leak-detection method suits the property. If a leak is found, ask your water retailer what evidence it requires for any available leak allowance. Eligibility and adjustments are controlled by the retailer, not the plumber.
Help across Melbourne's south east
The South East Plumber connects enquiries with independent providers across Melbourne's south east and the Mornington Peninsula. Coverage, licensing, scope, timing and pricing are confirmed directly by the provider.
See the water-leak plumbing service or share the meter result and your suburb.
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